Claiming God’s Promises

God made a promise to Jacob (also called Israel) to turn his descendants into a great nation and give them a vast land. It was a repeat of the covenant made with his grandfather Abraham, which also included a clause to bless the earth through his family line. At the end of his life, Jacob claimed that promise. Though he’d been forced to relocate to Egypt because of famine, he made provision for his bones to be carried to the Promised Land for burial. He still believed God would one day give them the land.

We can hold on to God’s promises as well. But we need to make sure
we’re claiming them correctly. Many promises quoted on greeting cards and inspirational calendars have been ripped out of context. Some of these promises were given to specific groups or individuals and were never meant for us today. Others are conditional. And sometimes we falsely believe principles (such as those found in Proverbs) to be promises when they are not. However, the Bible does contain many promises we can claim in Christ. For example, God promises:

• To provide a way out of temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13)
• To forgive those who confess their sin (1 John 1:9–2:1)
• That no one can snatch us from His hand (John 10:28-29)
• That nothing can separate us from His love (Romans 8:38-39)
• That we can rest from trying to earn His favor (Matthew 11:28-30)
• To never abandon us (Hebrews 13:5)
• To return and judge the earth justly (Psalm 98:9; Luke 12:40)
• To dwell among His people forever, making all things new (Revelation 21:1-5)

If you read God’s Word with discernment, you’ll begin to rightly claim the promises intended for you as a child of God in Christ. We can have hope because “he who promised is faithful†(Hebrews 10:23). • Michelle Isenhoff

• How does a principle such as the one found in Proverbs 15:6 differ from a promise?

• The whole Bible is a true story that brings us to Jesus, the ultimate fulfillment of Scripture (Matthew 5:17-18; John 20:31; 2 Timothy 3:15-17). Why is it important to read Bible passages in context?

For every one of God’s promises is “Yes†in him [Jesus]. Therefore, through him we also say “Amen†to the glory of God. 2 Corinthians 1:20 (CSB)

Read Verses:

Genesis 28:1-4; 47:28-31