The Narrow Path Ministries

This question is for the evangelical Christians on the board. No disrespect to the more liberal among us but I don't want the discussion to drift from the proposed topic.

How does one determine whether or not a given passage can be held as a promise to all God's people or if it's a singular vow? I have one particular bible that highlights every promise given by God and many of these are found in the Psalms, even in places that don't sound like universal promises. I feel this is a very important topic for those of us who want to claim a promise of scripture during difficult times.

excellent question!

if you remember, in the movie "facing the giants" the "praying man" gave a "word" to the embittered coach from Rev 3:8: I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name

while watching the movie, i was wondering if this was a legitimate "word" given the context of the original statement. i realize it was just a movie, but this sort of thing goes on quite frequently in our churches.

i can't really answer your question specifically; however, the general principle involved might be that since God doesnt change, then specific promises he made to persons in certain situations in the past may just as equally be given to us when we are in similar situations.

TK

How does one determine whether or not a given passage can be held as a promise to all God's people or if it's a singular vow? I have one particular bible that highlights every promise given by God and many of these are found in the Psalms, even in places that don't sound like universal promises. I feel this is a very important topic for those of us who want to claim a promise of scripture during difficult times.



Since God is not a respecter of persons i think his promises would typically be for everyone unless it's never repeated in scripture or if the context is clearly specific.
Do you want to discuss any promises?

Hi, fellas. Thanks for the response.

Steve, I'm not really looking at a specific passage but a more general principle or category of scriptures. Like Tk, I've also seen passages used in such a way as to make me scratch my head, though this doesn't mean I'm correct and they're wrong.

If it would help to cite a more specific group of passages we can stick to the book of Pslams, since it's the most quoted book on promises. How do we know whether a Pslam is a promise or simply a poetic praise of God?

If it would help to cite a more specific group of passages we can stick to the book of Pslams, since it's the most quoted book on promises. How do we know whether a Pslam is a promise or simply a poetic praise of God?


The first one from Psalms that comes to my mind is "the Angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear the Lord" Psalm 91. So i claim or ask for this promise to protect my family. Is it absolute? Maybe not but it's there and i choose to believe that it's applicable to anyone who believes because that's my default position, however i don't test God in the sense that should calamity strike, my faith would be devastated.

I tend to agree with Steve-- it seems that unless the context demands that a promise is case specific, then we should be able to find comfort in (if not "claim") the promise when we are in similar circumstances.

TK

Psalm 91 also strikes me as a direct promise of God to all who fear him. I can't see that one being amended for any contextual reasons. Good one.