Articles
According Promise
We find many teachings in the New Testament revealing the plan God has designed and given to save us from sin. There is a statement used several times in different letters explaining the plan God made for us. In the Galatian letter we find these words: "THE PROMISE OF THE SPIRIT THROUGH FAITH." So let us consider several places this 'PROMISE OF THE SPIRIT" is mentioned for us.
"Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for us -- for it is written, "CURSED IS EVERY ONE WHO HANGS ON A TREE--" in order that In Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the PROMISE OF THE SPIRIT THROUGH FAITH." (Galatians 3:13,14)
"Therefore having been exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father THE PROMISE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, He has poured forth this which you both see and hear." (Acts 2:33)
God's plan was put in place by the work of the Holy Spirit, empowered by Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection, and preached by the Apostles and early Christians.
That all began in about 33AD when the Gospel was first preached and obeyed by many Jews on the day of Pentecost. (Acts 1,2)
"Therefore let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ---this Jesus whom you crucified". Now when they heard this, they were pierced to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Brethren, what shall we do?" And Peter said to the, "Repent and let each of you be baptized in the name Oof Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of our sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" For the PROMISE is for you and our children, and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord your God shall call to Himself." (Acts 2:36-39)
When we refer back to the promises given to Abraham in Genesis twelve, we find the promise God made to save all mankind through his seed, that is through his lineage.
"And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed" (Genesis 12:3f)
"Now the promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. He does not say, "And to SEEDS
I apologize for prematurely sending out today's message. May I please add this to what was sent.
"Now the promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. "He does not say, AND TO SEEDS, as referring to many, but rather to one, AND TO YOUR SEED, that is, Christ. What I am saying is this" the Law, which came four hundred and thirty years later, doe not invalidate a covenant previously ratified by God, so to nullify THE PROMISE." (Galatians 3:16,17)
Later in this same chapter we read: "But the Scripture has shut up all men under sin, that THE PROMISE BY FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST might be given to those who believe." (Galatians 3:22)
"There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you ARE ALL ONE IN CHRIST JESUS. And if you belong to Christ you are Abraham's offspring, HEIRS ACCORDING TO PROMISE." (Galatians 3:28,29)
We see the promise made long ago to Abraham was completed through Jesus Christ and given in the Gospel plan by way of the Holy Spirit. That plan and promise we have today just as it was on the day of Pentecost in Acts chapter two. When its obeyed today it produces the same results as it did then -- Christians, believers, saints, those who follow the teachings of our Lord and Savior. What a wonderful plan, and promise made by the God of heaven. We have surely been blessed in the most wonderful way.
ROSS
