Sure Promises Founded on Perfect Character

(Hebrews 6:13) - For when God made a promise to Abraham, since he had no one greater by whom to swear, he swore by himself."

In Hebrews 6:10-12 the author exhorted the Hebrews toward earnest love, faith and patience resulting in the reward of inheriting the promises. How can one be so sure that God will be faithful to His promise (word)? To answer this question the author takes us back to God's dealings with Abraham. When God made His promises to Abraham, He swore by the greatest thing or one possible: Himself! He did not merely swear by heaven above or earth below or on anyone's dead grave because He is greater than all these things. He did not swear on any king or priest or person because He is greater than every man or group of men. He swore by Himself because "he had no one greater by whom to swear."

He founded His promises on His own perfect, faithful character! Since He has done this, for God to go back on His word would be for Him to lie about His character. This will never happen because it cannot happen. "It is impossible for God to lie" (Heb 6:18). This is not just to say that He won't lie, but that He cannot lie; it would be to do what He is incapable of and hates. This then should provide us unwavering assurance that God's word and promise are trustworthy and sure. Truly, all who believe in Him will not be disappointed!!! (Rom 9:33, Rom 10:11, Isaiah 49:23)