“That Book in Your Hand”
The first sermon in this series on the nature of the Bible was on the inspiration of the Scriptures, their divine nature, from II Timothy 3:16 (summarised discussion with links here). The second was on how the Spirit moved in giving us the Scriptures, from II Peter 1:19-21 (summarised discussion with links here). The third dealt with the “inerrancy”, the complete reliability of God’s Word (here).
Now we turn to God’s work in ensuring that the Book that He gave us actually came to us — the preservation of the Scriptures. In this post, I’ll talk about the fact that the Bible implies that the Scriptures will be preserved (kept complete) for all generations. In the next, Lord willing, we’ll look at a few verses where preservation is directly taught.
God’s Plan for his Word
For what purposes did God give His Word?
1. To Save Us
I Peter 1:23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.
Romans 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Romans 16:25-26 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,
But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:
God’s purpose in giving His Word was that the life-giving Word by which faith comes might bring salvation to all nations.
2. To Work in Believers
I Thessalonians 2:13 For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.
1Pe 2:2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:
God gave us His Word that all who believe in Him might grow, that it might work effectively in us.
3. To Reveal His Sovereign Purposes
Isa 44:26 That confirmeth the word of his servant, and performeth the counsel of his messengers; that saith to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be inhabited; and to the cities of Judah, Ye shall be built, and I will raise up the decayed places thereof:
27 That saith to the deep, Be dry, and I will dry up thy rivers:
28 That saith of Cyrus, He is my shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure: even saying to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be built; and to the temple, Thy foundation shall be laid.Isaiah 45:23 I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.
Isa 46:10 Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:
These three passages from Isaiah are representative of many statements in Scripture. In the first, God tells something of His sovereign plan that He wants to be known 150 years later (the role of the Persian Emperor, Cyrus, who was obviously not yet even born). In the second, He reveals something of the eventual destiny of mankind. In the third, He makes it clear — He wants to make His counsel known long before He acts, that His greatness may be known.
Thus, we see at least three purposes God declared for giving His Word that go far beyond the immediate time and place in which He gave it.
His Word Will not Return Void
Isaiah 55:8-11
8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.
9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
10 For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater:
11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.
1. God’s Purpose is the Guarantor of the Preservation of Scripture. In this passage, God says that His Word is going to accomplish all that He sent it to do. Since His Word was sent by Him to save and to sanctify all believers of all times and nations, and to declare His purposes, it must be preserved to accomplish those purposes.
2. God’s Unchanging Nature is the Guarantor of the Preservation of Scripture. In this passage, God tells us that He is higher than us, and does not change. As certainly as He sends the seasons so that crops may grow for man’s benefit, so also He will preserve His Word for man’s benefit. If, as we have seen, He has guided in the choice of each word for our benefit, those individual words will not return unto Him void — they will accomplish His purpose. He does not change, and He will make sure that our record of His Word does not change, but rather that we will have it so it can accomplish His purpose in our lives.
3. God’s Power is the Guarantor of the Preservation of Scripture. This is implied in this passage, rather than explicitly stated. The primary emphasis is on God’s unchanging nature — but the whole passage is a statement to His power, and the certainty that God will not be thwarted. He sent His Word out into the hands of His people to accomplish a task, and He will see that the task is done. An almighty God who sends out His Word to do His will is not going to let it be destroyed by human enmity or neglect.
If God’s purpose for His Word goes far beyond the time and place of His giving of it, He will certainly preserve it so that it will carry out His purpose. When He says that His Word will accomplish all its purpose, and we know (from our previous study on the moving of the Spirit in giving the Scriptures) that every word in the Bible matters, then that necessarily implies that God is going to preserve every word intact, so that every word can accomplish the purpose for which He gave it.
“It Is Written”
Matthew 4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
Matthew 21:13 And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.
Acts 1:20 For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take.
Romans 1:17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
These Scripture passages are just a small representative sample showing a statement which is made over and over in the New Testament. In the first, the Lord Jesus uses the statement, “It is written,” to cite the authority of the Old Testament Scriptures in answering Satan. In the second, He uses it in answering religious leaders who objected when He cleansed the temple. Peter used “it is written” when preaching on the Day of Pentecost, and Paul used it in his writings. The New Testament authors used it repeatedly.
“It is written” was used very similarly to the way we say, “The Bible says….” It was intended to cite the unquestioned authority of the Scriptures. Jesus used it that way, and so did the apostles. The use of “It is written” implies the complete preservation of the Scriptures.
1. The Authority of the Statement Implies Preservation. Anyone who reads the “It is written” passages in the New Testament can see that this is considered to be an appeal to absolute authority and truth. There is no hint of any concern in these statements about whether they have the true Scriptures as given by God.
Everyone knows that man makes mistakes, and that copies made by hand may not be perfect. Christ cited Deuteronomy, some 1400 years after Moses wrote it. Any copy of Deuteronomy existing in the day of Christ was at least ten generations of copies removed from the original, probably more so. If the keeping of God’s Word was simply a matter of human effort and care, there could be no confidence that the words being cited were God’s words. Yet, Christ and the apostles quoted the Old Testament with a certainty and authority that could come from only one source — a firm confidence that the preservation of the Scriptures was not merely a human endeavour, but one in which the Almighty was taking an active hand.
To use “It is written” as a statement of authority is to state one’s certain belief that the words cited are the words originally given. We do the same when we say, “The Bible says.” We wouldn’t say that if we didn’t believe that those words really are God’s words, and that He has not allowed man to interfere with them and get them wrong.
2. The Grammar of the Statement Implies Preservation. “It is written” is a very clear translation of the Greek perfect tense. The perfect tense indicates an action which was completed in the past with continuing effect. In our translation, the use of “written” reflects the completed (past) action, and the use of “is” reflects the current continuing effect.
The grammar here is suggestive of the preservation of Scripture. When it was written, it was written to have continuing effect. Once written, it remains written — it still is written. The grammar implies that the Scriptures are preserved, that the Word of God which was written is still written today.
Some may discount this by saying that this is simply the term the Jews used to describe the Scripture. I would counter by saying that the Jews used that particular term because God’s people have always believed in His work in preserving His Word. They adopted a term which they believed reflected doctrinal truth, and Christ and the apostles endorsed that term by extensive use.
Furthermore, if God is sovereign, then as I have mentioned previously, we can assume that He was active in the development of language and cultural conventions such that the use of “it is written” was no accident. That is the term Christ intended to use before the world began and the term that God intended the apostles to use in writing the Scriptures. We don’t discount it just because the Jews used it, too. Rather, we see God as having influenced the Jews before Jesus even came so that when Jesus and the apostles used the term, those to whom they were speaking would recognise its authority.
Implied by Inspiration
II Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God.
As I discussed previously in some detail, the term “inspiration” from II Timothy 3:16 refers to the divine nature of the Scriptures. They were breathed into existence by God and He breathed life into them. They are living, life-giving, and life changing.
God placed, in a sense, some of His divine nature in the Scriptures. The apostles and other Biblical writers didn’t draw much distinction between God and His Word at all. The Bible is not God, but being what He has said and the way we know Him, it is inextricably bound up with Him.
Because the Word of God is living, continuing, divine, this strongly implies the preservation of the Scriptures. Mankind may reject the words of God, but they cannot change them. He has put in place a living revelation of Himself, and He will continue to maintain it.
Concluding Thought
In recent years, as controversy has arisen over the best text and manuscripts of the New Testament, the doctrine of preservation of Scripture has been the focus of much discussion and some controversy. Often these discussions focus on those verses which specifically teach the doctrine — verses that I’ve deferred discussing in this post.
I’ve deferred them for a reason. I believe the things I’ve cited in this post give a very strong basis for a doctrine of complete preservation of the Scriptures even if there were no direct teaching of the doctrine in the Bible at all. In my next post in this series, Lord willing, I’ll address the direct teaching on the topic.
Update: When I posted this, apparently WordPress automatically added a link to the Wikipedia page on “Jesus Christ”. I apologise for that and have removed the link. I have a better place than Wikipedia for information on our Lord. 🙂
Update again:
Next in series: Direct Teaching on Preservation.
Main article: His Word Will not Return Void — Summary
The Bible reminds us who we are, whose we are, and how we can live in a way that communicates God’s life-saving message to others. While reading His Word, we are given the gift of being in His presence and hearing His voice speaking directly to us. And He tells us that God’s word will not return void!
so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. Isaiah 55:11
God’s Word is a Gift
I would like for you to imagine telling someone there is a gift waiting for them with their name on it. Imagine telling them this particular gift will renew their perspective, remind them of their priorities, and reveal their purpose. Now, imagine if that person said, “Wow, that gift sounds awesome! How wonderful to have access to that!”…and then they proceed to ignore it? They decide to leave it unopened. Would you be outraged? Shocked? Puzzled, at the very least?
If that gift was offered to you, would you ignore it and allow it to remain wrapped? No way!
But we all do it! We leave one of our most beautiful treasures unopened. Friends, we’ve been given a gift beyond words: a love letter from the Originator of Love. A Holy Book filled with love, lessons, and life. Literally!
Why Do We Dismiss God’s Word
When it comes to the gift of His Word, why do we sometimes pretend it’s not there? Why do we dismiss it as an unimportant aspect of our Christian walk?
Sometimes the thought is, “The Bible is hard to understand.” Yes, some parts ARE difficult to grasp. Remember, we serve a God whose ways are above our ways! That doesn’t mean we should avoid His Word. Instead, that can be one of the reasons we strive to read His Word more often – to get to know Him better.
I have heard people say the Old Testament is boring or that it does not relate to today’s world. However, as I’ve begun to see the historical relevance, the way in which the Old Testament and New Testament completely intertwine, and the character of God revealed through the ‘pre-Jesus’ time of the world, I have come to love that part of Scripture!
I would be lying if I said that the quality and quantity of my Bible-reading time is what it should be. But let me say that the times in my life when I have taken the time to delve into the Bible and take His Words to heart, I have been able to hear Him speaking to me much more clearly.
God’s Word Holds Beautiful Truths
While regularly reading our Bible will not mean that our life will become peaceful and free from hardship, our ability to deal with those messy life circumstances will improve immensely.
Our focus will no longer be the problem. It will instead be the One who is bigger than the problem. We will become less concerned about what the world thinks of us, and instead be more enthralled by what God thinks of us. He delights in us and rejoices over us. We will discover a generous amount of beautiful truths such as those when we open our Bible.
When my husband and I give our children a gift, their thankful reactions and smiles bring us happiness. Imagine the happiness we bring our Heavenly Father when we unwrap His Inspired Word – the happiness we bring Him when we see, experience, and thank Him for such an indescribable gift. May today be the day we open His gift and marvel in it! When we put it into action, we know God’s word will not return void within our lives.
Gwen Thielges is from North Dakota where she is an author, blogger, and worship leader. She encourages readers to strive toward a deeper faith and a wider witness.
Posted on April 11, 2023 in Technology
People do not have to read God’s Word for it to impact them. Hearing can be just as—and even more—impactful, especially for the 80% of the world’s population who identify as oral learners.
Isaiah tells us that God’s Word will not return to him void. Read how his Word is making a great impact among language groups in Mexico, Uganda, and Burkina Faso as people listen to it in their language for the first time!
Mexico
In a part of Mexico, some indigenous people retain much of their original culture, which predates King David. Among one such people group, an Oral Bible Translation (OBT) workshop conducted by Faith Comes by Hearing (FCBH) and partly funded by JAARS taught local people how to orally translate the Bible into Zapoteco de Santa Ana del valle, a dialect of Zapoteco.
From the first day of the workshop, the head trainer, Allen Pierce, challenged the local translators to tell the story, which they had internalized during their devotion time, to members of their family or community every evening.
The translation team is composed mostly of members of one church, and the church decided to hold a story time every Tuesday night.
The translators invited friends and neighbors to come to the church and hear stories in the Zapoteco dialect. That had never been done in the church.
The pastor has had Bible training in Spanish and has preached for years in Spanish, having always been afraid that if he tried to preach in Zapoteco de Santa Ana del valle, he might corrupt God’s Word.
“But now [after the workshop], they are able to internalize the stories and think through how they should say these things, correctly, in Zapoteco,” Allen explained.
That night at the church was the first time some of the attendees had ever heard God’s Word in their dialect of Zapoteco. Some of them confessed that it was the first time they really understood the message presented, because even though most of them know Spanish, it just doesn’t speak to them the same way.
The way the team learns to translate a Bible story differs from how a preacher talks. In FCBH’s model, everyone learns to retell and rebuild the story together. Everyone can learn the story, and everyone can be an evangelist because all that is required is to tell the story and then teach it to those eager to learn more or share it with others.
After listening to the story, three people asked what they should do to receive Jesus! The pastor presented the gospel to them, and they accepted it. Now they will be able to share that story and others they learn!
Uganda
The Reli people had waited for their own Bible for over a century. The first mission workers who came to their land introduced worship and the Word of God in a language of a wider community called Madi. The Reli people couldn’t understand the Scripture in this language because it shares few similarities with theirs. Therefore, many Reli people converted to another major religion, and today, more than 65% of the Reli people follow this false major religion.
But hopefully that number will shrink because of an Oral Bible Translation project in the Reli language! When the project was launched in March 2022, the Reli, regardless of their denomination or religion, united to support the project. They willingly participated in community checks and Scripture engagement. They have launched a fundraising drive to support the OBT project.
The Reli community was ecstatic when the first two stories in the book of Luke were approved. One member commented, “I am very happy and excited to listen to the Word of God in my own language!”
Since then, the Lord has been transforming lives through his Word in the Reli language. Translators themselves found emotional healing in the words they translate.
One woman on the translation team had suffered emotional trauma due to a domestic crisis, had low self-esteem, and found it hard to fit in with the team.
When she was assigned to record the part of Scripture about Jesus calming a storm, she cried and confessed that she feels her issues can be calmed only by Jesus. The team prayed with her, and she was emotionally healed. “If I had not [had] this opportunity to translate the Word of God, my troubles would have killed me,” she said.
Praise God for working among the Reli people!
Burkina Faso
Oral Bible translation is important for African people because many of them are oral learners and don’t read. As one of the translators for the Viemo people in Burkina Faso said, “Many people can be touched by this opportunity, as they can hide themselves and listen to God’s Word. I spent more than 20 years in written Bible translation. With my experience of four years in OBT, I think the OBT work impacts more than written Bible translation. People in Africa prefer audio to reading.”
The Viemo Oral Bible translation team reads portions of the book of Luke in their devotion time each morning before starting their work. During this time, two translators who followed a false major world religion accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior. One of them, Boukari, is grateful to God for saving him through Jesus Christ. He had heard about Jesus in the past, but now, through the translation work, he has gained more understanding about Jesus through the translation work.
“I became a Christian [through] the word of God with the Viemo translation and thank God for that opportunity,” Boukari said. “I was touched with the Word of God in my language. The Scriptures give hope to those who lost hope.”
A month later, another of the translators who also was part of this religion accepted Jesus Christ with his older brother.
Once the audio passages from Luke were ready, the translators shared them with the community. God’s Word did not return void; it produced fruit: Five women and three men became Christians after listening to these passages in their language!
Thank you for your help in overcoming the barriers of illiteracy for the people in West Africa and elsewhere! The translation team in Burkina Faso can’t currently work in its language area because the area lacks electricity, good infrastructure, and a good internet connection.
Consider giving to Technology Solutions so we can help our brothers and sisters overcome these barriers!
Bible Studies in the book of Isaiah
Isaiah 55:10-13 — God’s Word Shall Not Return Void
by I Gordon
Introduction
Well, we’ve been looking at Isaiah 55 recently and we’ve found something surprising… something a little odd. And that is that God is not like us. He doesn’t think like we do. He doesn’t act like we do. Simply put, His ways are not like our ways. Ok, so it isn’t so odd.
The passage declared that as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are God’s ways above our ways. Now God wasn’t stating this to emphasise how stupid our ways are. He wasn’t saying ‘look at you! You are such a nincompoop’. He could have… but He didn’t. No — The whole context was about coming to God, listening to Him, seeking Him, learning from Him… so in its context God reminds us that His thoughts and ways are not ours so that we will seek Him and His ways out. Now in this study we shall look at the remaining four verses in the chapter and see effectiveness of God’s word. We’ll start with the old water cycle.
Can you remember the water cycle? Heard of the word cycle?
Isaiah 55:10-11 As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, (11) so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
At school you learnt about the marvellous water cycle that God has put in place. Well, they probably didn’t emphasise the ‘God’ part, but He was the one who put this marvellous design in place none the less! Now just in case you were sleepy that day let’s do a quick refresher on the entire cycle as Isaiah is using it as an illustration in this passage. Some quick points would be:
- The rain falls down to the earth through precipitation; it waters and feeds the earth.
- Then through the heat of the sun it evaporates and rises again.
- As the air cools, condensation occurs and clouds are formed.
- This continues until the clouds eventually drop their load through precipitation again and the cycle continues.
Because of this cycle it has been said that we drink the same water the dinosaurs drank. Not sure if that is a comforting thought for you but there you have it! Now look at the impact of this rain… our scripture tells us that the rain waters the earth, makes it bud and flourish, and brings forth seed and bread. Well, this isn’t the gardening club and nor is it a blog on why your tomatoes are looking a tad sad so let’s have a look at what this is illustrating.
Just as there is a water cycle, there is a cycle for the word of God. It comes forth from God, for a specific purpose and will NEVER fail to achieve what God desires. And it too will return to God having accomplished its purpose. This principle relates to God’s prophetic word recorded in the Bible as well as specific words that He gives us today. [1]
Isaiah’s point in using this illustration is that God’sword is just as irresistible and effective as the rain is for the soil. So we need His word, the pure word, without substitutes. Have you tried substitutes for rain water on your vegetables? Since becoming an expert gardener [2] , now with two whole years of gardening experience under my belt, I can say that there is nothing like the rain. It is perfect for the soil. You can stand out there day and night with a hose and saturate the ground to your heart’s content. It will help a little — especially if the plant is dehydrated. But you don’t see a lot of growth or plant vitality just on hose water. Yet when it rains… poof! Growth and life! [3] The Christian church has substituted the Word of God for many other things to entertain these days. The individual Christian often seeks out many people, external support and ways before seeking God and His word. They may help a little… but they are not the pure rain.
Now it is quite possible, and often probable, that when God gives you a specific promise or word, the exact opposite of this occurs in the short term. Don’t fear. God’s word will not return void and He will overlook it to perform it. But God allows these things to occur to test us and develop out faith. Let’s have a look at an example of this…
From our good friend Joseph
Genesis 37:5-8 Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers, they hated him all the more. (6) He said to them, «Listen to this dream I had: (7) We were binding sheaves of grain out in the field when suddenly my sheaf rose and stood upright, while your sheaves gathered around mine and bowed down to it.» (8) His brothers said to him, «Do you intend to reign over us? Will you actually rule us?» And they hated him all the more because of his dream and what he had said.
Now Joseph was the second youngest of Jacob’s 12 sons. My goodness, 11 brothers… Imagine how competitive that would be! Though being so young, God gave Joseph a prophetic dream stating that he would rule over his brothers. You can imagine how well this went down! So, to cut a long story short, instead of initially seeing the fulfilment of this dream, the opposite occurred. Joseph, at age 17, was sold into slavery down in Egypt by his brothers. One thing led to another and through no fault of his own, Joseph was put in prison for a number of years. [4] Now, what do you think was going through Joseph’s head during those years? The word of God had come to him through a dream showing him that he would one day be in a position of power — so much so that even his mother and father and brothers would bow down to him… and yet, no sooner had that word come that his brothers sold him into slavery and he ended up in this cold smelly prison. Think that would be easy? When God gives a promise He often allows the opposite to initially come true. And there is a reason for that.
Psalms 105:17-19 He sent a man before them, Joseph, who was sold as a slave. (18) They afflicted his feet with fetters, He himself was laid in irons; (19) Until the time that his word came to pass, The word of the LORD tested him.
Until the time when God’s word (through the prophetic dream) came to pass, the word of the Lord tested Joseph! And the same happens to us. Will we believe? Will we maintain our faith though outward circumstances look different? Will we live by faith in what God says instead of living by sight?
Sometimes it can take time because we are not ready — We may not be in a place to receive what God has promised us yet. But more often than not, the delay required before God’s promise is fulfilled is used by God to test and refine our faith. Our faith is something very precious to God and He wants us to learn patience and rest while we wait for that promise. But be assured that God’s word will not return void or empty.
And then the word comes to pass…
Isa 55:12-13 You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. Instead of the thornbush will grow the pine tree, and instead of briars the myrtle will grow. This will be for the LORD’s renown, for an everlasting sign, which will not be destroyed.»
In context this verse finds its fulfilment in the Messianic Kingdom. And what a day that will be! But on a personal level we see the result in our lives when God’s promise comes to fruition. And what is that result you ask? Well, joy, peace and songs of praise. This is how the word of God becomes a cycle as well. We saw earlier about the water cycle… that through precipitation, evaporation, and condensation there is an endless cycle going on in the life of water. But remember that the God’s word is a cycle as well. It comes down from Heaven, finding fulfilment in the life of the one given the promise, and returns to God in the form of our praise and thanksgiving. The key though is to be able to praise and give thanks BEFORE the fulfilment of the promise! This is where faith truly comes in and pleases the heart of God! [5]
The promise above states that instead of the briar the myrtle will grow. [6] Briar is basically what it says in the first part of verse 13 — a thorn bush. Nothing useful there but just a reminder of the curse that is upon creation. [7] And yet God can change the thornbush into something beautiful. He does it in individual lives and he has promised to do it throughout His entire creation as well. One commentator said ‘Is it a coincidence that when Jesus suffered to bear the curse of sin and remove it from us, he wore a crown of thorns? Was this not a graphic way of saying, he is carrying the curse for you, even the curse of the ground, so that one day you could sit under cypresses on soft green grass with no thorns any more?’
Dr. F. B. Meyer has commented on this passage:
‘There are briars besetting every path that call for earnest care. Many beside Paul have thorns in the flesh. But His grace is sufficient to change our biggest curse into our greatest blessing. Look for this! Ask God to transform the conditions of your life, which has cost you excruciating anguish, into sources of benediction.’
I like that. Do you have conditions in your life that still cause you great pain and grief? Commit then unto God once again and trust that the Almighty is able to turn these very things into a source of blessing. And as we experience a taste of such change, oh what joy and praise it brings forth! Let’s face it… Life isn’t easy but we do get glimpses of this joy when the specific promises and words that He gives us come to pass. Well, multiple that by a million and you’ll get somewhere close to the joy and praise when all of the promises and prophecies that the prophets, Jesus and the apostles spoke are fulfilled!
Creation Sings! — A brief look at the ‘things to come’
One day it will all be changed. The ugly thorns that arise within your own heart and within nature will be no more. The thorns of affliction from without will be no more for all of God’s creation will be set free into what He intended and purposed in His heart for those that love Him. Let’s look at a couple of passages that speak of the liberty and praise that creation itself will be set free into.
Psalms 96:11-13 Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; Let the sea roar, and all it contains; (12) Let the field exult, and all that is in it. Then all the trees of the forest will sing for joy (13) Before the LORD, for He is coming, For He is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness And the peoples in His faithfulness.
Psalms 98:4-9 Shout joyfully to the LORD, all the earth; Break forth and sing for joy and sing praises. (5) Sing praises to the LORD with the lyre, With the lyre and the sound of melody. (6) With trumpets and the sound of the horn Shout joyfully before the King, the LORD. (7) Let the sea roar and all it contains, The world and those who dwell in it. (8) Let the rivers clap their hands, Let the mountains sing together for joy (9) Before the LORD, for He is coming to judge the earth; He will judge the world with righteousness And the peoples with equity.
So, putting it all together we see that the heavens will rejoice, the earth will be glad, the trees of the forest will sing with joy, the seas will roar, the fields be jubilant, the rivers will clap their hands, the mountains will sing together for joy… And why is that? Because the Lord is coming! Jesus said that if the people didn’t praise Him then even the stones would cry out! One day the entire world and all it contains will be set free into the glorious liberty in which it was first created. Bring it on!
Conclusion
God’s word will not fail. Not in His prophecies of what is still to come and not in His promises to you. God says in His word that He has magnified His word above His name and watches over His word to perform it. We’ve also seen however that until His word comes to pass, that same word tests us. It tests our hearts. It tests whether we will be able to remain hopeful, with praise in our hearts, laying hold of that which He has promised before it comes to pass. In doing so the cycle of God’s word is completed for the word which came from God to you is returned in thanksgiving from you to God.
And what of that which is still to come? What He has planned is beyond our comprehension for His thoughts are so far above ours. Yet we look forward to that day when all of creation will sing His praise, knowing that however wonderful we imagine that time to be, it will be far greater for God, the creator of this entire universe, is not one who disappoints! So hold on in faith. Encourage yourself in the Lord.
Hebrews 10:35-39 So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. (36) You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. (37) For in just a very little while, «He who is coming will come and will not delay. (38) But my righteous one will live by faith. And if he shrinks back, I will not be pleased with him.» (39) But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved.
[1] ↩ Let’s look at a couple of scriptures that illustrate this for both the prophetic word and the personal word. First, the prophetic:
Isa 46:9-10 «Remember the former things long past, For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is no one like Me, Declaring the end from the beginning, And from ancient times things which have not been done, Saying, ‘My purpose will be established, And I will accomplish all My good pleasure’
What God is saying in this important passage is that He has declared the end from the beginning and there is not one word that will not come to pass! It will all be fulfilled and His purpose WILL be established. The enemy may oppose, the world may rebel… it matters not. God is God and there is nothing that man or angelic being can do to prevent His prophetic word from being accomplished.
What about personal words that God gives us? Have a look at what God told Jeremiah after giving Jerry a promise that He would be with him and would enable him — God then says that «I am watching over My word to perform it.» Jeremiah 1:12
The Psalmist tells us that God has magnified His word even above His name. He looks over it making sure that it is performed. As it was for Jeremiah so it is for us — Has God given you a specific word? Do you have some promise that He has spoken into your heart which you await the fulfilment of? Then God watches over that word to fulfil it as well.
Now if I were God you guys would be in a lot of trouble! I’d make promises I couldn’t keep, promises I forgot to keep and promises I have no recollection about only a few days later! Not so God. He watches over it! Maybe all you have seen is what looks like the opposite of what God has promised…Then be assured! God’s word will not return void — It will be fulfilled.
[2] ↩ Unfortunately this point is only true in my mind. Well, dreams. The reality is somewhat different, though not through lack of trying!
[3] ↩ There is a scientific reason why rain water is far better. A scientific website, when asked why rain water is so good for the garden compared to hose/tap water said, and I quote…’Because it is free’ Thankfully it went on to give a bit more information! It said:
‘But there is a science part to it too. Tap water contains a lot of Ca-ions and Mg-ions: good for human bones, but not too good for a plant if used in excess. However, plants like Nitrogen very much! And that’s where the rain water comes in. Our atmosphere consists of about 21% Oxygen and 78% Nitrogen, but plants can’t take it in through the atmosphere. They need nitrates. If lightning strikes through the atmosphere, it gives the oxygen and nitrogen molecules enough energy to form nitrates, which are NO3-ions. These ions react with the water and form a weak solution of nitric acid. The plants then take it up, via the water.’
So rain water comes with something — nitrates or nitric acid. It’s why you can’t substitute it. God’s word comes with something as well. It is why it can’t be substituted — God’s words come with His life. Our ways and efforts come with worry. But God’s promises and word come with spiritual strength. It is why His word CANNOT be substituted!
[4] ↩ We don’t know the exact number of years Joseph was in prison. We know he was 17 when he was sold into slavery in Egypt. Chapter 41.1 tells us he was in there for another 2 years after the baker and cupbearer were released. Ch 41:46 tells us he was 30 when he was released from prison and exalted by Pharaoh. So he was in prison for greater than 2 years and less than 13. Either way, plenty of time to start doubting what God is doing and whether His word through the prophetic dream could EVER come about!
[5] ↩ Years before my brother was saved, when he looked far from becoming a Christian, my Mother had a God-given experience where she heard God the Father calling him. It was so powerful that she knew that he was really God’s son, not hers. She expected him to become a Christian straight away due to how real the whole experience was. It took another 6 years before he was actually born again and it is fair to say there were quite a few incidents in the mean time (and I’m being kind) that would, in the natural, cast a lot of doubt on the promise and experience Mum had previously got. But, as we have seen, God’s word does not return to Him void!
[6] ↩ You’ll remember the briar I’m sure. You probably remember it from your youth. So let me test you on it. Who said the following — «Drown me! Roast me! Hang me! Do whatever you please,» «Only please, please don’t throw me into the briar patch .»
(The answer in the wee print — Brer Rabbit)
[7] ↩ After the fall, Genesis 3:17-18 says, «Cursed is the ground because of you; in toil you shall eat of it all the days of your life; thorns and thistles it shall bring forth to you; and you shall eat the plants of the field.» So the earth brings forth thorns and thistles and the heart of man, because of the fall, brings forth that which is just as useful. But thank God that it doesn’t always have to be this way!
When I heard about God’s word not returning to Him void but that it will accomplish that which He pleases, I thought He was referring to His promises towards us. This is absolutely true, however, one day God revealed this same statement to me from a different perspective I never saw before.
So what exactly did God reveal about His word not returning to Him void but that it shall accomplish that which He pleases, and it will prosper where He sent it in Isaiah 55:11? The Bible says Jesus is the Word made flesh. Therefore Jesus is the spoken Word of God sent, that couldn’t return to the Father void. Since Jesus returned and is now at the right hand of the Father we know He prospered/accomplished what He was sent for.
I love how God is able to reveal the Bible in ways we never previously saw before. That being said let’s take a more in-depth look at this perspective from God’s viewpoint. Also, other truths in relation to God’s Word not returning to Him void.
Table of Contents, Go To…
Jesus Is The Word Sent That Won’t Return Void
Lets first take a look at this statement which is made in Isaiah.
- Isaiah 55:11 (KJV) So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.
What intrigues me about this verse is I missed such a simple but true revelation. Thank God the Holy Spirit teaches us. I was very excited when God showed me this perspective on it.
In the first chapter of John, God explains to us about the Word which became flesh and dwelt amongst us.
- John 1:1-2 (KJV) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God.
- John 1:14 (KJV) And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
The Word isn’t Just the Bible or written word. The Word is also the literal person of Jesus Christ and vice versa.
You see Jesus was from the very beginning. He is considered God and the Son of man. He is also the word of God. This is a unique truth God tells us about the Word.
Some people think differently when they hear about words. Some people don’t associate or believe a word as an actual person. However, they do associate words with sounds or forms of communication.
It’s pretty safe to say that people typically express who they are through what they speak. The Bible states that words come from what people believe in their heart and also can produce life or death. This truth doesn’t just apply to us but it also applies to God or He would’t have told us.
- Luke 6:45 (KJV) A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.
- Proverbs 18:20-21 (KJV) A man’s belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled. 21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.
- John 8:42-43 (KJV) Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me. 43 Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word.
So words come from the heart and bring’s forth things that correspond with the heart. Words are a part of who we are and what we believe. We must remember God speaks about words in a different light than the world thinks about words.
In other words, Jesus is the good treasure of God which was sent forth to bring good and life.
As we read below keep in mind that God also can’t lie and can only speak the truth and life. Jesus is not only the Word made flesh but also the truth.
- Titus 1:2 (KJV) In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;
- John 14:6 (KJV) Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
God spoke the truth and sent His Word, Jesus to us. His Word/Jesus is considered life to those who receive it. On the contrary, the devil also speaks his word and that produces death.
Scriptures That Help Explain Isaiah And Why The Word AKA Jesus Sent
So why was God’s Word aka Jesus sent? God said His Word won’t return to Him void but it will accomplish what it was sent for. This implies Jesus was sent for a purpose. You see Jesus could not return back to the Father until He accomplished the task He was sent for. Let’s expound on what Isaiah was referring to.
- Isaiah 55:10-13 (KJV) For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: 11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. 12 For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. 13 Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree: and it shall be to the LORD for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.
It may not look like much at first glance but there are a lot of things going on here. He makes reference to something natural so we can understand something spiritual.
He begins by saying as the rain/snow coming down from heaven and doesn’t return. However, the purpose of the rain/snow is to water the earth and causes it to bring forth bud or in other words life. This gives seed to the sower and bread to the eater.
He mentions the seed/sower in Isaiah we should see what Jesus says about the seed/sower in other verses as well. So who is the sower? What is the seed here?
This is what Jesus translates the sower/seed in the New Testament. Here He is speaking about the same parable in both Mark and Luke.
- Luke 8:11 (KJV) Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.
- Mark 4:13-14 (KJV) And he said unto them, Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables? 14 The sower soweth the word.
I’m not going over this particular parable here in this article. But in a nutshell, it talks about the seed being the Word of God, which is Jesus. The sower is also considered God and in this parable, different people react different ways to The Word (Jesus).
Jesus also translates the parable of the weeds/tares in Matthew which gives us more insight about the sower and seeds.
- Matthew 13:37-39 (KJV) He answered and said unto them, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man; 38 The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one; 39 The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels.
Jesus says here that the Son of man (Also Jesus) sowed good seed in the world. The good seed represents children of the kingdom and seeds can only produce after its own kind. (See Genesis 1:11-12)
People can only reproduce after the seed inside them. So God sent Jesus into the world to sow His seed in us. With His seed in us, we can now walk the way Jesus walked. We can walk now the way God intended for us in this life. In other words, this happens when we become born again or children of the kingdom through Jesus. (Want to read more about this parable? Click here!)
Before we are born again we all are born with the seed of the devil. In other words the sin nature.
- Genesis 3:14-15 (KJV) And the LORD God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life: 15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.
Now that we have covered some groundwork with the scriptures let’s go back to Isaiah.
- Isaiah 55:10-13 (KJV) For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: 11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. 12 For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. 13 Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree: and it shall be to the LORD for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.
In other words, Jesus came down from heaven and can’t return to the Father without fulfilling the purpose He was sent for. Jesus is the sower of good seed in the earth. He is also the bread of life which came down from heaven to all who choose to eat. By doing this the whole earth will benefit.
People who choose to eat the bread of life will receive Jesus and His seed. That’s why God says a man shall not live by bread alone but by every Word (Jesus) that comes from the mouth of God.
- Matthew 4:4 (KJV) But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
- John 6:33-40 (KJV) For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world. 34 Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread. 35 And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. 36 But I said unto you, That ye also have seen me, and believe not. 37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. 38 For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. 39 And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. 40 And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.
- John 6:50-51 (KJV) This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. 51 I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.
- John 6:53-58 (KJV) Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. 54 Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. 55 For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. 56 He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him. 57 As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me. 58 This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever.
Again seed can only reproduce after its own kind. (See Genesis 1:11-12) God knew this from the beginning that’s why Jesus was crucified from the foundation of the world.
- Revelation 13:8-9 (KJV) And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. 9 If any man have an ear, let him hear.
- 1 Peter 1:19-21 (KJV) But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: 20 Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, 21 Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.
- Ephesians 1:4-5 (KJV) According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: 5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
God set a plan in place before the foundation of the world. That involves Jesus being sent to give His life for us to remove our sin. This means when we receive Jesus, we are forgiven of our sins and now blameless in God’s eyes. God sees us now through the finished work of Christ and we are considered sons just like Jesus.
Another way this could be said is like this. Every man is born with a corruptible seed (sin-nature). However, when man believes and receives God’s Word (Jesus) they receive the incorruptible seed which is Jesus. God replaces the sin nature with the very same nature Jesus had and they receive eternal life and take after Jesus’s seed.
Here are some more scriptures which reference the main reason Jesus was the Word sent from the Father. He came to save us from death and give us life. Freely we have received freely we give.
- John 5:24 (KJV) Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.
John 17:14-21 (KJV) I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 15 I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. 16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. 18 As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. 19 And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. 20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; 21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
Above it states “the truth”. Truth is the person of Jesus Christ and also the words that He speaks.
- John 14:6 (KJV) Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Knowing this let’s read that again and translate.
- John 17:14-21 (KJV) I have given them Myself (Jesus); and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 15 I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. 16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them through thy truth: I am (Jesus) the truth. 18 As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. 19 And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. 20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word about me (Jesus); 21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
This is one of the main reasons Jesus came. To provide the world with the atonement of sins and everlasting life to all those who believe and call on His name. They become part of His family and are now children of the kingdom.
Another Reason Jesus (The Word) Was Sent
Another reason why God sent His Word is for His children to walk the earth the very same way He walked on earth. We are called to destroy the works of the devil wherever we go. What’s that look like? We are called to heal the sick, raise the dead and cast out devils. Freely we received and freely we should give. (See Matthew Chapter 10 and Luke Chapter 10)
God wants people to believe in His children’s Word about the gospel of Jesus so they can be saved as well.
We are called to share the Gospel and give the kingdom of God to the world. We are called to do the same works as Jesus when He was on the earth and greater works.
Let’s go back to Isaiah and see how this relates.
- Isaiah 55:10-13 (KJV) For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: 11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. 12 For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. 13 Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree: and it shall be to the LORD for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.
Scripture also states Jesus Is the prince of peace. Jesus is peace. As the children of God become manifest and we are lead forth by Jesus. Then the world and all creation will begin to reap the benefits of what Jesus already accomplished.
- Isaiah 9:6 (KJV) For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
- Colossians 1:25-29 (KJV) Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God; 26 Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: 27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: 28 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: 29 Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.
- Romans 8:19-22 (ISV) For the creation is eagerly awaiting the revelation of God’s children, 20 because the creation has become subject to futility, though not by anything it did. The one who subjected it did so in the certainty 21 that the creation itself would also be set free from corrupting bondage in order to share the glorious freedom of God’s children. 22 For we know that all the rest of creation has been groaning with the pains of childbirth up to the present time.
All creation is waiting for the children of God to be manifest. Christ is in us and wants to manifest Himself through us to everyone all around us. Even to creation itself.
What God Tells Us Won’t Come Back Void To Him Either
Now that we realize the main meaning of God’s word not returning to Him void. We can go onto the secondary meaning. The reason I say this is secondary is that without Jesus being sent and doing what He was sent for. The rest means nothing or isn’t possible. That’s the truth.
Jesus came to accomplished everything pertaining to true life and Godliness for us. Now we can take a look at some of these promises that have been giving to us through Him and how it won’t return back to God void.
- 2 Peter 1:3-4 (KJV) According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: 4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
- Isaiah 55:11 (KJV) So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.
God clearly has given us promises and these promises come through Jesus Christ.
- 2 Corinthians 1:19-20 (KJV) For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us, even by me and Silvanus and Timotheus, was not yea and nay, but in him was yea. 20 For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.
When we become born again through Jesus Christ He not only promises salvation and eternal life for us but also many other things. He wants us to receive all He paid for more than we want it. All that He paid for and promised us can’t return void but it will accomplish what He said. So since God can’t lie and only speaks the truth it should be easy to trust Him.
- Numbers 23:19 (KJV) God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?
- Hebrews 6:17-20 (KJV) Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath: 18 That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: 19 Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; 20 Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.
God didn’t make these things complicated. He made it simple through Jesus. Each and every promise isn’t possible without Jesus doing the work. So Jesus did the hard part. Now all He wants us to do is believe and Jesus even helps us with that.
- Hebrews 12:2 (KJV) Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
- Romans 12:3 (KJV) For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
- Acts 3:16 (KJV) And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.
God wants to help us receive all He has accomplished for us through His son Jesus. So what are some of these promises?
Some Of God’s Promises Through Jesus
These promises assume you are a born again believer through Jesus Christ.
- We now have eternal life. So we no longer need to fear death.
- Mark 10:30 (KJV) But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.
- John 3:16 (KJV) For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
- John 6:54 (KJV) Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.
- John 10:28 (KJV) And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
- John 17:2-3 (KJV) As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. 3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.
- Romans 6:23 (KJV) For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
- Titus 1:2 (KJV) In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;
- 1 John 2:25 (KJV) And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.
- 1 John 5:11 (KJV) And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
- The old man (sinful nature) is dead and no longer alive. We now have God’s nature and live life by His Spirit (Jesus Christ In Us)
- Romans 6:6-7 (KJV) Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. 7 For he that is dead is freed from sin.
- Romans 6:11 (KJV) Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
- Romans 8:10 (KJV) And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
- 2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV) Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
- Colossians 3:3 (KJV) For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
- Colossians 3:9-10 (KJV) Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; 10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:
- We no longer think according to the carnal mind cause we have the mind of Christ.
- Genesis 3:15 (KJV) And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.
- Ephesians 4:23 (KJV) And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
- Romans 8:5-7 (KJV) For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
- Romans 12:2 (KJV) And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
- Hebrews 4:12 (KJV) For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
- Romans 15:6 (KJV) That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
- 1 Corinthians 2:16 (KJV) For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.
- Philippians 2:5 (KJV) Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
- 2 Timothy 1:7 (KJV) For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
- 1 Peter 1:13 (KJV) Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
- 1 Peter 3:8 (KJV) Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:
- 1 Peter 4:1 (KJV) Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;
- We now have dominion over sin. Sin no longer has dominion over us. We don’t have to live a life in bondage to sin or the flesh.
- Genesis 4:7 (ISV) If you do what is appropriate, you’ll be accepted, won’t you? But if you don’t do what is appropriate, sin is crouching near your doorway, turning toward you. However, you must take dominion over it.
- Romans 6:14 (KJV) For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.
- Romans 6:17-18 (KJV) But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. 18 Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.
- Romans 8:2 (KJV) For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
- 1 John 2:1-2 (KJV) My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: 2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.
- We are forgiven once and for all sin. God no longer remembers our sin. He sees us righteous through Jesus Christ. He wants us to see ourselves this way.
- Hebrews 8:12 (KJV) For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.
- Hebrews 9:28 (KJV) So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.
- Hebrews 9:26-28 (KJV) For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. 27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: 28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.
- Hebrews 10:1-2 (KJV) For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect. 2 For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins.
- Hebrews 10:9-10 (KJV) Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second. 10 By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
- John 17:19 (KJV) And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.
- Hebrews 10:12 (KJV) But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;
- Hebrews 10:14 (KJV) For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.
- Hebrews 10:16-17 (KJV) This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; 17 And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.
- Colossians 2:13 (KJV) And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;
- We are promised physical healing on this earth through Jesus.
- Psalms 103:3 (KJV) Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;
- Isaiah 53:5 (KJV) But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
- 1 Peter 2:24 (KJV) Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
- Matthew 10:1 (KJV) And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.
- 1 John 4:17 (KJV) Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.
- Jesus isn’t sick. So we don’t have to be either in this world.
- We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. Whatever we set our hands to will prosper.
- Genesis 39:3 (KJV) And his master saw that the LORD was with him, and that the LORD made all that he did to prosper in his hand.
- Deuteronomy 29:9 (KJV) Keep therefore the words of this covenant, and do them, that ye may prosper in all that ye do.
- Philippians 4:13 (KJV) I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
- 2 Corinthians 2:14 (KJV) Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.
- Psalms 90:17 (KJV) And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it.
- We can walk the same way Jesus walked while on earth. We can heal the sick, raise the dead, cast out devils and set the captives free. We give people the kingdom of God and spread the gospel.
- Matthew 10:1 (KJV) And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.
- Matthew 10:7-8 (KJV) And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. 8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.
- Luke 9:1-2 (KJV) Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases. 2 And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick.
- Luke 10:8-9 (KJV) And into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you: 9 And heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.
- John 14:12-13 (KJV) Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. 13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
- John 17:20-21 (KJV) Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; 21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
- 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 (KJV) And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
- We can speak in new tongues by faith.
- Luke 24:49 (KJV) And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.
- John 7:38-39 (KJV) He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. 39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)
- Acts 2:4 (KJV) And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
- Acts 2:38-39 (KJV) Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. 39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.
- Acts 19:6 (KJV) And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
- We can all prophesy and operate in the gifts of the Spirit by the Holy Spirit.
- 1 Corinthians 12:1 (KJV) Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.
- 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 (KJV) Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. 8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; 9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; 10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: 11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
- 1 Corinthians 14:31 (KJV) For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.
- Acts 2:17-18 (KJV) And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: 18 And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:
- We are promised persecution for being righteous but God can turn any situation around for our good.
- John 15:18-21 (KJV) If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. 19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. 20 Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. 21 But all these things will they do unto you for my name’s sake, because they know not him that sent me.
- Matthew 5:11 (KJV) Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
- Matthew 5:44 (KJV) But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
- Matthew 10:23 (KJV) But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come.
- Luke 21:12-15 (KJV) But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name’s sake. 13 And it shall turn to you for a testimony. 14 Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer: 15 For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.
- Romans 12:14 (KJV) Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.
- Romans 8:36-37 (KJV) As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
- Romans 8:28 (KJV) And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
- God wants to bless us financially as well.
- Genesis 13:2 (KJV) And Abram was very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold.
- Galatians 3:14 (KJV) That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
- Proverbs 10:22 (KJV) The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.
- Deuteronomy 14:25 (KJV) Then shalt thou turn it into money, and bind up the money in thine hand, and shalt go unto the place which the LORD thy God shall choose:
- 1 Chronicles 29:3 (KJV) Moreover, because I have set my affection to the house of my God, I have of mine own proper good, of gold and silver, which I have given to the house of my God, over and above all that I have prepared for the holy house,
- 1 Chronicles 29:12 (KJV) Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all.
- Psalms 105:37 (KJV) He brought them forth also with silver and gold: and there was not one feeble person among their tribes.
- Psalms 105:44 (KJV) And gave them the lands of the heathen: and they inherited the labour of the people;
- Psalms 112:3 (KJV) Wealth and riches shall be in his house: and his righteousness endureth for ever.
- Proverbs 3:9-10 (KJV) Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: 10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.
- Proverbs 13:22 (KJV) A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children’s children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.
- Luke 6:38 (KJV) Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.
- 2 Corinthians 9:6-10 (KJV) But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. 7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: 9 (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever. 10 Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;)
These are just some promises given through Jesus Christ. There are even more promises that Jesus accomplished for us that’s throughout scripture so do not be limited to what is mentioned above.
Basically, I wanted to give some verses on some promises that God mentions so you can be blessed. This is what His word says and since He can’t lie we should trust Him so these can be manifested not only in our lives but others all around us.
Why Some Think His Promises Can Come Back Void
Let’s be real some people (even some believers) think God doesn’t do certain promises today. But why? Well, most likely they heard the Word but when the Word didn’t manifest the way they thought it should. Then they came to some other conclusion to help them with what they experienced.
There are only two types of situations where things don’t seem to happen or manifest for a “believer”.
- Their own unbelief.
- Matthew 17:19-20 (KJV) Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out? 20 And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.
- Luke 17:5-6 (KJV) And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith. 6 And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you.
- Hebrews 3:12 (KJV) Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.
- Hebrews 3:18-19 (KJV) And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not? 19 So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.
- Hebrews 4:6 (KJV) Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief:
- Hebrews 4:10-11 (KJV) For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. 11 Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.
- James 1:6-8 (KJV) But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. 7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. 8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.
- Matthew 21:22 (KJV) And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.
- When you believe, you receive.
- They didn’t ask God or they ask amiss. Amiss, as in asking God to do something He will not or can’t do. Also asking in a way God did not approve. Amiss could also mean praying to a false god thinking something will happen.
- James 4:2-3 (ISV) You want something but do not get it, so you commit murder. You covet something but cannot obtain it, so you quarrel and fight. You do not get things because you do not ask for them! 3 You ask for something but do not get it because you ask for it for the wrong reason—for your own pleasure.
- John 15:7 (KJV) If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
- John 16:23-24 (KJV) And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. 24 Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.
- Matthew 7:7-8 (KJV) Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: 8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
- Matthew 20:20-23 (KJV) Then came to him the mother of Zebedee’s children with her sons, worshipping him, and desiring a certain thing of him. 21 And he said unto her, What wilt thou? She saith unto him, Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on the left, in thy kingdom. 22 But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They say unto him, We are able. 23 And he saith unto them, Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with: but to sit on my right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my Father.
- Matthew 21:22 (KJV) And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.
- Mark 11:22 (KJV) And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.
- Notice it’s not having faith in other false gods or other sources.
As you can see above these are the two scenarios that some believers encounter. The problem is some believers don’t realize it’s because of one of these two reasons they are not seeing God’s promise manifest in their life. Let me give you an example.
I have encountered certain believers that have prayed for the sick but the person didn’t get healed. They then make certain statements such as “well it wasn’t God’s will for them to be healed.” Sometimes they say “The other person wasn’t in faith.” Another may say, “I tried multiple time but they never get healed. That’s just not my gifting”
Usually, when I hear these types of statements I ask the believer can you show me in scripture where it says that? Either they can’t show me any scriptures or they bring up a far fetched interpretation that is out of context. I then get the pleasure to talk to them about those verses they may have struggled with.
One of the things I love about Jesus is He is a straight shooter when it comes to the truth. He doesn’t compromise truth but He will help the person understand the truth.
Let me give you an example where Jesus didn’t compromise the truth. However, He demonstrated the answer and even told the disciples why it didn’t work for them.
- Matthew 17:14-21 (KJV) And when they were come to the multitude, there came to him a certain man, kneeling down to him, and saying, 15 Lord, have mercy on my son: for he is lunatick, and sore vexed: for ofttimes he falleth into the fire, and oft into the water. 16 And I brought him to thy disciples, and they could not cure him. 17 Then Jesus answered and said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him hither to me. 18 And Jesus rebuked the devil; and he departed out of him: and the child was cured from that very hour. 19 Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out? 20 And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. 21 Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.
There is a valuable lesson to be learned here for all believers. Up until this point the disciples have been walking with Jesus and they have been healing the sick and casting out devils in the name of Jesus successfully. However this time it didn’t work.
What’s interesting is they didn’t come up with an excuse as to why it didn’t happen. They didn’t say “well maybe it wasn’t God’s will”. That wouldn’t make sense cause Jesus did it. However, they knew where to find the real answer why and that’s the Word aka Jesus. Jesus didn’t sugar coat it but He answered them truthfully and said the reason you couldn’t do it was because of your unbelief.
At this point, the disciples could have said: “you don’t know what you’re talking about we have faith!” They didn’t say that though or get offended. They didn’t make an excuse. They took what Jesus said to heart and continued with Him. They clearly got over that hurdle cause in the book of acts they were healing the sick and casting out demons.
The issue is if we make some sort of excuse then we will never address the real reason why the mountain didn’t move in the first place. Then things will continue to not happen. So always go back to scripture and trust His Word over whatever experience you may have had until your experience begins to line up with what His Word says. That’s how things begin to manifest in the kingdom through Jesus. It’s by faith in the messiah.
Jesus Will Help Us With Faith And Believing For His Promises Made To Us
Part of the good news is God will help us to believe Him and trust His Word. Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith. Above I spoke about the boy possessed with a demon that the disciples had trouble casting out. However, Jesus did it easily.
What’s interesting is they were all in unbelief. Even the father of the child didn’t believe. Look at the father’s statement in another gospel.
- Mark 9:21-24 (ISV) Then Jesus asked his father, “How long has this been happening to him?” He said, “Since he was a child. 22 The spirit has often thrown him into fire and into water to destroy him. But if you are able to do anything, have pity on us and help us!” 23 Jesus told him, “‘If you are able?’ Everything is possible for the person who believes!” 24 With tears flowing, the child’s father at once cried out, “I do believe! Help my unbelief!
- James 1:6-8 (KJV) But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. 7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. 8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.
- Hebrews 12:2 (KJV) Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
The boy’s father wanted to have faith and help his son. He knew he was in a desperate situation and had no other options. Although no one here had faith to believe for this child there was still one that did have faith. His name is Jesus. Jesus used His faith to set the boy free. By doing so He not only sparked faith and hope for the father. He also did for the disciples as well by showing them what real faith looks like.
Thank God for Jesus and His Spirit helping us. Without Him, we would have no clue whats going on.
So as you can see there are two meanings about the word of God coming back to Him void. Whether it be the primary of Jesus being the Word sent and not returning to the Father void or the promises God has given to us. Either way, they can’t come back void & that’s the truth. We could continue talking more and more about this subject but for now, this is enough.
I hope this post has blessed you and has opened your eyes to a new reality that God wants to show you. Take it back to God and ask Him about it. See what other scriptures He may reveal to you on the same subject!
Bible Scripture Reference
- God’s Word Won’t Return to Him Void. It’s Not What You Think.
- Isaiah 55:11
- Jesus Is The Word Sent That Won’t Return Void
- Isaiah 55:11
- John 1:1-2
- John 1:14
- Luke 6:45
- Proverbs 18:20-21
- John 8:42-43
- Titus 1:2
- John 14:6
- Scriptures That Help Explain Isaiah And Why The Word AKA Jesus Sent
- Isaiah 55:10-13
- Luke 8:11
- Mark 4:13-14
- Matthew 13:37-39
- Genesis 1:11-12
- Genesis 3:14-15
- Isaiah 55:10-13
- Matthew 4:4
- John 6:33-40
- John 6:50-51
- John 6:53-58
- Revelation 13:8-9
- 1 Peter 1:19-21
- Ephesians 1:4-5
- John 5:24
- John 17:14-21
- John 14:6
- John 17:14-21
- Another Reason Jesus (The Word) Was Sent
- Matthew Chapter 10 and Luke Chapter 10
- Isaiah 55:10-13
- Isaiah 9:6
- Colossians 1:25-29
- Romans 8:19-22
- What God Tells Us Won’t Come Back Void To Him Either
- 2 Peter 1:3-4
- Isaiah 55:11
- 2 Corinthians 1:19-20
- Numbers 23:19
- Hebrews 6:17-20
- Hebrews 12:2
- Romans 12:3
- Acts 3:16
- Some of God’s Promises Through Jesus
- Mark 10:30
- John 3:16
- John 6:54
- John 10:28
- John 17:2-3
- Romans 6:23
- Titus 1:2
- 1 John 2:25
- 1 John 5:11
- Romans 6:6
- Romans 6:11
- Romans 8:10
- 2 Corinthians 5:17
- Colossians 3:3
- Colossians 3:9-10
- Genesis 3:15
- Ephesians 4:23
- Romans 8:5-7
- Romans 12:2
- Hebrews 4:12
- Romans 15:6
- 1 Corinthians 2:16
- Philippians 2:5
- 2 Timothy 1:7
- 1 Peter 1:13
- 1 Peter 3:8
- 1 Peter 4:1
- Genesis 4:7
- Romans 6:14
- Romans 6:17-18
- Romans 8:2
- 1 John 2:1-2
- Hebrews 8:12
- Hebrews 9:28
- Hebrews 9:26-28
- Hebrews 10:1-2
- Hebrews 10:9-10
- John 17:19
- Hebrews 10:12
- Hebrews 10:14
- Hebrews 10:16-17
- Colossians 2:13
- Psalms 103:3
- Isaiah 53:5
- 1 Peter 2:24
- Matthew 10:1
- 1 John 4:17
- Genesis 39:3
- Deuteronomy 29:9
- Philippians 4:13
- 2 Corinthians 2:14
- Psalms 90:17
- Matthew 10:1
- Matthew 10:7-8
- Luke 9:1-2
- Luke 10:8-9
- John 14:12-13
- John 17:20-21
- 2 Corinthians 5:18-19
- Luke 24:49
- John 7:38-39
- Acts 2:4
- Acts 2:38-39
- Acts 19:6
- 1 Corinthians 12:1
- 1 Corinthians 12:4-11
- 1 Corinthians 14:31
- Acts 2:17-18
- John 15:18-21
- Matthew 5:11
- Matthew 5:44
- Matthew 10:23
- Luke 21:12-15
- Romans 12:14
- Romans 8:36-37
- Romans 8:28
- Genesis 13:2
- Galatians 3:14
- Proverbs 10:22
- Deuteronomy 14:25
- 1 Chronicles 29:3
- 1 Chronicles 29:12
- Psalms 105:37
- Psalms 105:44
- Psalms 112:3
- Proverbs 3:9-10
- Proverbs 13:22
- Luke 6:38
- 2 Corinthians 9:6-10
- Why Some Think His Promises Can Come Back Void
- Matthew 17:19-20
- Luke 17:5-6
- Hebrews 3:12
- Hebrews 3:18-19
- Hebrews 4:6
- Hebrews 4:10-11
- James 1:6-8
- James 4:2-3
- John 15:7
- John 16:23-24
- Matthew 7:7-8
- Matthew 20:20-23
- Matthew 21:22
- Matthew 17:14-21
- Jesus Will Help Us With Faith And Believing For His Promises Made To Us
- Mark 9:21-24
- James 1:6-8
- Hebrews 12:2
Be Blessed In Jesus Name
It’s my heart’s desire to be able to do ministry full time by the grace of God! It would be impossible without the Lord’s help but with God this is possible. Jesus freely gave and also had people who partnered with Him. By you partnering with the Lord Jesus Christ in this ministry it will help free up time for me to pour into resources to help the body of Christ! Here are some things I plan on doing to help the body of Christ by the Holy Spirit.
- Writing blog posts/books/Christian resources
- Create video-based content on various platforms/social media to help, teach, and encourage the body of Christ
- Create Christian-based applications/programs and possibly games
- And more! etc…
That being said perhaps you can’t donate at this moment but still want to support what God is doing in some way. If so you can bless this ministry by following JesusBelieverJD on any of the social media platforms or joining the newsletter. There is a lot of good news to be spread about Jesus and the Kingdom of God and it would be a tremendous blessing to this ministry if you’re able to share these resources continually with others!
✝️ Please Share This Ministry With Your Family, Friends, And Throughout Your Social Media Network Today. 🙏😌
👉 You Can Support What God Is Doing In This Ministry On Social Media By Giving Likes, Commenting, Inviting Others To Check Out The Content, And By Following! This Helps The Algorithm Get This Bible Based Content About Jesus To Others!
👉 Ask God About Donating/Giving Here And What You’re Able To Give/Sow Cheerfully! If You’re Unable To Give Cheerfully Here Then Please Take That Seed And Support Another Member Of The Body Of Christ Based On God’s Leading.
👉 Subscribe To The JesusBelieverJD Newsletter As Well To Stay Up To Date!
👉 Checkout The JesusBelieverJD Store!
👉 Thank You & Be Blessed In Jesus Name! 🙏 😌 👍 ✝️ 🙌
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