Throughout our retreat, we have repeatedly emphasized that hope is built upon our trust in the promises of Christ. But what exactly do these promises represent? What do they mean to you personally? What comes to mind first when you hear about them?
Most of us may first think of eternal life or salvation… but let us explore these promises more deeply.
The promises of Christ can generally be categorized into four key aspects. The first is that He is with us. From the beginning of creation, from the Old Testament to the New Testament, God has always desired to be with humans He created. This longing of God was fully manifested in the life of Jesus. His coming fulfilled the words spoken by the prophet: "They shall name him Emmanuel, which means 'God is with us.'" (Matthew 1:23)
On the night before His Passion, Jesus, as the High Priest, prayed to the Father for the faithful: "As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us…” (John 17:21) Jesus continued: “I in them and you in me, that they may become completely one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. Father, I desire that those also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am.…" (cf. John 17:20-26)
Before ascending to heaven, Jesus reaffirmed this promise to His disciples: "And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:20)
This unceasing desire of the Father, to be with us every day and to be one with us, is clearly revealed in Jesus’ prayer to the Heavenly Father. But the core of this promise is not just about His presence among us, but that He assures us that He will provide everything we need, granting us grace and strength to fulfill the mission He has entrusted to us.
The second main promise of Christ is Salvation. This promise requires us to accept Jesus as our Saviour with a repentant heart, and to be reconciled with God through the cleansing of the Sacrament of Baptism, so that we can become the children of God.
The third main promise of Christ is the promise of eternal life. Once we have received God’s salvation, we are no longer under the power of sin and death. Jesus, as our Mediator, reunites us with the Father and allows us to partake in the divine life of the Holy Trinity. He shares with us the glory He received from the Father, so that we, as believers, may share in God’s eternal life through Jesus.
The fourth main promise of Christ is the promise of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is our guide and protector, leading us to the Truth of Christ. As the Spirit of Truth, He not only watches over us but also grants us spiritual gifts that sanctify us and empower us to live a holy life, as well as to respond to the call of our Heavenly Father. Through this process, we will be transformed by the Holy Spirit and become more like Christ, restoring our original image as created by the Father.
Our understanding and trust in these promises of Christ become the source and the true foundation of our hope. By embracing them, we gain strength in our close relationship with God and will discover the purpose and direction of our lives.
Reflection
Do you truly believe in the promises of Christ? Do you believe in them deep within your heart, or do you believe it in your head, intellectually? Please share with God in prayer what you still have reservations about.
Do you long for the "Promises of Christ"? What do you most yearn for?
In your prayer, invite the Holy Spirit to enlighten you on how to embrace these promises of Christ in your life.
Today’s Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus, I am grateful for the insights the Holy Spirit has given me today. I now understand that Your incarnation was not only to free me from the bondage of sin and eternal punishment, but also to bring me new hope, showing me that the Father’s plan for me is filled with promise and purpose, giving me a future with hope.
Thank You for Your promises! For being present in my life, for the gift of salvation and eternal life, for Your promise of sharing Your glory with me, and for the most precious gift, Your Holy Spirit. All of these reveal the depth of Your love for me in the most tender way.
I realize that You want to ensure that I have adequate protection and support during my pilgrimage on earth, and that I am protected from harm by my enemies. Today, I really felt it... I felt that You have held nothing back for my sake! You have poured out Your heart and love for me completely.
Lord Jesus, let me say to You once again: I love You!
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The following is the “Farmer of Hearts: Finding Hope in God’s Kingdom” team, including FLL staff and volunteers.
Please kindly pray for them. May God protect them and sustain their physical, mental and spiritual well-being.
Writer: Paul Yeung
Project Manager: Michael Lam, Rosa Tse
Editors: Bonny Chan, Rosa Tse
English Editors: Bonny Chan, Paul Yeung
Mandarin Editor: Anthony X.
Cantonese Narrator: Margaret Woo
English Narrator: J. Johnson
Mandarin Narrator: C. Zhou
Audio Editors: Cyan Cheung, Sander Lee, Margaret Woo
YouTube Editors: Arnold Chan, Cyan Cheung, Sander Lee
Graphics: Francis Lai, Carmen Tsang, Rosa Tse
Website: Patricia Young, Angela Wong
Podcast: Angela Wong
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“Sea of Memory” by Aakash Gandhi https://www.youtube.com/@88keystoeuphoria
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