How to Claim God's Promises

Hebrews 10:23

There are reported to be more than 40,000 promises in the Bible, but
sometimes it is difficult to determine how we can properly respond and claim
God's
awesome pledges to us.

There are two kinds of promises from God. First, He gave limited promises.
These are promises made specifically to people in the Bible for their
individual
purposes. An example of this is when God promised a son to elderly Abraham
and Sarah, who was barren. This is not a promise that all barren women can
claim
and expect God's answer.

However, God also has given general promises. For instance, He promised to
never leave or forsake us. (Hebrews 13:5b) He also promised to return for us
(John 14:3). These promises pertain to all believers.

And then there are two kinds of general promises: conditional and
unconditional. The two aforementioned general promises are unconditional;
they require
nothing of the believer. However, Philippians 4:19, Psalm 37:4, and other
promises like them are conditional. They require something of the believer.
In
Philippians 4:19, the condition is that we be in Christ. The believer must
be living for Him and in total submission to His will. The same holds true
for
"delighting" in the Lord as stated in Psalm 37:4. Clearly, a relationship
comes before a request.


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