30 Reassuring Promises From God’s Word

We’re living in unsettling times. Politics and economies are volatile; natural disasters and disease outbreaks affect millions; fear is a pandemic. It’s time for a change! While we cannot always alter our circumstances, let’s determine to transform our hearts, minds, and relationships through a renewed perspective of Christ’s imminent return and eternal promises. These powerful promises are straight from God’s Word, and they contain practical applications for daily life.

SIX PROMISES THAT WILL TRANSFORM YOUR HEART

The Promise of God’s Love

God demonstrated His love for us by giving the most extravagant gift possible—the life of His Son. Jesus accepted our punishment, paid the price for our sins, and then offered us the new life He bought for us. He willingly gave up the comforts of heaven so that we might receive God’s love. This world will disappoint us, but God’s love never will. The promise of His love is available to everyone at no additional cost; our only burden is to accept it.

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. (John 3:16–17)

The Promise of Forgiveness

Just as a shepherd will search the hills for one lost sheep, God pursues every human being He has created. The Hound of Heaven is an 1890 poem by Francis Thompson that describes the Lord’s relentless pursuit of our soul. It begins, “I fled Him, down the nights and down the days; I fled Him, down the arches of the years; I fled Him, down the labyrinthe ways of my own mind; and in the mist of tears I hid from Him, and under running laughter.” God loves us with intense passion and yearns to bring us back into the fold of His protection and forgiveness.

If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety–nine and go to the mountains to seek the one that is straying? And if he should find it, assuredly, I say to you, he rejoices more over that sheep than over the ninety–nine that did not go astray. Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish. (Matthew 18:12–14)

The Promise of Purpose

Are you collapsing under the weight of your responsibilities? When we give our schedule and burdens to Jesus, He promises to replace our stress with rest. We will still have work to do, but if we live each day in His presence, we will experience rejuvenation and refreshment. By aligning our priorities with His, even the most wearisome work will transform into a meaningful, God–ordained mission.

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light. (Matthew 11:28–30)

The Promise of Instruction

Jesus gave the disciples a promise to encourage them in their ministry and ensure the New Testament’s validity: the Holy Spirit would help them remember His teaching. They were eyewitnesses of Jesus’ earthly ministry, and the Holy Spirit enabled them to remember everything He taught without taking away their individual perspectives. The Holy Spirit can help us in the same way. As we study the Bible, we can trust Him to plant truth in our mind, convince us of God’s will, and remind us when we stray from it.

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. (John 14:26)

The Promise of Immortality

What would you do if you knew nothing could hurt you? Skydiving? Whitewater rafting? Skeleton bobsledding? It would probably change your approach to life quite a bit. While God does not promise to provide this sort of physical protection, He offers unshakable spiritual protection to those who seek Him. Even death itself cannot separate you from His love (Romans 8:38–39). If you fear the Lord, you have His word that you do not need to fear anyone else.

Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. (Matthew 10:28–31)

The Promise of Freedom

Jesus Himself is the truth that sets us free. He is the source of truth and the perfect standard of what is right. He frees us from slavery to sin, from self–deception, and from deception by Satan. He shows us the way to eternal life with God. Jesus does not give us the freedom to do what we want, but the freedom to follow God. As we seek to serve Him, Jesus’ perfect truth frees us to be all that God desires for us to be.

Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31–32, NLT)

SIX PROMISES THAT WILL TRANSFORM YOUR MIND

The Promise of Inner Peace

Sin, fear, uncertainty, doubt, and numerous other forces are at war within us. But the peace of God moves into the heart and mind of every believer to restrain these hostile forces and offers comfort in place of conflict. Unlike worldly peace, Christ’s peace does not involve any fear. It is only possible because of Jesus’ death, burial, resurrection, and ascension. For those who believe He is the Son of God, peace comes from trusting that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are actively at work and completely in control.

Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. You have heard Me say to you, “I am going away and coming back to you.” If you loved Me, you would rejoice because I said, “I am going to the Father,” for My Father is greater than I. (John 14:27–28)

The Promise of Joy

When things are going well, we feel elated, but unexpected hardships can sink our spirits. Temporary happiness cannot compare to the joy that comes from a consistent relationship with Jesus Christ. His joy transcends the rolling waves of circumstance and buoys our spirit through hard times. When our life is intertwined with His, He helps us walk through adversity and manage prosperity. The joy of living each day with Jesus Christ will keep us calm, no matter how high or low our circumstances.

As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. (John 15:9–11)

The Promise of Intimacy

It’s no wonder the Bible instructs us to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17): prayer is our primary means of communicating with our Heavenly Father. Some people seem to think God is reluctant to answer their prayers, so they try to persuade Him with long entreaties. Such prayers demonstrate a misunderstanding of God’s nature. He numbers the hairs of our head (Matthew 10:30), and He knows what we need before we ask. God invites us to pray because He yearns to have an authentic, intimate relationship with us.

When you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words. Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him. (Matthew 6:6–8)

The Promise of Provision

Stress is a pandemic that affects millions each year, yet Jesus commands us not to worry. How can we avoid it? By placing our faith in the Creator of the universe who loves us and knows our needs before we do. Responsible planning is good, but dwelling on how our planning could go wrong demonstrates a lack of faith. God Himself has promised to provide for our well–being.

Then, turning to his disciples, Jesus said, “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food to eat or enough clothes to wear. For life is more than food, and your body more than clothing. Look at the ravens. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds! Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And if worry can’t accomplish a little thing like that, what’s the use of worrying over bigger things?

“Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?” (Luke 12:22–28, NLT)

The Promise of Jesus’ Continued Presence

Jesus knew that one day He would leave His disciples, yet He promised to remain with them. How could this be? The Spirit of God Himself would come to care for and guide them. This same Spirit watches over God’s people and teaches us today. He helps us live according to God’s will and build Christ’s Church on earth. By faith, we can appropriate the Spirit’s presence and power each day.

And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever—the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you. A little while longer and the world will see Me no more, but you will see Me. Because I live, you will live also. (John 14:16–19)

The Promise of Recognition

Our love for God can be measured by how we treat others. Jesus’ example of giving a cup of cold water to someone who thirsts is a good model of unselfish service. A child usually can’t or won’t return a favor. But God notices every good deed we do as if He were the one receiving it. Although no one else may see your act of kindness, God assures us He witnesses and rewards every good deed.

Whoever gives one of these little ones only a cup of cold water in the name of a disciple, assuredly, I say to you, he shall by no means lose his reward. (Matthew 10:42)

SIX PROMISES THAT WILL TRANSFORM YOUR OUTREACH

The Promise of Christ’s Commission

Jesus instructed His disciples to go into all the world—to share the message of salvation and the promise that those who believe in Him can be forgiven and live eternally with God. Today Christians in all parts of the world are telling this Good News to people who haven’t heard about Christ. They witness by the Father’s authority, for Jesus’ sake, and through the Holy Spirit. Do you ever feel as though you don’t have the skill or determination to be a witness for Christ? Press into your relationship with Him. The Holy Spirit will lead you to opportunities and give you the wisdom to share His message.

Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. (Mark 16:15–16)

The Promise of Power

Raising the dead is about as impressive as you can get, yet Jesus promised His disciples would do greater things. What could this mean? The “greater works” would come when His disciples carried the Good News of God’s Kingdom into other parts of the world. Their works, and ours, are not more spectacular, but by the power of the Holy Spirit, they stretch far beyond the Middle East and into every nation.

Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. (John 14:12–13)

The Promise of Christ’s Influence

Does a candle work hard to produce light? Of course not. Once it is lit, it burns readily until the wick is consumed. Spiritually speaking, Jesus provides the entire world with endless, inextinguishable light through us (John 1:5; 8:12). In the same way God revealed His presence to Moses through a burning bush, Jesus Christ’s light radiates effortlessly through His followers. The closer we draw to His presence, the brighter we will shine. As we live for Christ, we can be confident that our good deeds will bring glory to the Father.

You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:14–16)

The Promise of Responsibility

When Jesus returns in glory, the whole world will witness it. For God’s people, it will be a moment of triumph and glory, the fulfillment of His greatest promises. But it will strike terror in the heart of every unbeliever. Their fate will be sealed with no more tomorrows for repentance. Knowing this day is imminent and inevitable, Christians have a responsibility to share the Good News at every opportunity.

Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. (Matthew 24:30–31)

The Promise of God’s Grace

Jesus taught a parable about workers in a vineyard to explain the kingdom of heaven: Entrance is by God’s grace alone. In this story, God is the landowner, and believers are the workers. Just as the workers received equal pay, every believer receives the same gift of salvation—no matter how old they are or what their situation may be. When we share our faith with those who feel far from God’s love and mercy, we can assure them of God’s even–handed grace.

For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. Now when he had agreed with the laborers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard. And he went out about the third hour and saw others standing idle in the marketplace, and said to them, “You also go into the vineyard, and whatever is right I will give you.” So they went. Again he went out about the sixth and the ninth hour, and did likewise. And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing idle, and said to them, “Why have you been standing here idle all day?’” They said to him, “Because no one hired us.” He said to them, “You also go into the vineyard, and whatever is right you will receive.”

So when evening had come, the owner of the vineyard said to his steward, “Call the laborers and give them their wages, beginning with the last to the first.” And when those came who were hired about the eleventh hour, they each received a denarius. But when the first came, they supposed that they would receive more; and they likewise received each a denarius. And when they had received it, they complained against the landowner, saying, “These last men have worked only one hour, and you made them equal to us who have borne the burden and the heat of the day.” But he answered one of them and said, “Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius? Take what is yours and go your way. I wish to give to this last man the same as to you. Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with my own things? Or is your eye evil because I am good?” So the last will be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few chosen. (Matthew 20:1–16, emphasis added)

The Promise of Abundance

Your perspective on money is the key to God’s promise of abundance. Do you see it as a tool for blessing others? Does God’s love touch your wallet? If so, you have His word that you are storing up lasting treasures in heaven. Maintaining God’s perspective on money will enable you to reach a dying world with the love of Christ, and it will demonstrate your trust in His promise.

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need. So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to those in need. This will store up treasure for you in heaven! And the purses of heaven never get old or develop holes. Your treasure will be safe; no thief can steal it and no moth can destroy it. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be. (Luke 12:31–34, NLT)

SIX PROMISES THAT WILL TRANSFORM YOUR PACE WITH A SENSE OF URGENCY

The Promise of Fruitfulness

What does it mean to abide in Jesus? It might help to think about abode, a related word, which describes the place where we live. Abiding in Jesus means living in His presence and following His guidance each day. As our vine, He is our source of sustenance and spiritual growth. If we remain close to Him, He will reward us with the power of the Holy Spirit to effect change in our own life and the lives of those around us. Knowing He could return at any time, there is no reason to wait. The time to access His transformational power is right now (Jude 21–23).

Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. (John 15:4–5)

The Promise of Urgency

Behold is found thirty times in Revelation, and at least seven of these occurrences are connected to the Second Coming. Believers are reminded to serve the Lord while there is still time, and then He will return. This is both a promise and a call to action. Whatever work He has given us to do, we need to do it without delay. When the Lord comes for His own, He will come with the speed of lightning. As the “Bright and Morning Star,” He will dispel all darkness and usher in the perfect reign of the Millennium.

And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last…. I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star. (Revelation 22:12–13, 16)

The Promise of the Rapture

When Jesus Christ returns, His arrival will be sudden and unexpected. Anyone who knows Him as their Savior will be raptured to heaven. Everyone else will experience the Tribulation. In the meantime, every Christian can share the Gospel “to the end of the earth” through the limitless power of the Holy Spirit. Nothing is holding you back! You have the courage, boldness, confidence, insight, ability, and authority to fulfill your mission. If you believe in Jesus Christ, the power of the Holy Spirit will fuel your ministry until Christ returns or calls you home.

It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. (Acts 1:7–8)

The Promise of Answered Prayer

Jesus assures us that we will receive anything we ask for in prayer—if we ask according to God’s character and will. This promise is not a magical formula to fulfill our selfish desires. It is an extension of Jesus’ desire to introduce us to the Father, “that the Father may be glorified in the Son” (John 14:13). As James teaches, Christians should learn to say, “If the Lord wills” (James 4:15). Because our Lord could return at any time, we have an urgent responsibility to claim this promise as we work to build His kingdom.

If you ask anything in My name, I will do it. (John 14:14)

The Promise of Christ’s Unexpected Return

Jesus promised to return, but we do not know when. If we knew the precise date, we might be tempted to neglect our work for Christ. Worse yet, we might choose to continue sinning and then turn to God just before the Lord’s return. Heaven is not our only goal; we have work to do here. And we have the privilege of continuing to do it until death or we see the unmistakable return of our Savior.

Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away. But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only. But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. Then two men will be in the field: one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken and the other left. Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming. But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. (Matthew 24:35–44)

The Promise of the End Times

The promised “day of the Lord” will begin with the Rapture and continue through the Tribulation and the Millennium. This period of judgment will start when we least expect it. The Rapture is the next event on God’s prophetic timeline, which means it could happen today. In light of this promise, Christian men and women are responsible for leading others to Jesus urgently.

But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape. But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober. (1 Thessalonians 5:1–6)

SIX PROMISES THAT WILL TRANSFORM YOUR ETERNITY

The Promise of Heaven

In election years, political candidates make all sorts of promises about our future. They assure us of our safety, our healthcare, our military, our national diplomacy, and more. Yet the only leader who has never broken a promise is the Lord Jesus Christ, and everyone who believes in Him is assured of a place in heaven. Our path to eternal life is secure—as secure as our trust in Jesus.

Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. And where I go you know, and the way you know. (John 14:1–4)

The Promise of Eternal Rewards

Consider the most powerful or well–known people in our world. How many got where they are today by being humble, self–effacing, and gentle? Not many! But in the life to come, the last will be first. It’s impossible to give up more for the kingdom than you will receive in return. Don’t forfeit eternal rewards for temporary benefits. Any personal sacrifices you make now will rebound in the blessing of God’s approval.

And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last first. (Matthew 19:29–30)

The Promise of Eternal Security

Anyone who has ever purchased a defective product knows the term “lifetime warranty” usually means something different to manufacturers than it does to consumers. There are often exclusions for component parts, normal wear and tear, and failure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Yet Jesus offers us a better warranty than we could imagine. His eternal promise contains no loopholes or exclusions, and He willingly extends it to all who believe in Him.

Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst. But I said to you that you have seen Me and yet do not believe. All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out. For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. This is the will of the Father who sent Me, that of all He has given Me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up at the last day. And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day.” (John 6:35–40)

The Promise of Belonging

Whoever acknowledges Jesus Christ on earth will be accepted by Him in heaven. To acknowledge Jesus means identifying with Him, as one of His followers, regardless of the possible consequences. Practically speaking, we do this when we (1) live Christ–honoring lives; (2) share our faith with others; (3) help others in need; (4) take a stand for justice; (5) love others; (6) acknowledge our loyalty to Christ; and (7) use our lives and resources to carry out His desires rather than our own. If we are faithful to acknowledge Him in this world, Jesus will welcome us as His own in the world to come.

I tell you the truth, everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, the Son of Man will also acknowledge in the presence of God’s angels. (Luke 12:8, NLT)

The Promise of Eternal Protection

Just as a shepherd protects his sheep, Jesus saves His people from eternal harm. While believers can expect to suffer on earth, Satan cannot touch our soul or take away our eternal life with God. The world is filled with turmoil because it is the devil’s domain, but followers of Jesus have everlasting safety.

My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand. (John 10:27–29)

The Promise of God’s Blessing

Jesus described eight characteristics, known as the Beatitudes, that reveal unexpected blessings from God. They shatter the misconception that God’s favor results in a comfortable, prosperous life. In fact, they help us to understand that we can experience hope and joy regardless of our circumstances. Although the Beatitudes run contrary to our ideas of happiness, they define an inner joy that will be experienced by everyone who follows Jesus.

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.

Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matthew 5:3–12)