By Alex George
As we read in the book of Joshua, the Lord said, “I promised Moses I would give you this land, so I will give you every place you in the land. All the land from the desert in the south to Lebanon in the north will be yours. All the land from the great river, the Euphrates, in the east, to the Mediterranean Sea in the west will be yours, too, including the land of the Hittites. No one will be able to defeat you all your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you, I will not leave you or forget you” The Bible teaches not only that God is in control of the future, but also that we must guide our daily living in the light of this assurance.
God’s loving intention was to save humankind from all its sin and He chose to send His only begotten son Jesus Christ. The most astounding miracle of all history is that God became a man. This is the amazing reality of Christmas: God came in human flesh! The Bible proclaims that belief in Jesus Christ is the way one receives the full benefits of the promise to Abraham. (Galatians 3:23, 29). Jesus brought the promised new agreement when he said, “This new agreement begins with my blood which is poured out for you” (Luke 22:20).
Salvation is promised to those who trust in Jesus Christ, “that whoever believes in him may not be lost, but have eternal life” (John 3:16). Jesus was “full grace and truth”. He healed, comforted, cried, taught, prayed, and cared. He spoke the truth with a heart of love. “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6). Jesus said that all who place their trust in Him will live with Him forever.
The promises of God cover more than just his plan of salvation. Many of them have to do with daily, godly living. An effective prayer life relies on many of God’s promises. The Bible teaches that we pray and expect God to answer if we pray within God’s will, in faith, in repentance, in obedience, with right motives, with persistence, and with a forgiving heart. We do not need any other mediator between God and us except Jesus Christ.
His promises also guide us during difficult periods. The Bible assures us that God will keep us from overpowering temptation, forgive us when we confess our sins, make up losses we suffer for following Christ, provide for our needs and work all things for good.
“Joshua, be strong and brave! You must lead these people so they can take the land that I promised their fathers I would give them. Be strong and brave. Be sure to obey all the teachings my servant Moses gave you. If you follow them exactly, you will be successful in everything you do. Always remember what is written in the Book of the Teachings. Study it day and night to be sure to obey everything that is written here. If you do this, you will be wise and successful in everything. Remember that I commanded you to be strong and brave. Don’t be afraid, because the LORD your God will be with you everywhere you go”
