Experiencing how God keeps His promises

“The Advent season is a time in which we think about the fact that God made a promise, and that He has kept His promise,” said the Chief Apostle on the first Sunday of Advent, 1 December 2019 in Málaga, Spain.

After the fall into sin, God promised the Redeemer, announced a Perfect Prophet to Moses, and foretold an successor to David who would rule eternally, before finally promising: “‘Behold, the days are coming,’ says the Lord, ‘that I will raise to David a Branch of righteousness; a King shall reign and prosper, and execute judgement and righteousness in the earth’” (Jeremiah 23: 5).

Promised and fulfilled

And that is exactly what happened. “Other kings came along who were even worse than those who had gone before,” explained the Church leader. “The Romans came and occupied Israel, and it became more and more difficult to fulfil the will of God, but it was precisely at that moment that God fulfilled all of His promises: He sent His Son to this earth.”

However, only those to whom the Holy Spirit revealed the truth where able to recognise: “This is the Redeemer. This is the Prophet who will announce the will of God in perfect fashion. This is the King who has been sent by God. That is the first message of Advent: “God always keeps the promises He makes.”

Promised for the future

“The Holy Spirit announces the promises of God to us. The Holy Spirit keeps these promises alive in our hearts. The Holy Spirit allows us to experience their fulfilment. That is the work and the task of the Holy Spirit to this very day,” explained the Chief. “We are so thankful to God that He has given us a righteous Redeemer. This message of the Holy Spirit will nourish the love in our hearts if we allow it to have an effect upon us.”

The Holy Spirit also reveals Himself in the promises of God for the future: “God will send His Son, and He will take us unto Himself. He will establish His kingdom—and it will be possible for all human beings to be redeemed. This creates great hope within us, and gives us confidence and trust. We know how things will move forward.”

Fulfilled in the present

Thanks to the Holy Spirit, it is even possible to experience the fulfilment of the promises that Jesus Christ has given to the church:

• “The Lord Jesus has sent His Apostles—and He is with them, right in the midst of the congregation.”
• “He rules and leads His church. He desires to impart salvation. That is the will of God.”
• “The sinner becomes a new creation and develops into the image of Jesus Christ.”
• “He is a righteous King. He offers salvation. He never forces it on anyone.”
• “No matter what happens—if I want to remain faithful, I will be able to bear it: He will give me the strength I need.”

“Those who allow themselves to be led by the Holy Spirit will make this experience. They will have joy and they will be inspired to serve the Lord,” emphasised Chief Apostle Schneider in conclusion. “That is our Advent.”