“For as many as the promises of God are, in Him they are yes; therefore through Him also is our Amen to the glory of God through us.” 1 Corinthians 1:20
When I read the Scriptures, almost every page presents to my heart most precious promises, adapted to console and strengthen the mind under every trouble. But an important question arises: To whom do these promises belong? Has every one, who calls himself a Christian, a right to the comfort of them? Have I a right to appropriate them to myself? Lord enable me to deal faithfully with my own soul, lest I be deceived in one of the greatest of all concerns- for what can be compared with Eternal Salvation?
The Scriptures expressly declare, that all the promises of God, ALL, none excepted, in Christ are yes, and in him Amen. As in Jesus are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, so, in him, all the promises of God meet and unite as their proper center. To have a legitimate interest in these promises, I must have a saving interest in the merits of Christ. But here another question naturally arises, a question of vast importance to the peace and comfort of my soul. How can I tell, whether I have a saving interest in the merits of my Redeemer, and so have a scriptural right to the enjoyment of the privileges and promises of the Gospel?
The Bible gives me clear information on this point also. “As many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” “If any man has not the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to him.” From hence I learn, that if I am without the Spirit of Christ, I am in a state of condemnation, and consequently can have no claim to the consolatory promises of the Gospel. As many, and no more, as are led by the Spirit of God to the foot of the Cross, are the sons of God. And those only who have the Spirit of Christ, and therefore are in Christ, are heirs of glory.
How glorious are your promises, they are yes and Amen; they are like yourself, immutable. When the enemy comes in like a flood, and suggests that I am not the Lord’s; oh! in mercy lift up a standard against him. Let your Spirit bring to my troubled mind some peace-restoring promise, to confirm my faith, to confound my foes, to strengthen my heart by his heavenly consolations. In sorrow, in sickness, and in death may I trust in your faithfulness, repose on your promises, and triumph through your grace. Under every trial, like David, may I encourage myself in the Lord my God, and like him, be enabled to say- “Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.” Thus, upheld by your powerful arm, I shall pass over Jordan in peace; reach that happy shore, where angels will welcome my entrance into bliss; and where I shall enjoy the blessed fulfillment of your promise: “Where I am, there shall also my servant be.” Thomas Reade, 1841
I find these words by Reade very comforting and a great reminder. Whatever trials I may be going through, Jesus is with me. He has not abandoned me. I can always look to him and find rest in the promises of my Lord.
