We are finite beings who live in a material world and have physical needs. We often talk about our three basic needs as food, clothing, and shelter. When we talk about things that are tangible, we often associate this with what we can touch and see and physically use. For Christians who are not given over to a naturalistic view of the world, we know that we are not merely physical bodies directed by chemical reactions. We are body and soul and live before an eternal Creator God. We know that while physical death comes to us all, an eternity awaits us. We know the because of our rebellion in sin against God, we all deserve God’s eternal punishment. We know the only way of being made right with God is through the sacrificial payment he has made for us through The Son in his death on the cross and resurrection to life. I say all of this because for the Christian, our understanding of what is tangible must have an eternal and spiritual reality and not just a temporal physical reality.
As we live in this world tempting us to give ourselves over to the godless desires of our heart, we live with perseverance and hope as we hold on to the eternal promises of God. Some Christians struggle with seeing God’s promise for our future as a tangible reality that we can hold on to in the present. I propose that the tangible reality of God’s future promises is secured in the eternal reality of his immutable character.
Why are God’s future promises to his children a tangible present reality for us to hold?
1. God is eternal.
1 Timothy 1:17 To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.
We can be confident about the future reality of God’s promises, because God is in control of all time, past, present, and future. All time is his domain.
2. God is all-powerful.
Job 42:2 "I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.
When God has purposed to do something, there is no power able to stop it. God is not able to be overcome in any realm or sphere. He is the omnipotent Lord.
3. God is faithful.
2 Timothy 2:13 if we are faithless, he remains faithful-- for he cannot deny himself.
God never goes back on his word. He is trustworthy in all he says he will do and give.
4. God is good.
Psalm 34:8 Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!
God has perfectly reliable ethics. He is good. We can take comfort in the fact that his perfect character is behind his perfect promises.
5. God is true.
John 17:3 And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.
There is only one true God who is true in all he does. There is no-one we can trust more.
6. God is love.
1 John 4:16 So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.
God has promised us because he loves us, and his love is infinite and eternal. We can hold his promises because he wants us to enjoy them as we enjoy him who loves us.
7. God is immutable.
Malachi 3:6 "For I the LORD do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed.”
When God has promised us eternal life, eternal life is what we shall have. There is no chance of him changing in his character or his will. We are secure in the unchanging hands of God.
There is nothing more tangible than a promise of God for his people – not even what you can see and feel in this world. This world will decay. This world will end. God is eternally and infinitely beyond the temporal existence of this world. When you know and trust who God is, you can hold onto the eternal, tangible realities of his promises.