Do We Know What God Said?

I often hear this verse quoted in church: “For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen . . .” (2 Cor. 1:20). Not only do I hear fellow Christians quote it, but I myself do as well. It’s a verse that inspires us to hope for the best and believe for the right outcomes. However, though we often quote it, I’m not sure if we’ve really digested the verse’s central claim.

It begins talking about “the promises of God.” Here’s my question: What are the promises of God? To what is the apostle Paul referring when he uses that phrase?

For most of us, we answer by stating God’s promises in general terms: salvation, healing, deliverance, provision, mercy, etc. We tend to summarise God’s promises by describing His basic attitude toward man as kind and benevolent. Thus, when we quote 2 Corinthians 1:20, we invoke the sweeping benefits of serving Him. Rather than worrying too much about specific things God has said, it’s easier to encourage our hearts with the cliff notes.

However, what if Paul meant for us to think a bit more clearly and specifically than that? What if there is something more than generalised, positive sentiment, but specific, concrete actions God has promised to do?

Several years ago, I began to read the Old Testament prophets much more attentively. As I did, I was overwhelmed with this simple reality: God has made a lot of promises. There is a lot that God has promised to do, and a lot of those things have not yet happened in our world. When I compare what He said then to what I see now, there is an obvious gap.

Sometimes, that observation can be uncomfortable to make. Part of me responds, “But God has already fulfilled all of His promises through Jesus. The promises are now available by faith.” Reasoning with myself, I partially agree with that principle, but another part of me argues something different. In Romans 15:8, Paul writes, “Now I say that Jesus Christ has become a servant to the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made to the fathers . . .” (emphasis added). In this verse, Paul claims that God has confirmed His promises through Jesus. That is different than fulfilled His promises. A confirmation is a guarantee to do them. However, the full and final version of the promises is not among us.

Earlier in Romans, Paul indicates that we are still waiting on God to do something in the future. He indicates this through his description on hope. Romans 5:24, 25 says, “For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.” In these verses, Paul explains that the presence of hope itself means that something is coming that you don’t yet see. Otherwise, you wouldn’t need hope.

In no way am I disagreeing with the verse I began this blog with. God’s promises in Jesus are certainly yes and amen. What I believe that means, though, is partial fulfilment now and final fulfilment later. There are certain things God has promised, and they have not yet happened. However, in Christ, God has made a fresh commitment to do all of them. Do we know what those things are?

I encourage you to begin a fresh journey of Bible study. Venture into the prophets. Consider reading one of the Old Testament books, ranging from Isaiah to Malachi. As you do, ask, “Has God done this, yet?” Sometimes, the answer will be, “Yes, He did it before Jesus.” Sometimes, it will be, “Yes, He did in through Jesus in the Gospels.” Sometimes, your answer will be, “Not yet, but God will do it through Jesus in the future.” When you find a promise that fits into the third category, pay special attention to it. Why? Because it’s part of the hope Paul expects us to have within our hearts. And it’s a part of the story in which you live.