The concept can be found in several Christian sources: - [GOD’S PROMISES AREN’T AUTOMATED, THEY’RE ACTIVATED](https://www.redeemercoast.church/blog/2021/1/22/gods-promises-arent-automated-theyre-activated) - [3 Keys to Activating God’s Promises in Your Life](https://faithisland.org/bible/3-keys-to-activating-gods-promises-in-your-life/) - [Activating the Promises of God: Unlock the Power of the Bible & Empower Your Life](https://www.amazon.com/Activating-Promises-God-Unlock-Empower-ebook/dp/B0CR31XPYS/) - *"Perhaps they did not believe that such a simple action could **trigger the promised healing**. Or perhaps they willfully hardened their hearts and rejected the counsel of God’s prophet."* *"The principle of **activating** blessings that flow from God is eternal.* [...] *In fact, it can be seen in heaven because small acts of faith are required to **ignite God’s promises**."* *"I invite you to faithfully **activate heavenly power to receive specific blessings from God**. Exercise the faith to strike the match and light the fire. Supply the needed oxygen while you patiently wait on the Lord. With these invitations, I pray that the Holy Ghost will guide and direct you so that you, like the faithful person described in Proverbs, will “abound with blessings.” I testify that your Heavenly Father and His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ, live, are concerned with your welfare, and delight to bless you, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen."* (source: [Abound with Blessings](https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2019/04/41renlund?lang=eng)) For those who teach the idea of "activating" God's promises, what Biblical support do they see for this, and what conditions and nuances are delineated concerning the promises that can be "activated," "triggered," or "ignited"? In exploring this concept, I seek to understand the scriptural teachings regarding the dynamic relationship between faith and the realization of divine promises. What specific conditions or principles does the Bible outline for believers who seek to actively engage their faith to unlock, set in motion, or bring to fruition the promises bestowed by God?

[Word of Faith](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Word_of_Faith) : > Word of Faith is a movement within charismatic Christianity which teaches that those who believe in Jesus' death and resurrection **have the right to physical health**, **that our words have power**, and that **true faith is more than simply mental knowledge, it is deeply held belief that cannot be shaken**. The movement was founded by the American Kenneth Hagin in the 1960s, and has its roots in the teachings of E. W. Kenyon. > **Teachings** > > Distinctive Word of Faith teachings include **physical, emotional, financial, relational, and spiritual healing** for those who keep their covenant with God. **The movement urges believers to speak what they desire, in agreement with the promises and provisions of the Bible, as an affirmation of God's plans and purposes. They believe this is what Jesus meant when he said in Mark 11:22–24 that believers shall have whatsoever they say and pray with faith**. The term word of faith itself is derived from Romans 10:8 which speaks of the word of faith that we preach. Many dismiss *Word of Faith* teachings as heretical (for instance, as discussed in [*Is the Word of Faith movement biblical?*](https://www.gotquestions.org/Word-Faith.html)) . Simultaneously, there is a belief among many that [Christianity is testable](https://christianity.stackexchange.com/q/97877/61679) , implying that Christianity encompasses promises that can be tested through sincere and faithful engagement. I'm interested in the views of those situated at the intersection of both groups. What Christian traditions consider Word of Faith teachings heretical but continue to uphold the belief in the empowering role of faith to activate God's promises? --- **Notes** 1. By activating/testing God's promises, I'm specifically referring to the belief in promises that can be tested *on this side of the grave*. Therefore, promises that only become actualized *on the other side of the grave*, such as resurrection to eternal life, for the purposes of this question, do not count. 2. My use of the word *activate* has been criticized as inappropriate in the comments section. My observation in response is that my use of this word in the context of God's promises is not novel. With a quick search one can easily find several examples of churches/ministries that have used it in this way. For instance: - [GOD’S PROMISES AREN’T AUTOMATED, THEY’RE ACTIVATED](https://www.redeemercoast.church/blog/2021/1/22/gods-promises-arent-automated-theyre-activated) - [3 Keys to Activating God’s Promises in Your Life](https://faithisland.org/bible/3-keys-to-activating-gods-promises-in-your-life/) - [Activating the Promises of God: Unlock the Power of the Bible & Empower Your Life](https://www.amazon.com/Activating-Promises-God-Unlock-Empower-ebook/dp/B0CR31XPYS/) - *"Perhaps they did not believe that such a simple action could **trigger the promised healing**. Or perhaps they willfully hardened their hearts and rejected the counsel of God’s prophet."* *"The principle of **activating** blessings that flow from God is eternal.* [...] *In fact, it can be seen in heaven because small acts of faith are required to **ignite God’s promises**."* *"I invite you to faithfully **activate heavenly power to receive specific blessings from God**. Exercise the faith to strike the match and light the fire. Supply the needed oxygen while you patiently wait on the Lord. With these invitations, I pray that the Holy Ghost will guide and direct you so that you, like the faithful person described in Proverbs, will “abound with blessings.” I testify that your Heavenly Father and His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ, live, are concerned with your welfare, and delight to bless you, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen."* (source: [Abound with Blessings](https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2019/04/41renlund?lang=eng)) What I'm having a hard time verifying is whether any of these ministries denounce *Word of Faith* teachings as heretical, or if they are tacitly endorsing them.

Faith stands as a crucial and foundational element in Christianity. Numerous facets of the Christian experience, embodied in empirically testable Biblical promises meant to be lived and experienced in this lifetime (on this side of the grave), hinge upon faith as an essential prerequisite. Consequently, addressing the challenge of **cultivating and strengthening one's faith** is of paramount importance. Below are passages stressing the pivotal role of faith: Mark 9:23-24 > **23** And Jesus said to him, “‘If you can’! **All things are possible for one who believes.**” **24** Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!” Hebrews 11:6 >And **without faith it is impossible to please him**, for whoever would draw near to God **must believe** that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. James 1:5-8 >**5** If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. **6** **But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.** **7** **For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord;** **8** **he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways**. Mark 11:22-24 >**22** And Jesus answered them, “**Have faith in God**. **23** Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ **and does not doubt in his heart, but believes** that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. **24** Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, **believe** that you have received it, and it will be yours. Matthew 21:21-22 >**21** And Jesus answered them, “Truly, I say to you, **if you have faith and do not doubt**, you will not only do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ it will happen. **21** And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, **if you have faith**.” Matthew 13:58 >And he did not do many mighty works there, **because of their unbelief**. Mark 16:17-18 >**17** **And these signs will accompany those who believe**: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; **18** they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover. Matthew 14:28-33 >**28** And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” **29** He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. **30** But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” **31** Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “**O you of little faith, why did you doubt?**” **32** And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. **33** And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.” 1 Peter 1:6-9 >**6** In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, **7** so that **the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire**—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. **8** Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you **believe** in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, **9** obtaining **the outcome of your faith**, the salvation of your souls. Many Christians believe that [Christianity is testable](https://christianity.stackexchange.com/q/97877/61679) , yet the ability to test Christianity is intricately linked to one's capacity to activate its faith-conditioned promises. Consequently, the inescapable question that surfaces is **how to attain a level of faith that meets the requirements for activating God's promises**. To encourage more nuanced and comprehensive responses to this question, I am specifically seeking answers that address the hurdles of attaining faith—particularly the kind capable of **activating God's promises**—for individuals who may not even believe in the existence of God (such as atheists or agnostics) as well as those with worldviews fundamentally at odds with Christianity (e.g., adherents of other religions). Therefore, it is crucial to recognize that the challenge here extends beyond constructing a purely intellectual case for Christianity to convince them of its epistemic possibility. Rather, the aim is to guide individuals toward a level of faith where Biblical promises can be tangibly experienced, not merely theoretically, but actually, in real life. How can this be done?

John 14:21-23 KJV >**21** He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, **and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him**. **22** Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world? **23** Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: **and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him**. The passage in John 14:21-23 presents a clear assurance of both the manifestation of Jesus to those who love Him and the promise that the Father and the Son will establish their abode with faithful believers. However, the precise nature of this manifestation and the implications of the Father and the Son making their abode with believers remain unspecified in the text. Essentially, the passage leaves unanswered questions about what this manifestation entails and what practical implications arise when the Father and the Son choose to dwell with the believer, promises that seem deliberately worded in metaphorical language. Put simply, the passage doesn't explicitly detail the expected outcomes in concrete, practical, and non-allegorical terms. How, in concrete and practical terms, do the Father and the Son manifest themselves to Christians based on the promises laid out in this passage? I'm looking for relatively recently published (1900 - present) **testimonial books** that exemplify the manner in which the revelation described in John 14:21-23 unfolds in the lives of Christians in the modern world. --- Note: this question was inspired by the answer for [What is the success criterion for the task of 'seeking God' in Christianity?](https://christianity.stackexchange.com/a/99384/61679) .

Pertaining to Genesis 12:3 "I will curse those who curse you" is God referring only to unbelievers in Jesus? Is God referring to any human regardless of religious belief when He says: I will bless those who bless you (Genesis 12:3).

*This Q is appealing to each and every of the 35,000+ individual denominations of Christianity, and even those non-denominational sects who perhaps glibly adhere to biblical principles.* Q. If every word of scripture is true, trustworthy, and inspired, (2Tim 3:16) why does Proverbs say this when this didn't work out for even God himself? Pro 22:6 ESV >Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old **he will not depart from it.** And yet... Isa 1:2-4 NLT >**2** Listen, O heavens! Pay attention, earth! This is what the LORD says: "**The children I raised and cared for have rebelled against me.** **3** Even an ox knows its owner, and a donkey recognizes its master's care--but Israel doesn't know its master. My people don't recognize my care for them." **4** Oh, what a sinful nation they are--loaded down with a burden of guilt. **They are evil people, corrupt children who have rejected the LORD.** They have despised the Holy One of Israel and turned their backs on him. This isn't even an isolated incident, it was a recurring theme throughout the Bible: Eze 20:17-18, 21 NLT >**17** Nevertheless, I took pity on them and held back from destroying them in the wilderness. **18** "Then I warned their children not to follow in their parents' footsteps, defiling themselves with their idols. > >**21** "**But their children, too, rebelled against me**. They refused to keep my decrees and follow my regulations, even though obedience would have given them life. And they also violated my Sabbath days. So again I threatened to pour out my fury on them in the wilderness.* Are godly parents really expected to experience this promise from Proverbs with their own children, when God couldn't even keep his own children on the straight and narrow? And if you are one of those who simply write it off as a "general" rule, not to be applied to all godly parents, yet, wouldn't it—at the very least—be applied to GOD himself as the ultimate Parent? I am looking for those with adept scriptural perception as to *how and why* a godly parent—one who pleases God— would not receive this promise of seeing their children endure to the end in faith. Thank you. *I was expecting more people to use actual scripture passages about rearing children correctly or parent/child relationships with logical interpretations to answer this. Instead, I seem to be getting criticism for taking Biblical promises too seriously.*

One of the foundational claims of dispensational theology is that there are various land promises that God has made to the nation of Israel which He has yet to fulfill. One claim is that Israel has yet to take possession of the entirety of the land which was promised to Abraham's descendants: > The Lord makes them perfectly clear. Like any modern-day land purchase, the deed indicates the boundaries of the land given: from the Nile river (which is mainly modern Egypt and Sudan) to the Euphrates (modern-day Iraq). - from Chosen People Ministries But in Joshua 21 we see the following statement: > Thus the LORD gave to Israel **all the land that he swore to give** to their fathers. And they took possession of it, and they settled there. And the LORD gave them rest on every side just as he had sworn to their fathers. Not one of all their enemies had withstood them, for the LORD had given all their enemies into their hands. **Not one word of all the good promises that the LORD had made to the house of Israel had failed**; all came to pass. - Joshua 21:43-45 And in Joshua's self eulogy in chapter 23 he says to Israel: > And now I am about to go the way of all the earth, and you know in your hearts and souls, all of you, that **not one word has failed of all the good things that the LORD your God promised concerning you**. All have come to pass for you; not one of them has failed. - Joshua 23:14 It appears clearly stated in these two verses that **every promise** came to pass. Additionally, the context surrounding 23:14 indicates that if Israel drifts toward unfaithfulness, God will stop restraining the surrounding nations from taking the land again. Since we know that Israel did indeed drift, this seems like an adequate explanation as to why they currently do not possess all that was promised. How do dispensationalists understand these statements of fulfillment made in Joshua?

I'm referring to promises such as: > 13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. **God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it**. (1 Corinthians 10:13 ESV)​ > 7 Little children, let no one deceive you. Whoever practices righteousness is righteous, as he is righteous. 8 Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil. 9 **No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God's seed abides in him; and he cannot keep on sinning, because he has been born of God**. 10 By this it is evident who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother. (1 John 3:7-10 ESV) > 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; **it is the gift of God**, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 **For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them**. (Ephesians 2:8-10 ESV) > 8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, **not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith**— (Philippians 3:8-9 ESV) If God offers grace to Christians to overcome temptation and live a righteous life, then why do Christians still fall into sin? What prevents Christians from living perfectly sinless lives?

Some relevant texts: 2 Samuel 7:12-16 , 2 Chronicles 13:5 , Psalm 89:20-37 , 1 Kings 11:36 , etc. It seems that God promises David a *continuous* Davidic line on the throne, without interruption (especially the text in Jeremiah 33:17 ). But this didn't happen because before Jesus' birth, the Davidic line was interrupted with Zedekiah, leaving a near 600-year gap between Zedekiah and Jesus unexplained. How should we interpret God's promise then?

Does the Bible contain any conditional promises for truth seekers that can be empirically tested, in their lifetime, to confirm the veracity of the Christian faith? By conditional promise I mean any kind of predictive statement of the form *if you do X, you will experience Y*, where Y is promised to take place in this lifetime (i.e. the person doesn't have to wait until death to see the outcome), as long as the seeker satisfies X (the conditions). What is an overview of such conditional promises in the Bible? **Note**: this question is a variant of (and inspired by) the question https://christianity.stackexchange.com/q/85814/50422

What are the promises referred to by Peter in 2 Peter 1:4 through which we can partake of the divine nature and escape the corruption that is in the world by lust? What are the views regarding this according to Reformed Theologians and those of the Keswick theology?

In the book of Acts, chapter 16, verse 31, reads as follows: > They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, you and your household." (NET) > They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, along with everyone in your household." (NLT) Some say that this verse is a promise. If a relative is saved, the whole family will also be in some future. How true is this?

One of the central tenets of the Bible is that you can enter heaven if you follow the way of the Lord, living harmoniously with him. At some point of time (If not from the very beginning of the Bible), the promise/concept of eternal life was said to be one of the reward for someone who pleased the Lord. When exactly did this happen? When was the first time Mankind was promised eternal life as a reward?

It seems like in Genesis and Exodus that God gave people promises of blessings in the future, but never in the present. He promised Abraham that his descendants would become great nations. The Israelites would reach their promised land, etc. What are some examples and counterexamples from Genesis and Exodus, and why did God offer things so distant and far away as opposed to immediate benefits?