Professions of faith and divine promises

“For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.” This passage from 2 Corinthians 1: 20 was the Bible text used by Chief Apostle Jean-Luc Schneider for a divine service in Milano in Italy on 29 November 2015.

The yes in Jesus Christ

“For all the promises of God in Him are Yes,” means that Jesus Christ fulfils the divine promises. The Chief Apostle went on to explain this, using three examples:

• God promised Adam and Eve that someone would come and bruise the Serpent’s head—in other words, gain the victory over evil (Genesis 3: 15).
• The prophet Isaiah announced a Saviour who would come and bring salvation to mankind (Isaiah 62: 11).
• And Jeremiah prophesied that God would make a new covenant with mankind (Jeremiah 31: 33).

“This was fulfilled through Jesus Christ,” the Chief Apostle said. “The man Jesus triumphed over hell, death, and evil. Jesus did not come as a lawmaker; He always spoke to the heart.”

The yes of the congregation

“… in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us,” signifies a double confirmation—on the one hand, by the Apostles and, on the other hand, by every single believer:

• The Apostles profess the victory of Christ and the congregation believes. “Jesus Christ is the strongest. This is something we proclaim by revealing our confidence in Him.”
• The Apostles pronounce the forgiveness of sins in the name of Jesus Christ, and the congregation exercises itself in the spirit of forgiveness. “This is how we confirm the forgiveness of sins.”
• The Apostles have been commissioned to baptize with water and the Spirit and to celebrate Holy Communion, and the effects of these sacraments unfold in the congregation: “The best proof is the love of God, which we carry in our hearts.”

The promises are alive

“Some promises are still open,” Chief Apostle Schneider said. “The Lord Jesus promised that He will return. If this promise of our bridegroom lives in our hearts, we have joy in Christ.” This joy, which can also be perceived by others, is the confirmation that we are getting ready for Christ’s imminent return.

“God has promised that all people will be able to obtain salvation.” The Apostles travel throughout the world to proclaim this message to all nations, the Chief Apostle said. “It is also up to us to confirm this promise by not ostracizing anyone,” he added, and asked the brothers and sisters to be patient and extend hospitality.

In conclusion, the Chief Apostle said, “If we apply the promise of God, our trust in God, our preparedness to forgive, and our love for the neighbour will help us to be a blessing for all.”

Photo: schulzfoto – Fotolia