Inheriting the Promises

by R. J. Evans

“And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises”  (Heb. 6:12).

God has “given to us exceedingly great and precious promises” (2 Pet. 1:4). But God’s promises are conditional.  God has promised and is able to save us “to the uttermost” (Heb. 7:25), but we must obey His gospel and be faithful until death (Rev. 2:10) in order to be saved. While on earth, Jesus stated: “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven” (Matt. 7:21). The necessity of obeying the gospel so that we will receive the promise of salvation becomes evident when we consider the eternal consequence of failing to do so. Please consider the words of the Apostle Paul as he speaks of what will happen when the Lord returns— “And to give you who are trouble rest with us when  the  Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ”
(2 Thess 1:7-8).

How can we make sure that we obtain all the many wonderful things which God has promised us? Our text provides us with two necessities: Faith and Patience. 

First, let us consider the importance of faith in obtaining that which God has promised. Faith is so important, because as the Hebrew writer says: “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him”
(Heb. 11:6). In this great chapter of faith (Hebrews 11), example after example is given of those, who by faith, met and obeyed God’s instructions and conditions, and as a result, received the promises given by the Lord. For example, “By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac and he who had received the promises offered up his only begotten son”  (Heb. 11:17).

Thus, the kind of faith that pleases God is a living, active, obedient faith. Giving a mere mental agreement or consent to the fact that God exists is not enough. James said it this way: “You believe that there is one God.  You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble”  (Jas. 2:19). He goes on to tell us— “You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only” (Jas. 2:24). Thus, we are saved by a comprehensive faith—a faith that does all that God has commanded.

In James 1:5, the Lord promises wisdom to those who need it.  But there is more to the promise than simply asking.  The next two verses give us the importance of faith in receiving the promise— “But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.  For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord”  (Jas. 1:6-7). Therefore, having faith  that God will do what He has promised, has something to do with obtaining what He has promised.

Patience is also needed in obtaining what God has promised.  The Apostle Paul said that we “through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope” (Rom. 15:4). Too often, we lose patience and give up too quickly. This is clearly brought out in Hebrews 10:36: “For you have need of patience, that, after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise.” Paul stressed this when he said, “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart” (Gal. 6:9). If we, therefore, give up before God sends His blessings, we will miss them. When we get frustrated and discouraged, we need to be reminded of the inspired words of James: “My brethren take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord as an example of suffering and patience.  Indeed, we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the patience of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord—that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful” (Jas. 5:10-11).

Yes, God has promised us some wonderful blessings.  The ultimate of all blessings will be—Heaven!  May we all have faith and patience enough to obtain them. We close with the words of the Apostle John: “Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus”  (Rev. 14:12). May we ever strive to be of that number here on earth who have—faith and patience.

 

Other Articles by R. J. Evans

Envy and Jealousy
I Am Praying For You
The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire
Responding to Our Enemies