Promise (1860) (epaggelia/epangelia from epí = intensifies verbal meaning + aggéllo = to tell, declare) literally means to "tell at or upon" and originally referred to an announcement or declaration (especially of a favorable message) (see Acts 23:21). In other words the first sense of epaggelia is that of a . declaration to do something which came to be associated with the implication of obligation to carry out what is stated and thus the meaning of a promise, pledge or offer. In Scripture, epaggelia refers primarily to God's pronouncements that provide assurance of what He intends to do.
Click to Read W E Vine's Summary of Promise - Epaggelia
Click to Read J G Tasker's Summary of Promise
Epaggelia referred to a promise given (20" class="scriptRef">2Co1:20; Ep 1:13; 6:2; 1Ti 4:8; 2Pe 3:4, 9; Esther 4:7). Epaggelia was often used of special promises, e.g., to Abraham (Acts 7:6, 17; Ro 4:16, 20; Heb 6:12, 15; 7:6; 11:9) or Isaac (Ro 9:9; Gal 4:23). Epaggelia refers to the promise of eternal life in Christ, appointed to announce it (Heb 4:1; 8:6; 9:15; 1Jn 2:25)
Epaggelia initially in Greek was primarily a legal term denoting summons, a promise to do or give something, but in the NT speaks primarily of the promises of God, the first four NT uses referring to the promise of the Holy Spirit (Lk 24:49, Acts 1:4, 2:33, 39). The promises of God are absolutely dependable (2Cor. 1:20). Most of God's promises bring benefit to those who are designated as recipients of His promises. God's promises are not earned, but rather humbly received.
In Acts Luke records this instructive passage..."And we preach to you the good news of the promise made to the fathers, (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob to whom and through whom the Abrahamic Covenant passed) that God has fulfilled this promise to our children in that He raised up Jesus, as it is also written in the second Psalm, 'THOU ART MY SON; TODAY I HAVE BEGOTTEN THEE.' (Acts 13:32-33)
Barnes writes that...The covenants of promise were those various arrangements which God made with his people, by which he promised them future blessings, and especially by which he promised that the Messiah should come. To be in possession of them was regarded as a high honour and privilege; and Paul refers to it here to show that, though the Ephesians had been by nature without these, yet they had now been brought to enjoy all the benefits of them. (Albert Barnes. Barnes NT Commentary)
John Reid summarizes promise - The idea of promise is one of the great elements of Scripture teaching. It is a peculiarity of the Bible; no other religious book has that as a distinguishing feature. It is the element of promise that runs through its various books, binds them into an organic whole, and unites in a vital union the OT and the NT. The promise of the OT is fulfilled in the blessing of the NT. Many promises may be taken as predictions. They constitute at least part of the content of prophecy. To write about promise in all its relations would involve the discussion of prophecy, the preparation for the coming of Christ, the manifestation of the grace of God, etc. In what follows, reference is restricted to ‘promise’ in the apostolic writings of the NT. (Promise - Hastings' Dictionary of the New Testament - 1918 and Additional Discussion)
TDNT on Promise in Classical Greek - a. The first sense is “to indicate,” “declare,” “declaration,” “report.” b. When the state declares something, it becomes an “order.” c. In law we find the senses “accusation” and “delivery of a judgment.” d. We then find the senses “to declare an achievement,” “to show one's mastery,” “to profess a subject.” e. Another sense is “to offer,” “to promise,” “to vow.” As regards promises, tension between word and deed is felt, so that promises are often seen as worthless. f. A special type of promise is the “promise of money,” and in this sense the idea of a “subscription” or “donation” arises (state liturgies, gifts to rulers at their accession, priests promising gifts in support of their candidature). g. In the Hellenistic period we also find a sacral use for the “proclamation” of a festival. Among all the instances, only one example has been found for the promise of a deity.
1828 Webster's definition of Promise -
1. In a general sense, a declaration, written or verbal made by one person to another, which binds the person who makes it, either in honor, conscience or law, to do or forbear a certain act specified; a declaration which gives to the person to whom it is made, a right to expect or to claim the performance or forbearance of the act. The promise of a visit to my neighbor, gives him a right to expect it, and I am bound in honor and civility to perform the promise. Of such a promise human laws have no cognizance; but the fulfillment of it is one of the minor moralities, which civility kindness and Strict integrity require to be observed.
2. In law, a declaration verbal or written, made by one person to another for a good or valuable consideration, in the nature of a covenant, by which the promiser binds himself, and as the case may be, his legal representatives, to do or forbear some act; and gives to the promisee a legal right to demand and enforce a fulfillment.
3. A binding declaration of something to be done or given for another’s benefit; as the promise of a grant of land. A promise may be absolute or conditional; lawful or unlawful; express or implied. An absolute promise must be fulfilled at all events. The obligation to fulfill a conditional promise depends on the performance of the condition. An unlawful promise is not binding, because it is void; for it is incompatible with a prior paramount obligation of obedience to the laws. An express promise, is one expressed in words or writing. An implied promise, is one which reason and justice dictate. If I hire a man to perform a day’s labor, without any declaration that I will pay him, the law presumes a promise on my part that I will give him a reasonable reward, and will enforce such implied promise.
6 . In Scripture, the promise of God is the declaration or assurance which God has given in his word of bestowing blessings on his people. Such assurance resting on the perfect justice, power, benevolence and immutable veracity of God, cannot fail of performance. (Promise - Webster's 1828 Dictionary)
Epaggelia - 52x in 50v (note concentration in Hebrews = 14x in 13v and also in Galatians 3) - NAS = promise (37), promised (1), promises (12), what was promised (2).
Luke 24:49 "And behold, I am sending forth the promise of My Father upon you (Referring to the Holy Spirit Jn 14:26; 15:26; cf. Joel 2:28, 29; Acts 2:1–4); but you are to stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high (Acts 1:8-note)."
Acts 1:4 Gathering them together, He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for what the Father had promised (the Holy Spirit - cf (Lk 11:13; 24:49; Jn 7:39; 14:16, 26; 15:26; 16:7), "Which," He said, "you heard of from Me;
Comment: Here epaggelia is used as a metonymy thing promised, what was promised
Acts 2:33 "Therefore having been exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He has poured forth this which you both see and hear.
Acts 2:39 "For the promise (Holy Spirit) is for you and your children and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call to Himself."
Acts 7:17 "But as the time of the promise was approaching which God had assured to Abraham, the people increased and multiplied in Egypt,
Acts 13:23 "From the descendants of this man (David - Acts 13:22), according to promise, God has brought to Israel a Savior, Jesus,
Acts 13:32 "And we preach to you the good news of the promise made to the fathers,
Acts 23:21 "So do not listen to them, for more than forty of them are lying in wait for him who have bound themselves under a curse not to eat or drink until they slay him; and now they are ready and waiting for the promise from you."
Acts 26:6 "And now I am standing trial for the hope of the promise made by God to our fathers;
Romans 4:13-note For the promise to Abraham or to his descendants that he would be heir of the world was not through the Law, but through the righteousness of faith. 14 For if those who are of the Law are heirs, faith is made void and the promise is nullified;
Romans 4:16-note For this reason it is by faith, in order that it may be in accordance with grace, so that the promise will be guaranteed to all the descendants, not only to those who are of the Law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all,
Romans 4:20-note yet, with respect to the promise of God, he did not waver in unbelief but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God,
Romans 9:4-note who are Israelites, to whom belongs the adoption as sons, and the glory and the covenants and the giving of the Law and the temple service and the promises,
Romans 9:8 That is, it is not the children of the flesh who are children of God, but the children of the promise are regarded as descendants. Romans 9:9 For this is the word of promise: "AT THIS TIME I WILL COME, AND SARAH SHALL HAVE A SON."
Romans 15:8-note For I say that Christ has become a servant to the circumcision on behalf of the truth of God to confirm the promises given to the fathers (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob),
2 Corinthians 1:20 For as many as are the promises of God, in Him (Jesus) they are yes; therefore also through Him is our Amen to the glory of God through us.
2 Corinthians 7:1 Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
Galatians 3:14 in order that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we would receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
Galatians 3:16 Now the promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. He does not say, "And to seeds," as referring to many, but rather to one, "And to your seed," that is, Christ. Galatians 3:17 What I am saying is this: the Law (Mosaic Covenant), which came four hundred and thirty years later, does not invalidate a covenant previously ratified by God, so as to nullify the promise. Galatians 3:18 For if the inheritance is based on law, it is no longer based on a promise; but God has granted it to Abraham by means of a promise.
Galatians 3:21 Is the Law then contrary to the promises of God? May it never be! For if a law had been given which was able to impart life, then righteousness would indeed have been based on law. Galatians 3:22 But the Scripture has shut up everyone under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.
Galatians 3:29 And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's descendants, heirs according to promise.
Galatians 4:23 But the son by the bondwoman was born according to the flesh, and the son by the free woman through the promise.
Galatians 4:28 And you brethren, like Isaac, are children of promise.
Ephesians 1:13-note In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation-- having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise,
Ephesians 2:12-note remember that you were at that time separate from Christ, excluded from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.
Ephesians 3:6-note to be specific, that the Gentiles are fellow heirs and fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel,
Ephesians 6:2-note HONOR YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER (which is the first commandment with a promise),
1 Timothy 4:8-note for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.
2 Timothy 1:1-note Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, according to the promise of life in Christ Jesus,
Hebrews 4:1-note Therefore, let us fear if, while a promise remains of entering His rest, any one of you may seem to have come short of it.
Hebrews 6:12-note so that you will not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
Hebrews 6:15-note And so, having patiently waited, he obtained the promise.
Hebrews 6:17-note In the same way God, desiring even more to show to the heirs of the promise the unchangeableness of His purpose, interposed with an oath,
Hebrews 7:6-note But the one whose genealogy is not traced from them collected a tenth from Abraham and blessed the one who had the promises.
Hebrews 8:6-note But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, by as much as He is also the mediator of a better covenant, which has been enacted on better promises.
Hebrews 9:15-note For this reason He is the mediator of a new covenant, so that, since a death has taken place for the redemption of the transgressions that were committed under the first covenant, those who have been called (effectual call) may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.
Hebrews 10:36-note For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised.
Hebrews 11:9-note By faith he (Abraham - Heb 11:8) lived as an alien in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, fellow heirs of the same promise;
Hebrews 11:13-note All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth.
Hebrews 11:17-note By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was offering up his only begotten son;
Hebrews 11:33-note who by faith conquered kingdoms, performed acts of righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions,
Hebrews 11:39-note And all these, having gained approval through their faith, did not receive what was promised,
2 Peter 3:4-note and saying, "Where is the promise of His coming? (eg, Jn 14:3) For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation."
2 Peter 3:9-note The Lord is not slow about His promise (this promise refers to destruction of the world - 2Pe 3:7), as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.
1 John 2:25 This is the promise which He Himself made to us: eternal life.
Epaggelia is used on 3 times in the non-apocryphal Septuagint - Esther 4:7, Ps 56:8, Amos 9:6.
Wayne Detzler on Promise (New Testament words in today's language-)...
MEANING - The Greek words relating to the idea of "promise" are epangelia (a promise) and epangellomai (to make a promise). They contain the root word, angel, which means to "proclaim," "announce," or "declare." In other words, a promise is a public declaration which must come true in order to be believed.
In ancient times, the Greeks used this word to describe a simple announcement. Homer, for instance, used epangellomai to speak of a public pronouncement or statement of intent. In Greek literature it was never a case of pagan gods making promises to people. Instead it always involved people making promises to the gods.
On the other hand, in the Septuagint Greek Old Testament, Jehovah God was often making promises to His people. A primary example was Abraham. In response to Abraham's obedience God promised to heap blessing on him. Furthermore, God would lead Abraham's family to the Promised Land. Additionally, God would raise up from Abraham a whole people of promise, the Jews. Jehovah God is rich in promises.
BIBLE USAGE - The word for promise (epangelia) appears 52 times in the New Testament, and the verb form epangellomai occurs 15 times. First and foremost God is the Giver of promises. In fact, Paul said that the promises of God are absolutely dependable (2 Cor. 1:20). God never yet has defaulted on a promise, and He never will. "The promise of the Father" was Jesus' way of referring to the coming Holy Spirit (John 14:26). After His ascension the disciples waited patiently and prayerfully in Jerusalem until the Spirit fell on them all (Acts 2:4).
In his indictment of Jewish unfaithfulness, the martyr Stephen charged the people with ignoring the fulfilled promises of God (Acts 7:51-53).
One of God's promises was the birth of Isaac, despite the advanced age of Abraham and Sarah (Ro 4:21). The Jews' entire national existence was an expression of God's promises. The coming of Messiah was construed by Christians as a fulfillment of the promise to Abraham (Titus 1:2).
God's promises to Abraham are often mentioned in the Book of Hebrews. Abraham waited patiently for one promise, and it was revealed (Heb. 6:15). Both the Promised Land and the promised son were received, because Abraham and Sarah waited (Heb 11:9-16). As a result, the writer of Hebrews urged Christians to cultivate patience in waiting for the promise of God (Heb 10:36).
This dominant theme of the promises of God appears throughout the New Testament Scriptures. The land of Israel was seen as the promise of God (Acts 7:17). Salvation's message, the Gospel, was likewise promised by Jehovah (Acts 13:32). Christ confirmed the promises of God (Ro 15:8). The final facet of God's promise is the coming of the Holy Spirit (Gal 3:14). The entire plan of salvation is considered to be a promise of God.
Most of God's promises bring benefit to people. He promised a Saviour, who would sort out the sin of the world (Acts 2:38-40; 13:23; 26:6). By the same token, He promised the Holy Spirit to stimulate us to spiritual living (Gal. 3:14). In Christ the promise of eternal life has come true (John 3:16; Titus 1:2; 1 John 5:11-13).
Just as God's promises bring blessing, so human promises often cause catastrophes. In that most evil of all treachery, the Jewish leaders promised money to Judas in exchange for the betrayal of Jesus Christ, God incarnate (Mark 14:11).
Paul warned against those who make lying professions or promises, and thus go away from the true faith (1Tim. 6:21). False teachers often promise people freedom, but instead enslave their foolish followers (2Peter 2:19).
From start to finish, God has always stood true to His Word. His promises to Abraham have been fulfilled in salvation for all mankind. Someone estimated that there are 8,000 promises in the Bible. It is my opinion that there are probably more, and it is my conviction that every one of them either has been or will be fulfilled.
ILLUSTRATIONS - Most Christian leaders have commented on the promises of God.
An interesting remark is attributed to Billy Bray (1794-1868), a great revival preacher of Cornwall, England. According to that rough and ready revivalist: "The promises of God are just as good as ready money any day."
Billy Graham emphasized the promise of Christ's return:
"Not only does the Old Testament tell us to expect the second coming of Christ, not only is the New Testament filled with the promise of it, but if we would study the historic documents of our major denominations, we would find that our founders all believed and accepted it. The most thrilling, glorious truth in all the world is the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. It is the sure promise of the future."
An editor of The Sunday School Times was Phillip E. Howard, father of Elisabeth Elliot. Concerning the promises of God, Philip Howard wrote:
"Certainly there are promises in the Old Testament which relate to material things. But if God was faithful and merciful to Israel, whom He chose not because of their righteousness but only because of His love for them, how much more reason today to rest on the faithfulness of Him who gave His beloved Son for us! In that faithfulness is assured our right to God's promises."
According to F.R. Maltby:
"Jesus promised His disciples three things: They would be completely fearless, absurdly happy, and in constant trouble."
As the old song says: "I never promised you a rose garden."
Once when I was a little boy my mother came to investigate my uncharacteristic silence. She entered my parents' bedroom to find me standing on my father's large, black Bible. "Whatever are you doing?" my mother asked in horror.
My childish response was taken straight from the hymnbook. "Mother, I am `standing on the promises.' " Actually, I thought that was the meaning of the hymn.
"God's promises are like the stars," claimed David Nicholas. "The darker the night the brighter they shine."
Puritan writer Samuel Rutherford (1600-61) said concerning the promises of God:
"Swim through your temptations and troubles. Turn to the promises; they be our Lord's branches hanging over the water so that His half-drowned children may take a grip on them. Let go that grip and you sink to the bottom."
Many remember a chorus, popular in days gone by, which urged us to cling to God's promises:
Every promise in the Book is mine,
Every chapter, every verse, every line,
All are blessings of His love divine,
Every promise in the Book is mine.
William Barclay on epaggelia and epaggellesthai - the words of promise (epaggello)
In the NT the noun epaggelia means a promise, and the verb epaggellesthai means to promise. We must begin by looking at the classical usage of these words, because in the case of these words the classical usages have very definite light to shed on the meaning and the flavor of these words in the NT.
(i) These words in classical Greek are very common—in fact they are almost technical—in connection with public announcements. They are the words which are used of the announcement of the public games, or of the public sacrifices to the gods. They are used of announcements which are everybody's concern.
(ii) In classical Greek there is more than one word for a promise, and the most interesting and significant thing about epaggelia is that its characteristic meaning is a promise which is freely offered and volunteered. It is not a promise which is extracted or coerced or wrung from someone.
It is not even a promise which is made on mutual approach and mutual agreement; that is hyposchesis. Epaggelia is characteristically a promise freely made and freely given. It has in it far more of a free offer than a conditioned promise.
(iii) In classical Greek epaggelia and epaggellesthai sometimes bear a meaning which has a tinge of fault in it. Sometimes they imply a profession, and a profession which is not met and carried out in actual practice. The words sometimes have to do with political canvassing.
They describe the manifesto of a candidate for office with all the promises of what he proposes to do, if he is elected to office, promises which are made rather as baits to the electorate than with any honest intention of fulfilling them.
The words sometimes have to do with the offers which the Sophists made. The Sophists were Greek teachers who arose in the fifth century E.C. and who offered to teach anybody anything for pay. The great teachers, like Plato and Isocrates, regarded these Sophists with intense dislike. They believed that all they did was to make people able to argue cleverly, until they could make the worse appear the better reason, and that they were out mainly for money.
They professed (epaggellesthai) to teach virtue, but it was an empty profession. They competed among themselves, each one professing to be able to give a better and more effective curriculum than his rival.
The words sometimes are used to describe a lover's professions. In the first flush of glamour and excitement of love, the lover will promise anything, but when it comes to actual performance, the professions are seen to be empty words. So the words can be used of a promise which is magnificently given, but meanly carried out.
Finally in regard to this usage, the words can be used of claims made for the curative properties of drugs. They are the words which would be used for the claims of patent medicines which profess to be panaceas for all diseases. Sometimes, then, these words can be used in connection with a profession which is not backed by deeds to fit it.
In the NT the words epaggelia and epaggellesthai are used uniformly and consistently of God's promises. There are, in fact, only two instances where they are used definitely of human promises.
In Acts 23.21 the Jews await the promise of the military commander of Jerusalem to send Paul down to Caesarea, in order that they may take steps to assassinate him on the way. In Mark 14.11 we read of the promise of the Jewish authorities to pay Judas the reward for information which will lead to the convenient arrest of Jesus.
But, apart from these two instances the words in the NT are always used of the divine promises and it is to these promises that we must proceed to turn our attention.
When we study the words of promise, we find that the promise did not start with the NT.
(i) God's promise was given specially to the nation of Israel (Rom. 9.4; Eph. 2.12 ). God offered Israel a unique position among the nations; in a special sense Israel was his peculiar people. The tragedy of Israel was that she misunderstood her function. She conceived of herself as having been promised special honour and privilege, when in point of fact she had been offered special duty and responsibility. God's offer is always the offer of a task to do for him.
(ii) God's promise to the nation of Israel derived specially from Abraham. The promise to Abraham was threefold. (a) It was the promise of the Promised Land (Acts 7.5; Heb. 11.9, 13). (b) It was the promise to Sara of a son, when the coming of a son seemed impossible (Rom. 9.9; Gal. 4.23, 28). (c) It was the promise that in him all nations of the earth would be blessed (Rom. 4.13; Gal. 3.16; Heb. 6.13).
Abraham was the man who was chosen that through him blessedness might come to the world. God chose Abraham as a man through whom he might act on men. God is always seeking men through whom he may act.
(iii) God's promise was the promise of a Messiah of the line of David (Acts 13.23, 32). The word Messiah and the word Christ are the same word. Messiah is the Hebrew and Christ is the Greek for the anointed one. God's promise was the promise of a King, through whom the kingdoms of the world would become the Kingdom of the Lord.
(iv) All the OT promises of God find their fulfilment in Jesus Christ (Rom. 15.8; II Cor. 1.20; Gal. 3.19, 29). When Jesus came, it was as if God said to men : 'Here is the one in whom all my promises come true.' Jesus is the one in whom there meet the dream of God and the dream of men.
(v) In Jesus there comes to men not only the fulfilment of the old promises; there comes also even better promises (Heb. 8.6; 9.15). Jesus is not only the consummation of the hopes and the dreams of the past; he brings to men things more precious and things greater than ever they had dreamed of.
This is important, because it means that Jesus does not only fulfil the OT prophecies and ideals; he surpasses them. He brings into life not only something which grew out of the past, but also something which is completely new.
When we see how far back the promise of God goes, it makes sense of history. We may promise a child some gift or some privilege with the intention of giving it to him when he is fit to use it and enjoy it and to enter into it. For instance, a father might plan and save in order to give a child the benefit of a university education, when the child came of age to benefit from such an education; and during the period of waiting, the father would do everything he could to train the child to reach a stage when he could be fit to enjoy the promise. That is what God did with men.
He chose a man; and chose a nation; that out of that nation there might come his Son in due time. Nor, in the choice of a nation, did God leave the rest of the world alone. Clement of Alexandria saw in pagan philosophy that which prepared the heathen for accepting Christ, just as much as the Law prepared the Jews. When we think of it this way we see the whole of history as a preparation of men to accept the promise and the offer of God.
Let us now see what God did promise to his people in Jesus Christ.
(i) God promised men the gift of the Holy Spirit (Luke 24.29; Acts 1.4; 2.23; Eph. 1.15). The Holy Spirit may be taken to be God active in the lives and in the minds of men. The Holy Spirit is the power and the presence and the person who guides men into strength and adequacy of life, power and clarity of thought, lucidity and persuasiveness of speech. The promise of the Spirit is the promise of God to make us live and think with his own power.
(ii) With the gift of the Spirit, God promised the gift of forgiveness (Acts 2.39). It is never enough to think of forgiveness as simply the remission of some penalty which should have fallen upon us. Forgiveness is essentially the restoration of a lost relationship. It was not that God was estranged from men; it was that men were estranged from God. Through that which Jesus Christ has done men can become friends with God.
(iii) God promises men eternal life, life in time and life in eternity (I Tim. 4.8; Titus 1.2; II Tim. 1.1; James 1.12; I John 2.25). Eternal life is not simply life which goes on for ever. It is true that the NT never forgets that God promised men the resurrection from the dead (Acts 26.6). But the essential of eternal life is not simply duration; it is quality.
It is told that once a drooping and depressed soldier came to Julius Caesar with a request to be allowed to commit suicide and so to end his life. Caesar looked at the dispirited figure: 'Man', he said, `were you ever really alive?'
Eternal life is something which can start here and now. Eternal life is the injection into the realm of time of something of the realm of eternity; it is the coming into human life of something of the life of God himself. It is the promise of God that if a man chooses to live life with Jesus Christ, heaven begins on earth. Into man's trouble and frustration there come the peace and power of God.
(iv) God promises the Kingdom to those who love him (
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