7 Promises of Jesus That Are Already Fulfilled in the New Testament
In a world that often feels unpredictable, the fulfilled promises of Jesus offer an anchor for believers. These promises are not only historical events recorded in the New Testament but are also spiritual assurances that can strengthen your faith and demonstrate the unwavering reliability of God. In this article, we’re going to explore seven promises that Jesus made and fulfilled. Each of these not only has a biblical grounding but also presents a profound impact on personal belief and communal Christian faith.
The Promise of Peace on Earth
One of the first promises that many find particularly endearing is the promise of peace. Jesus assured his followers of peace, a concept often abstract yet deeply sought after. In John 14:27, Jesus says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
The fulfillment of this promise can be seen in the early Church, which, despite persecution and hardship, often lived with a sense of inexplicable peace and joy as seen in their communal living and sharing as described in Acts. The peace Jesus promised isn’t about the absence of conflict but a deep inner peace that prevails despite circumstances. For many, this peace is evidenced in their personal lives today, grounding them through challenges.
The Promised Comforter: The Holy Spirit
Another poignant promise was the coming of the Comforter—the Holy Spirit—who would guide and support believers after Jesus’s departure. In John 16:7, Jesus states, “But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.”
This promise was fulfilled on the day of Pentecost, as narrated in Acts 2:1-4. The Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles, enabling them to speak in different tongues and igniting the spread of Christianity. Today, many Christians report experiencing the Holy Spirit’s guidance and comfort in their lives, solidifying the promise’s relevance and validity.
The Promise of Rest in Him
Jesus also promised rest for the weary, a gift that resonates with anyone who’s ever felt burdened by life’s demands. In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus invites, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
The fulfillment of this promise is often seen in the lives of believers who, amidst their hectic schedules and the trials of life, find a refreshing rest not necessarily in physical ease but in spiritual renewal. This rest speaks to the enduring quality of Jesus’s assurances, proving them effective beyond the first-century context into the modern era.
The Promise of Salvation
Perhaps the most significant promise Jesus made was concerning salvation—a promise of eternal life and reconciliation with God. John 3:16 succinctly captures this: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
This promise’s fulfillment is foundational to Christian doctrine—Jesus’s death and resurrection paved the way for salvation, offering redemption to all who believe. This promise is particularly powerful because it transcends temporal life, promising something eternal and deeply transformative to humanity.
The Promise of His Presence
Another comforting promise Jesus made was about His perpetual presence. In Matthew 28:20, He assured His disciples, “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
This promise is fulfilled through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and the ongoing experience of believers across centuries who testify to feeling Jesus’s presence in their daily lives. It reassures you that regardless of the circumstances, you are never truly alone.
The Fulfillment of Prophecy
In a more global context, Jesus’s life itself fulfilled extensive Old Testament prophecies, which He often referenced as proof of His divine mission. For instance, His birth in Bethlehem fulfills the prophecy in Micah 5:2, as documented in Matthew 2:1-6.
Understanding these fulfillments strengthens faith as it paints a cohesive narrative of God’s work through history. It’s a testament to divine foresight and control that believers find reassuring.
The Promise of His Return
Finally, one of the promises yet to be fully realized but already having partial fulfillment is Jesus’s promise to return. In John 14:3, Jesus promises, “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”
While the ultimate return of Jesus, as described in Revelation, is yet to occur, the anticipation and preparation for it have already influenced believers’ lives for centuries. The hope and faith in His return help guide moral and ethical considerations for many, keeping the promise alive in daily life.
Closing Thoughts
These fulfilled promises of Jesus not only validate His teachings but reinforce the belief in a God who keeps His word. Each promise fulfilled in the New Testament serves as a cornerstone for faith, illustrating that trusting in these assurances is not in vain. As you journey through your faith, remembering these fulfilled promises can offer both comfort and affirmation.
