7. What has God offered us so that we may become Christlike and escape the power of temptation? 2 Peter 1:3-4.
NOTE: ‘True faith lays hold of and claims the promised blessing before it is realised and felt. We must send up our petitions in faith within the second veil and let our faith take hold of the promised blessing and claim it as ours. We are then to believe that we receive the blessing, because our faith has hold of it, and according to the Word it is ours. “What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” Mark 11:24. Here is faith, naked faith, to believe that we receive the blessing, even before we realise it. When the promised blessing is realised and enjoyed, faith is swallowed up. . . . True faith rests on the promises contained in the Word of God, and those only who obey that Word can claim its glorious promises. “If ye abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” John 15:7. “Whatsoever we ask, we receive of Him, because we keep His commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in His sight.” 1 John 3:22.’ Early Writings, page 72.
8. How can we be sure that God’s promises are trustworthy? 2 Corinthians 1:20; Numbers 23:19. Consider 2 Corinthians 7:1.
NOTE: ‘The existence of God’s government depends on the fulfilment of His promises. The Christian has the assurance of the government of the universe that every lawful request that he makes will be granted. Government is especially for the protection of the weak. Suppose now that God should fail to fulfil one of His promises to the very weakest and most insignificant person in the world; that single failure would destroy the entire government of God. The whole universe would at once be thrown into confusion. If God should break one of His promises, no one in the universe could ever have any confidence in them, and His rule would be at an end; for trust in the ruling power is the only sure ground of obedience.’ E. J. Waggoner: The Full Assurance of Faith, page 8.