As Christians, we are blessed to have many wonderful promises from God recorded in the Bible. Promises that assure us of His love, provision, protection, and eternal life with Him. But with thousands of promises in Scripture, how do we know which ones apply to us personally?
Here are some principles to help discern which promises are for you:
1. Consider the context of the promise.
Study the verses around the promise to understand the setting and intended audience. For example, God’s promise in Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – was originally given to the Israelites exiled in Babylon. So we can’t just claim it as our own without considering the context.
2. Look at the overarching themes of Scripture.
The Bible contains both general promises directed to all believers across time, as well as specific promises for certain people and periods. Promises relating to God’s attributes – His love, faithfulness, goodness – and His offer of salvation through Christ are for all Christians in every age.
For example, Hebrews 13:5b says “God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.'” This promise is not restricted to a particular audience but reflects God’s ongoing commitment to all His followers.
3. Examine the type of literature it is.
Promises in historical books or letters relate to specific situations while promises in Psalms and Prophecy have a poetic and future-pointing nature. We can gain encouragement from the latter but be careful not to claim promises given for distinct biblical settings.
For instance, Psalm 50:15 states “Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor Me.” As a psalm encouraging dependence on God, we can apply it to life’s difficulties, but it was not necessarily a specific promise to every individual.
4. Note any conditions attached to the promise.
Some biblical promises are unconditional assurances based on God’s sovereign choice. But others are accompanied by certain conditions for their fulfillment. Understanding the prerequisites helps us align ourselves to receive God’s promises.
For example, 1 John 1:9 says “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” God’s promised forgiveness has the condition of confession and repentance attached.
5. Look for consistency with the rest of Scripture.
All God’s promises agree with the overarching message of the Bible. So if we come across a promise that seems out of line or contradictory, we need to examine the Scriptures further. God will not make a personalized promise that conflicts with His Word and character.
For instance, a promise of unlimited wealth would be inconsistent with passages on self-denial and trusting in God rather than riches. So we need to ensure we interpret promises accurately in light of the entire biblical message.
6. Consider whether the promise applies universally or personally.
Some promises are given specifically to individuals, such as God’s promise to make Abraham the father of many nations (Genesis 17:4-6). We can learn from such examples while recognizing the promises were uniquely given to those biblical figures and may not apply personally today.
In contrast, God promises believers in James 1:5, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” This is a universal promise to all who ask in faith.
7. Look for principles that transcend the specific promise.
While some promises were for particular people like Joshua, David, or Solomon, we can often find principles embedded in them that apply today. For example, God’s promise to Joshua, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9), is a timeless exhortation not to fear because of God’s presence.
So promises can have universal relevance, even if the original context was specific. We simply need to identify the underlying spiritual principles and truths.
8. Receive the promises by faith.
While exercising discernment, we must also come to each promise with faith in God’s Word. Jesus said even mountains can be moved if we have faith the size of a mustard seed (Matthew 17:20). Allow the Holy Spirit to encourage you and build your trust in God’s promises.
As Martin Luther said, “The Christian should be an athlete of God…he should exercise his faith and test his faith and strive toward faith by way of receiving God’s promises.” God is pleased when we take Him at His Word and claim His promises by faith!
9. Submit your understanding to godly counsel.
Given our human limitations, we need humble wisdom to properly apply God’s promises. Seek out mature spiritual guidance to test your understanding of the appropriate context and application of Scripture.
Wise input helps protect us from claiming promises incorrectly or following selfish motivations and distortions of truth. Counsel also reinforces our trust in God’s perfect faithfulness.
10. God fulfills His promises in His timing and ways.
While claiming God’s promises, we must remember His timing and purposes are perfect – and He often works in ways we don’t anticipate. But He remains true to His word. So we can rejoice that His promises give us hope and confidence no matter what our circumstances.
As Jeremiah wrote, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you” (Jeremiah 29:11-12). God’s promises are cause for praise and anticipation as we await their complete fulfillment!
In closing, approaching the Bible with wisdom and discernment allows us to rightly claim God’s promises. His pledges are a bedrock for our lives when we apply them accurately. Through further study of His Word, the Spirit’s guidance, and testing against Scripture, we can have confidence we are embracing all that God intends for us. His promises give us a sure and blessed hope both now and for eternity.