Prayer and Promises

THE PROMISE

I pray that He may grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power in the inner man through His Spirit, and to know the Messiah’s love that surpasses knowledge, so you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

— Ephesians 3:16,19, HCSB 

THE TESTIMONY 

It is our safety, our joy, to dwell upon the truths of the plan of salvation. Faith and prayer are necessary in order that we may behold the deep things of God. 

Paul opens before the Ephesian church, in the most comprehensive language, the marvelous power and knowledge they might possess as sons and daughters of the Most High. It was theirs “to be strengthened with all might by his Spirit in the inner man,”... But the prayer of the apostle reaches the climax of privilege when he prays that “ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.” 

Here are revealed the heights of attainment that we may reach through faith in the promises of our Heavenly Father, when we fulfill his requirements. Through the merits of Christ, we have access to the throne of infinite power. “He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?” 

The life of Christ was a life charged with a divine message of the love of God, and he longed intensely to impart this love to others in rich measure.  

The heart that has once tasted of the love of Christ, cries out continually for a deeper draft; and as you impart, you will receive in richer and more abundant measure. Every revelation of God to the soul increases the capacity to know and to love. The continual cry of the heart is, More of thee, and ever the Spirit’s answer is, Much more; for our God delights to do “exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think.” To Jesus, who emptied himself for the salvation of lost humanity, the Holy Spirit was given without measure. So it will be given to every follower of Christ when the whole heart is surrendered for his indwelling. Our Lord himself has given the command, “Be filled with the Spirit,” and this command is also a promise of its fulfillment.  

To all who are willing for self to be humbled are given God’s promises: “I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and will proclaim the name of Jehovah before thee.” “Call upon me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.” 

— Review and Herald, November 5, 1908 

THE RESPONSE 

Have faith in the promises of your Heavenly Father. Through faith in the merits of Christ, seek access to the throne of infinite power. 

Seek the love of Christ in your heart. Pass on this love and you will receive a richer and more abundant measure.

Surrender your whole heart for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Claim the promise to “Be filled with the Spirit,” for this command is also a promise of its fulfillment.  

Be willing to humble self. Claim God’s promises, He will answer you and show you great and mighty things.