Amen - Necessary to Receive the Promises

It is Finished.  Done,  Complete.  Jesus has accomplished it all. 

Clearly, Jesus accomplished His mission and as He declared "It is Finished" from the cross, He redeemed man from all the consequences of sin.  This substitutionary work, taking the death we deserved and giving us the righteousness of God, enables every person to pass from death to life, from condemnation to being right with God, from fallen human nature to sharing His divine nature forever.  Since all that is needed has already been done by Jesus Christ, what is the key to actually experiencing His complete victory in our lives now?

The key to walking in the fullness of all the Lord Jesus accomplished is in this verse. "For all the promises of God in Him are yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through (by) us". 2 Corinthians 1:20  We will take a closer look at this key to see how to make it work.

Let's start with an example from the Old Testament.  Notice that when God instructed Joshua (1:3) to go over the Jordan and possess the promised land that I have given to you, the verb tense is past.  It was already given.  Yet Joshua still had to do something: "Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given to you."  He had to literally walk on it to make it his.  

In the New Testament, our verse states that all the promises of God are "Yes" in Christ Jesus.  He accomplished what was needed to make every promise valid and effective.  2 Peter 1:3-4 further states that through these "exceedingly great and precious promises" we escape the corruptible fallen condition and "partake of the divine nature."  So clearly the provision of God that is already given is all the wonderful promises of God.  However, they are just promises and unfulfilled, if we passively just look at them.  Our key verse in 2 Corinthians 1 states that we add the "Amen."  Amen means "so let it be" or in other words, "it is established."  Amen is our agreement.  

We need to understand how to agree.  Let's start with the foundation.  First, many times we cry out to God and sort of beg Him to do something for us.  This is an insult to God's goodness and the finished work of Jesus.  It is finished.  God has already done everything to completely overcome every challenge of life.  Therefore, we are releasing His provision for some need rather than trying to pray and work hard enough to get God to give you something that you don't have.  He has paid it all.

Secondly, just as God told Joshua (Joshua 1:8) to be careful to do, to meditate on, and to speak His Word; we are to likewise think, speak, and act on what He has promised.  However, there are times each of us feels a little like the man who told Jesus, "I believe, but help my unbelief."  Yet God is faithful and He wants us to receive the promises more than we do.  Faith comes by hearing and hearing the Word of God.  Notice it doesn't matter who is speaking it, your ears will hear and your heart will receive it even if you say it!   Regardless of how you feel or how extreme the situation, God's Word works. Find the promise that applies to your area, and begin reflecting on God's goodness and mercy that has provided it for you.  Begin to speak it out loud every time you think of the situation.  Thank Him that it is done. The more negative thoughts come, the more you declare God's truth.  Let God be true and every man a liar. (Romans 3:4)  Here is the principle: Every promise that fits my situation and meets my need is for me now..  Thank you, Jesus.

One more important point, our 2 Corinthians 1:20 verse ends "to the glory of God.": When we claim and receive the promises, it gives glory to God.  The same truth is found in John 15:7-8 "If you abide in Me and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.  By this My Father is glorified..."  Jesus is pleased to glorify the Father by having His finished work transform us.  Ask the Holy Spirit to help you stand on and settle your "Amen" to His promise.  He will help you give glory to God by receiving what Jesus has done.  God honors those who believe He is and rewards those who diligently seek Him.  He who called you is faithful and He will do it.  Amen.