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October 26, 1998, Monday
Will I receive all of God's promises in my lifetime? Who
is God's chosen nation and people? Does God have a favored
person status or favored nation status? Can you name a time
that any promise of God has ever failed?
The writer of the Hebrews tells us that many of the early
believers were martyred and apparently did not receive an
earthly promise: "And all these, having obtained a good
testimony through faith, did not receive the promise"
(Heb 11:39). However with more careful observation,
we see that not all of God's promises are received in this
lifetime and that God considered the world not worthy
of individuals who would stand up against what is not
right in the world. John tells us that the believer has
this assurance: "And this is the promise that He has
promised us--eternal life" (1John 2:25).
The Scripture tells us that Israel was a favored nation
because of His intent to bless the nations through Israel.
God reckoned rigteousness to the Father of Israel, Abraham,
because he had faith in God. God refers to His favored nation
as one that is Spiritual Israel. Paul tells us that at one time
every person was outside that of that realm: "That once you
were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth
of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise,
having no hope and without God in the world" (Eph 2:12).
Paul further explains that God's purpose is for every
person to have a favored status; that they would have
an inheritance as a citizen in that Spiritual Country:
"That the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same
body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through
the gospel" (Eph 3:6). God does not respect any person,
but offers His grace and pardon freely to all who will
repent and follow Him. His favored nation status goes
to the one that will honor and obey Him.
Let us remember who is the God that never breaks His
promise. God's name is Jehová El Berith. Jehová El Berith
makes covenants, contracts, pacts, and agreements. His
terms and His word are irrevocable. The Psalmist knew
the strength of that promise and declared, "I will praise
You as long as I live, and in Your Name I will lift up my
hands" (Psa 63:4). Raise your hands to Him and Praise
Him today for His all of His promises that have not
failed in your life!
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