God's Oath of Promise

God promises with an oath. His promises are based upon a covenant oath that cannot be broken. In ancient times, covenant vows were sealed in the death of a sacrificial animal. God's everlasting covenant is sealed in the blood of His Son (Hebrews 13:20). It's God's covenant word to every believer in Christ.

God promises forever. Our faith in God, the forgiveness of our sins, our eternal destiny, and God's work in our lives are all guaranteed through God's covenant word. "Forever O LORD, Your word is settled in heaven" (Psalm 119:89). God promised with a covenant oath forever.

God promises with a guarantee. His oath of covenant promises are for every believer in Christ. Jesus is our surety or guarantee to the covenant promises that cannot be broken (Hebrews 7:22). The Bible declares God's word forever is settled in heaven. That's God's covenant word to every believer. 

God promises every believer in Christ. We read the covenant promises in the Bible, which are forever the same. God has sworn with a covenant oath, and will not repent. He will not change His mind. "God, who cannot lie, promised before time began" (Titus 1:2). That's God's covenant promises for believers in Christ (2 Corinthians 1:20).

Death Is Defeated

Jesus Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Death is defeated, because of God's love, grace and power. "But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Corinthians 15:57). Death is defeated through our risen Lord. 

Death had reigned over all people everywhere in every age. Death would not be denied. Death had its way with all mankind. Death had reigned supreme with the rich and poor, wise and foolish, without exception. "For the wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23).

The fear of death was a cruel taskmaster. The tormenting fear of death still holds multitudes in bondage. They would say, "Let us eat, drink, and be merry, for soon we will die." They surrender to death with no hope of victory, so get what you can out of this life until that day comes. The fear and dread of death enslaves their minds.

Death reigned until one Sunday morning centuries ago. That was the day death died. The earth quaked, rolling a stone away from the door of a tomb. Death was defeated. The tomb was empty. He lives! Jesus Christ our Lord is risen! Death is defeated!

All who believe in our risen Lord Jesus Christ are saved from sin and death. The promise of God states, "If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved" (Romans 10:9). Believe and receive the Lord Jesus as your victory over death.

The Lord Opens Hearts

"The Lord opened her heart to heed the things spoken by Paul"  (Acts 16:14). These words speak of Lydia, a woman who worshiped God but had not yet heard the gospel to believe in Christ. The Lord opened her heart to hear and respond to the gospel. The word "heart" describes her mind, will, and emotions. It is a term for the person within.

God's preceding grace opens hearts to hear the gospel and receive Christ (John 1:12-13). It may be identified with the convicting work of the Holy Spirit (John 16:7-11). It is the gospel call for us to trust the Lord Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:13). The Spirit of God works in our hearts to enable us to believe the truth of the gospel (1 Thessalonians 1:5).

The Lord opens hearts to hear and understand the gospel. He enables us to say yes to the call of Christ. God works concurrently with our choice. Jesus stands at the door of your life and knocks. You may open the door by believing the gospel to receive Christ (Revelation 3:20; John 1:12).

Because of our sinful nature, the Lord must act upon our hearts to enable us to respond to the gospel of Christ. This work of God's preceding grace enables us to respond freely to the gospel. In conversion, we respond to God's preceding grace through repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.