According to Bible Gate-way there are 5,467 promises made by God in the Bible, including the ones given to us by faith in Christ: The gifts of the Holy Spirit, of eternal life, the resurrection of our bodies, the forgiveness of our sins, the presence, peace, joy, and knowledge of God. All these benefits and more are ours when we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior. Years ago, God made a promise to King Solomon that was conditional—it depended on him and his people keeping the covenant God made with them. Solomon had built the Temple and asked God to put His name there and answer the prayers of those who looked toward the Temple. Here is God’s reply to Solomon from 1 Kings chapter 9: “I have heard your prayer and your petition. I have set this Temple apart to be holy. I will always watch over it, for it is dear to my heart.” ‘But if you or your descendants abandon me … serve and worship other gods … then I will uproot Israel from this land that I have given them.’” Some of God’s promises are unconditional. They are ours when we accept Jesus Christ by faith. But some other promises of God are conditional. We experience their full benefit only as we trust and obey Him.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr. is the founder and chairman of UMI (Urban Ministries, Inc.). Under his direction, UMI has grown to be a leading publisher of Christian education resources for churches in the African American community. Read More
