“A Promise to Claim?” Not Always
Reading through the Bible, one will come across any number of great promises by the Lord. From beginning to end, in both the Old and New Testaments, there are a large number of promises. Each one is rich with meaning and provides a shining beam of light to the story of Scripture.
Today, when we read or hear people talk about how to read the Bible, we often hear the mantra “name it and claim it.” The idea is simply this: when you see a promise in Scripture that touches your life, claim that promise. After all, does not God always “make good” on His promises?
Of course, He does. God never lies (Titus 1:2), and He always works out things in the end for His ultimate will. His people are victorious in the end, and living the Christian life is filled with innumerable blessings.
However, this idea of looking for “a promise to claim” can be dangerous territory if we are not diligent in our Bible study.
Why? Too many “claimed” promises are taken out of context and were never intended for my own personal claiming.
For example…
God promised Abram (later, Abraham) a land in which his descendants would dwell (Genesis 12:1-3). The same promise was later given to Isaac and others in Abraham’s family line. Should then I claim that promise if I want my descendants to have a great farm or beautiful countryside on which to live?
God promised David that his offspring would sit on the royal throne forever. Jesus, of course, was the ultimate fulfillment of that promise, and sits ruling over His Kingdom–the Church–today and forevermore. But, if I want a child to be a ruler, should I not just claim this promise for my life?
These may be extreme examples, but they prove the point. When we just claim any promise of Scripture, we could be removing the promise from the original context. God often made specific promises to specific people for a specific set of circumstances. Those promises always came about and showed God’s providence, sovereignty, and power. That is why they are contained in the pages of the Bible.
Now, does that mean there are no promises believers can claim today? Of course not! We have many precious promises that help us through countless hours of our lives. Without changing the context of the Bible at all, the Christian can “claim” a great number of promises that provide hope and help.
For example…
Peace that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:4-7).
The presence of the Lord (Hebrews 13:5)
Wisdom (James 1:5-8)
and many, many more.
Still, even with these great promises, the context is key. I cannot just “claim” the promise of wisdom and expect to gain such from the Lord. James said that I must ask for that wisdom in faith and have no doubt that God will give it. Just like Abraham had to actually travel to the land in order to receive it, I hold a part in gaining the great promises of God for my life today.
As you read the Bible, look for those wonderful promises. They truly are “great and precious!” (2 Peter 1:4). But when you find one, do not neglect your Bible reading and study skills. Never neglect the context, and make sure the promise is one that is for followers of Christ today.
But, if it is? Claim it!
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