Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and ImportanceIn the biblical context, making promises is a solemn act that involves committing oneself to a course of action or a declaration of intent. Promises are significant in the Bible as they reflect one's integrity and faithfulness, both to God and to others. The act of making and keeping promises is deeply rooted in the character of God, who is depicted as faithful and true to His word.
Biblical Examples and TeachingsThe Bible contains numerous examples and teachings regarding the making and keeping of promises. One of the most notable examples is God's covenant with Abraham, where God promises to make Abraham the father of many nations (
Genesis 17:4-5). This promise is foundational to the narrative of the Israelites and demonstrates God's unwavering faithfulness.
In the New Testament, Jesus emphasizes the importance of integrity in speech and promises. In
Matthew 5:37 , Jesus instructs, "But let your statement be, ‘Yes, yes’ or ‘No, no’; anything beyond these comes from the evil one." This teaching underscores the importance of honesty and straightforwardness in making commitments.
Human Promises and VowsThe Bible also addresses human promises and vows, highlighting the seriousness with which they should be made. In
Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 , it is written, "When you make a vow to God, do not delay in fulfilling it, because He takes no pleasure in fools. Fulfill your vow. It is better not to vow than to make a vow and not fulfill it." This passage warns against making rash promises and emphasizes the importance of fulfilling one's commitments.
The account of Jephthah in
Judges 11:30-39 serves as a cautionary tale about making hasty vows. Jephthah makes a vow to the Lord, promising to offer as a burnt offering whatever comes out of his house to meet him if he is victorious in battle. Tragically, his daughter is the first to greet him, illustrating the potential consequences of making impulsive promises.
God's PromisesGod's promises are a central theme throughout the Bible, providing assurance and hope to believers. In
2 Peter 1:4 , it is stated, "Through these He has given us His precious and magnificent promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, now that you have escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires." God's promises are depicted as reliable and a source of strength for the faithful.
The promise of salvation through Jesus Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises. In
John 3:16 , the promise of eternal life is given: "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." This promise is central to Christian faith and underscores the trustworthiness of God's word.
Moral and Ethical ImplicationsThe act of making promises carries moral and ethical implications for believers. Christians are called to reflect God's faithfulness in their own lives by being truthful and reliable in their commitments. In
James 5:12 , believers are admonished, "Above all, my brothers, do not swear, not by heaven or earth or by any other oath. Simply let your ‘Yes’ be yes, and your ‘No,’ no, so that you will not fall under judgment."
The biblical perspective on making promises encourages believers to be thoughtful and deliberate in their commitments, recognizing the weight of their words and the importance of maintaining integrity in all aspects of life.
Topical Bible Verses
James 5:12But above all things, my brothers, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yes be yes; and your no, no; lest you fall into condemnation.
Topicalbible.orgMatthew 5:33-37
Again, you have heard that it has been said by them of old time, You shall not forswear yourself, but shall perform to the Lord your oaths:
Topicalbible.org
Library
What is Your Word Worth?
... We ought to be honest inmaking ourpromises.... Be honest inmaking promises; be honest
in fulfilling them. Fidelity toPromises. Do not make too manypromises....
Psalm XL.
... 1130] unfitting at the time; incongruous. You are stillmaking promises; I
have already received! There has remained to them a certain...
Other Graces Bestowed on the Saint. ThePromises of Our Lord to...
... ThePromises of Our Lord to Her.... for the purpose of distressing those who in a short
time have made greater progress than we have made, bymaking them retrace...
Promises and Threatenings
... unless our hearts are right, and it is as vain to labour atmaking our hearts... in
verse 5, but it was only the beginning, and, like all God'spromises, it was...
God'sPromises Tests
... 'Having thesepromises, dearly beloved!... short-lived anticipations which do not look
beyond the end of next week are far less operative inmaking strong and...
Making Light of Christ
... of faith, and hope, and love; thou makest light of all thepromises of the... remember,
when you make light of the gospel, you aremaking light of the masterpiece...
On CounterPromises.
... a sort of Jewish sense, drawing from them nothing worthy of the divinepromises....
holy in mind, and more practised in perception, he will, bymaking more rapid...
From the Two Books on thePromises.
... epistles of the apostles, and who have also made largepromises [616] regarding... its
expressions by the standard of my own reason, but,making more allowance...
ThePromises of the Law and the Gospel Reconciled.
... 2. For this reason, thepromises offered in the law would all be null and... Thus David
aftermaking mention of the reward which the Lord has prepared for his...
The Truth of God
... II. God's truth, as it is taken from his veracity inmaking good hispromises. There
has not failed one word of all his good promise.' I Kings 8:56....
Resources
What are the biblical principles for solid decision-making? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about decision-making? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did the Prophet Elisha curse the “youths” for making fun of his baldness (2 Kings 2:23-24)? | GotQuestions.orgMaking: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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