What are some of the promises of God in the Bible?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

God’s promises are unchanging commitments from the Creator, rooted in His perfect and trustworthy character. These promises include God’s presence, protection, unfailing love, salvation through Jesus, comfort, peace, and eternal security. To know which promises apply to us today, we should first understand the original audience and context, recognizing that many promises were made specifically to Israel as a nation. This does not necessarily mean they do not apply to us, but we need to check the context and apply it rightly. We also look to the New Testament for clarification or fulfillment that extends God’s promises to all believers. By studying the covenant types, consulting trusted biblical resources, and seeking the Holy Spirit’s guidance, we can discern which promises are timeless and meant for us.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Numbers 23:19 says, "God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?" God will fulfill what He has said He will do because He is God. Unlike humanity, His promises always stand sure.
• Numerous times, God promised Abraham and his descendants that He would bless him and his people, create a nation, and deliver to them the Promised Land (Genesis 12:1–3; 15:1–21; 22:17–18; 26:2–5; 28:13–15; Leviticus 26:12–13).
• God promises His presence (Deuteronomy 4:7, 29).
• God promises protection for His children (Psalm 121).
• God’s love is unfailing and secure (1 Chronicles 16:34).
• God promised Israel forgiveness, restoration, and healing of their nation if they turned to Him (2 Chronicles 7:14; Deuteronomy 30:15–18). He said He would bless those who delight in His laws (Psalm 1:1–3).

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• James 1:16–17 says, "Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change." God is trustworthy and unchanging. If He has promised it, He will do it.
• Jesus confirms God’s promise of presence and encourages seeking Him (Matthew 7:7–11).
• God promises salvation to those who believe in Jesus (Romans 1:16–17) and to work out all circumstances for the good of His children (Romans 8:28).
• Paul assures that nothing can separate us from God’s love (Romans 8:35–39).
• God promises comfort (2 Corinthians 1:3–4) and new life in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).
• God promises not to leave us unfinished (Philippians 1:6) and promises His peace when we pray (Philippians 4:6–7).
• Jesus Himself promises rest (Matthew 11:28–30), abundant life (John 10:10), and eternal security (John 10:28).
• Jesus said He would grant power to His disciples (Acts 1:8) and that He would return for His followers (John 14:2–3).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

To know which promises in the Bible are for us today, we should start by examining the original audience and context. Many promises in the Old Testament were given specifically to Israel as a nation, so reading the surrounding verses helps clarify whether a promise is national, conditional, or a general truth. Next, we should look for New Testament clarification or fulfillment, since the New Testament often reinterprets Old Testament promises to include all believers—both Jews and Gentiles. Evaluating the nature of the promise is also important; some promises are tied to specific cultural or historical conditions, like land or temple worship, while others, such as God’s love and peace, are universal and timeless. We should seek guidance from trusted biblical commentaries, teachers, or study Bibles to gain helpful insights on whether a promise was fulfilled historically or still applies today. Additionally, praying for wisdom and discernment invites the Holy Spirit to guide our understanding. Finally, considering the type of covenant involved—the Old Covenant, with its focus on law and nation, versus the New Covenant, centered on grace and salvation—helps clarify who the promise addresses. By using these steps together, we can better discern whether a biblical promise was meant for Israel, a specific group, or is a timeless assurance for all believers, including ourselves.

UNDERSTAND

• God’s promises are trustworthy because they’re grounded in His unchanging character.
• Some promises were specific to Israel, so context helps us understand their original intent.
• The New Testament reveals which promises extend to all believers today.

REFLECT

• Which promise of God do you find most reassuring in your life and why?
• How do you determine whether a biblical promise is meant for you personally?
• When have you seen God keep one of His promises in your life, and how did that shape your trust in Him?

ENGAGE

• How can believers discern the difference between a promise meant for Israel and one that applies to all Christians today?
• How does the New Testament expand Old Testament promises for the Church?
• How do God's promises reveal His character, and how should that impact the way we apply them to our own lives?