The Promises of God
Promises of God were given to the Israelites/Jews when they became a people. Both the passages surrounding Deuteronomy 28:1-6, Leviticus 26:3-5 establish that God would physically and spiritually bless the people in many ways if they walked in obedience to Him. Many of Israel’s successes and failures regarding this are recorded in the Old Testament. Were the same promises of God that were given to Israel given to the rest of mankind in the Old Testament? No. However, that God provided care and blessings upon the remainder of His creation is seen not only in the Old Testament but expressed in Matthew 5:43-48 by Jesus.
In Matthew 6 it is expressed that God knows what man needs. The passage as a whole expresses God’s providence for his creation and for the Jews, though the Jews would have the specific material promises in mind that God only gave them. As the New Testament progresses, God reveals additional provision for all mankind through the gospel and the completed revelation of His will. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 expresses the Word’s acceptance into a man’s life allows him to be equipped for every good work which happens to be man’s purpose (Ephesians 2:10). 2 Peter 1:1-3 establishes the knowledge of that same word has been given so that man has all he needs for his walk in life and godliness. Yet, these are just statements of provision regarding man, not promises of material goods. Are there promises of God involving material possessions for His Christian Followers?
In answering the above question, consider that God provides by providence in many ways to his creation. He also promised very specific things applicable to individuals, his apostles, and Christians that applied only to them and the first century (specifically the endowments through the provision of the Holy Spirit). God’s promises to Christians are relatively few in number when compared to the extensive material and national promises given to Israel. The New Testament focuses far more on spiritual and eternal promises than on temporal and material ones.
The Promises of God to the Christian:
- Forgiveness of Sins – Acts 2:38, I John 1:9
- Eternal Life – John 3:16, I John 2:25
- Resurrection – John 6:40, I Corinthians 15:52
- God’s Presence – Hebrews 13:5
- Wisdom – James 1:5
- A way of Escape from Temptation – I Corinthians 10:13
- All Spiritual Blessings in Christ – Ephesians 1:3
- An Inheritance – I Peter 1:4
- Suffering – Philippians 1:29, 2 Timothy 3:12
- Final Victory – Romans 8:33-39
In a nutshell, what I am trying to convey here is fairly simple. Israel received specific promises of material prosperity. Christians receive specific promises of spiritual blessing and eternal salvation. God providentially cares for all mankind. Providence should not be confused with covenant promises.
If you understand the focus of specific promises and providence to various groups, then when you read Matthew 6, you can understand why it can be true even when Christians suffer hunger and poverty. Your understanding will also allow you to embrace how the New Testament confidently speaks of God’s care. This will allow you to avoid the common error of treating every promise mad to Israel as though it were automatically made to Christians.