The Bible is said to contain roughly 7,000-31,000 promises from God, depending on how one defines a “Biblical promise”. Of those promises, no two are alike, as each one is infused with loving divine intent and words, meant to provide comfort and hope to those who seek it from the Lord.
This staggering number of promises from God comes from many texts, both old and new. These promises reach across many cultures, languages, and eras, and taken together, tell a story of God’s commitment to humanity, one that is both timeless and powerful. Indeed, some of the more famous promises in the Bible involve promises of salvation, love, and new life. For example, John 3:16, which reads “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life,” is one such promise, and one that has been interpreted in many different ways.
In fact, how one interprets and tries to comprehend the full scope of these promises from God can be difficult, as no one person can truly understand all of the complexities of the divine intent and meaning embedded within the Bible’s words. This has led many theologians and scholars to ponder the significance of these promises, and to consider their implications, both on a personal level and in larger contexts.
As discussed in Theology Matters, some have pointed out that, by studying the totality of the promises given in the Bible, one can form a greater understanding of both the intent of God’s Word and the potential of human life. According to the article, many of these promises are rather sweeping and far-reaching, allowing individuals to begin to grasp the depth and power of God’s love.
Others, such as Steven Williams, author of The Divine Call of God, explore the idea of divine efficacy, or the idea that, even in the face of trials or difficulty, God is always at work. “One of the interesting secrets of the Bible is how God actually works through our struggles and dilemmas,” Williams states. “When we yield to Him and give Him a creative voices in the matter, He can even use our tragedies to teach us something and bring us closer to Him.”
Still others, such as Dr. Carol Spier, a professor at George Fox University, have delved into the notion of wonder and awe. Dr. Spier has offered that, when one reads through Biblical promises, they can “experience a sense of awe and reverence at the power of God and the mysterious nature of His love.”
Overall, the promises of God are so numerous and varied that they can be both overwhelming and beautiful to ponder. From literal promises of healing, salvation and protection, to more abstract concepts of trust, faith, and encouragement, the Bible is full of words to give us guidance and inspiration. To understand these promises even more deeply, or to see what wisdom can be gleaned from them, one can draw from the various perspectives and interpretations of scholars, theologians and individuals, all of which together can help to form a more complete understanding of the magnitude of the promises from God.
The Power of Prayer
The idea of prayer is something that is deeply embedded into many of the promises found in the Bible. For many believers, they turn to prayer in times of need, either to show their devotion to God or to ask for help in times of distress.
One particular passage, taken from Matthew 7:7, suggests that hope and faith go hand-in-hand, as it reads “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” For many, this promise is a reminder that even in times of despair or doubt, God is there to lend a hand.
Others, such as Dr. Paul Digsby, a pastor at Fairview Church, argue that prayer can be a source strength and empowerment. “The power of prayer is truly a gift from God,” Digsby noted. “It is through prayer that we strengthen our connection with the divine and remind ourselves of the peace that exists in His love.”
Still, others point out that prayer can help one to connect more deeply with God, especially when used in combination with other Bible promises. Such is the case with the psalmist credited with Psalm 6, which reads, “Return to me, O LORD, and have compassion on me; give your strength to your servant, and save the son of your handmaid.” For many, this psalm provides a reminder of the importance of faith in prayer, and the need to surrender to the Lord, especially in times of darkness.
The debate over the power of prayer may continue, but regardless of what one believes, it is impossible to deny the link between devotion and the promises of the Bible.
The Promise of Redemption and Justice
Another theme that is seen throughout the Bible is the promise of redemption and justice. This idea is most notably seen in passages such as Isaiah 1:17-18, which reads “Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause.” Here, readers are implored to seek justice, and to challenge the oppression of the marginalized.
These words have only become more meaningful with time, as the plight of the oppressed have continued to grow, making the promise of justice and redemption even more pressing. Indeed, some have argued that this divine call is an ever-present reminder of the need for reform, and of the importance of actively seeking to right the wrongs of discrimination and inequality.
As pastor Steve Hopkins at Westfield Church emphasizes, “God’s promise of justice and redemption is at the very heart of who He is and what He does for us. It is a source of strength and inspiration, to be carried in our hearts and shared between us, as we seek to build a better world.”
Others, such as Justin Miller, author of Conscience, Friend or Foe, take a somewhat different approach, noting that the Bible’s words of redemption can be a helpful tool for creating peace and for understanding one’s relationship with God and the world around them. “When we search out these promises and let them shape our conscience, we open new doors to understanding and wholeness,” Miller writes.
The Promise of Protection and Provision
A number of the promises from God are focused on protecting those who are in need, as well as providing for their spiritual and physical needs. This idea is perhaps best seen in passages such as Psalm 46:1, which states, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Through this promise, readers are reminded of the power of relying on God, knowing that even in times of hardship, the Lord will never abandon them.
The idea of protection and provision is also seen in other verses, such as Deuteronomy 31:6, which reads, “Be strong and of good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.” In this passage, readers are provided with a reminder of the power of faith and trust in God, knowing that even in the face of difficulty and struggle, the Lord will never turn away from them.
Indeed, this idea of providing for those in need has held strong throughout the years, and is seen in the work of numerous ministries, churches and individuals. Whether it be through supporting those in poverty, caring for those who are sick, or providing shelter for those without homes, God’s promise of protection and provision is one that still resonates with many people, and continues to be a source of hope and strength for many.
The Promise of New Life
Finally, the promises from God often lead to the promise of new life, as seen in many passages, such as Galatians 6:9, which states, “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” In this passage, readers are encouraged to press on and to not lose heart, even in difficult times, knowing that the Lord will bring new life in the end.
This promise of a new life is echoed in other verses, such as Romans 8:11, which reads, “If the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.” Here, readers are encouraged to trust in God’s plan for them, and to believe in the promise of a new life.
Although the fullness of understanding the promises of God may be elusive, many still strive to understand them and, ultimately, to embrace them. By embracing these promises from God, believers may find that the divine words in the Bible can offer them the hope, faith, and courage to face life’s struggles, knowing that through it all, the Lord will be there to provide them with strength, comfort, and peace.
The Promise of Righteousness
A common theme throughout the Bible is the promise of righteousness, which can be seen in a great number of passages, both old and new. For example, in Isaiah 54:17, God states that “no weapon formed against shall prosper, and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn.” Here, readers are encouraged to trust in the Lord’s judgement, and to be steadfast in their faith, knowing that the Lord will bring justice where it is due.
Other passages, such as Ezekiel 34:31, provide a similar message, as it states that “[God] will judge between cattle and cattle” and will “set up one shepherd over them.” For many, this passage is a reminder that, regardless of the trial or the tribulation, God will ultimately bring about justice and a better way for fellow believers.
As Cynthia M.Wreath-Bowman, author of Trusting in the Promise of Righteousness points out, these promises of righteousness are not just words, but are actions by which believers can comfort and encourage each other. “The promises of God are not just interesting philosophical concepts, but they are tangible realities, which we can count on in our times of need,” Wreath-Bowman writes. “When we understand the power of these promises, we can start to see the possibilities of restoration in our lives.”
Indeed, the promises of righteous may be challenging to comprehend, but they are still powerful and relevant to this day. As believers take time to ponder and grapple with the full extent of these words, they may be inspired to take up God’s challenge and to seek justice and restoration, both for themselves and for those around them.
The Promise of Forgiveness
One of the most powerful promises from God is the promise of forgiveness. Everywhere one turns in the Bible, there are
