How do I know which of God’s promises are for me?
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How do I know which of God’s promises are for me? How can I know if a promise is specific to a certain person or people?
Source Article: https://www.gotquestions.org/God-promises.html
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- How do I know which of God's promises are for me? We're going to answer that question.
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- You can also discover more on GotQuestions .org. There are literally hundreds of God's promises in the
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- Bible. How can we know which promises apply to us and which promises we can claim?
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- To frame this question another way, how can one tell the difference between general promises and specific promises?
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- A general promise is one that is given by the Holy Spirit to every believer in every age.
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- When the author penned the promise, he set no limitations on time period or recipient.
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- An example of a general promise is 1 John 1 .9. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
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- This promise is based on the forgiving nature of God and is available to all believers everywhere.
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- Another general promise example, and the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
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- This promise is made to all believers who, refusing to worry, bring their requests to God.
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- A specific promise is one that is made to specific individuals on specific occasions.
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- The context of the promise will usually make clear who the recipient is. For example, the promise of 1
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- Kings 9 .5 is very specific, I will establish your royal throne over Israel forever.
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- The preceding and following verses make it clear that God is speaking only to King Solomon.
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- Another specific promise, and a sword will pierce your own soul too. This prophecy, promise, was directed to Mary and was fulfilled in her lifetime.
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- While a specific promise is not made to all believers generally, the Holy Spirit can still use a specific promise to guide or encourage any of his children.
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- For example, the promise of Isaiah 54 .10 was written with Israel in mind, but the
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- Holy Spirit has used these words to comfort many Christians today. My unfailing love for you will not be shaken, nor my covenant of peace be removed.
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- As he was led to take the gospel to the Gentiles, the Apostle Paul claimed the promise of Isaiah.
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- I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.
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- Isaiah's promise was originally meant for the Messiah, but in it, Paul found guidance from the
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- Lord for his own life. When claiming one of God's promises from scripture, we should keep the following principles in mind.
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- God's promises are often conditional. God gives us promises to help us better submit to his will and trust him.
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- We cannot presume to know precisely when, where, or how God's promises will be fulfilled in our lives.
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- That answers the question, how do I know which of God's promises are for me? On our website,
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- GotQuestions .org, you'll find a deeper discussion and recommended resources. If this helped you, give us a thumbs up and click subscribe.