Guarantees in Life

It is common for mankind to desire a certain degree of “certainty” in life. Apart from the promises of God, however, there really are no “guarantees in life” within the fallen world in which we live.

In a letter to the French scientist Jean-Baptiste Leroy in 1789, Benjamin Franklin famously wrote, “… in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.”

God’s Promises in an Uncertain World

The secular world offers little in terms of lasting hope and security. God’s Word, however, abounds with promises to those who come to Him by faith to receive His mercy and forgiveness.

Amongst those promises is Jesus’ guarantee to forever be with His followers: “…lo I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20). He also promises never to leave or forsake them: “…him who cometh to me I will in no wise cast him out” (John 6:37).

Biblical scholars proclaim that there are literally thousands of promises, or guarantees, made by God to mankind throughout Scripture.

When the Commandments of Men Replace Biblical Doctrine

Not all the promises of God to man however are of a positive nature.

Both Isaiah and Jesus warned against placing the thoughts and edicts of men above the doctrinal teachings of God’s Word. For in doing so, man would in essence be guaranteeing that his own heart would be far from the heart of God:

“This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with

their lips; but their heart is far from me.

But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.”

Matthew 15:8,9 (Isaiah 29:13).

How Faulty Theological Paradigms Affect Our Understanding of God

Unfortunately, many of the foundational theological beliefs of Christendom that have developed throughout the years of Church history are founded more upon the wisdom of man than upon the clear teachings of Scripture.

This in turn can severely hamper the believer’s understanding of the Personage and Ways of God. It can also cause their hearts to be “far away from the heart of God” in their fellowship with Him.

Until these faulty theological paradigms are exposed and replaced with Biblical Doctrine, believers may have difficulty truly resting in God’s promises. They may also struggle to benefit from the many guarantees found within His written Word. This can hinder a true “heart to heart” intimate fellowship with Him.

This is the clear teaching put forth by Jesus in the 15th chapter of Matthew.

Related Studies from Paradigms Tossed

Continue exploring God’s promises, His sovereignty, and the importance of testing our beliefs against Scripture through these related studies:

God Knows the Future: Trusting Him Through Life’s Trials
When life offers few guarantees, Scripture reminds believers that God knows the future and promises to remain with them through every circumstance.

Refined Like Silver: How God Uses Trials to Mature Believers
Discover how God can use difficult circumstances to refine believers, strengthen faith, and accomplish His purposes in their lives.

Free Will vs. God’s Sovereignty: Can Christians Handle the Truth?
Examine the relationship between human choice and God’s sovereignty and consider whether commonly accepted ideas truly reflect the teaching of Scripture.

The Foundation of Christian Theology: Understanding Judgment, Mercy, Faith, and God’s Purpose for Man
Explore foundational biblical truths concerning God’s mercy, judgment, faith, and His purpose for mankind.

2030 Prophetic Time Table 5 – The Examination of the Passover Lamb
A study of Jesus Christ, the fulfillment of Scripture, and the importance of examining biblical teaching carefully rather than relying upon inherited assumptions.