In "Never!", Don Fortner addresses the theological doctrine of God's steadfast promise to His people, particularly emphasizing the assurance encapsulated in Hebrews 13:5-6. The author argues that this unconditional promise of divine presence and support underscores God's immutability and faithfulness. He references several scriptures including Isaiah 49:13-15 and Matthew 28:18-20 to illustrate God's unyielding commitment across the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Fortner highlights the practical significance of this promise, which provides comfort in times of trouble, secures believers' needs, and confirms the unshakeable nature of God's love and covenant—a fundamental tenet in Reformed theology that underscores the security of the believer's relationship with God.
Key Quotes
“I like that God has said I will never leave thee nor forsake thee. This is a remarkable unconditional promise.”
“His immutable love will not allow it. His precious blood will not allow it. His covenant engagements will not allow it.”
“God once forsook his darling Son when he was made to be sin for us... since Christ has put away our sins God will never forsake any sinner for whom Christ died.”
“Read it as it is given repeatedly in his Word and rejoice.”
Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. - Hebrews 13:5-6“Never!”
“Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.” Hebrews 13:5-6
Here is a promise from the triune God to every sinner who trusts his darling Son. “He hath said.” I like that! God has said, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” This is a remarkable, unconditional promise. Literally, “God has said, I will never, no never, no never leave you or forsake you.” The Amplified Version gives this paraphrase of Hebrews 13:5-6…
“Let your character or moral disposition be free from love of money [including greed, avarice, lust, and craving for earthly possessions] and be satisfied with your present [circumstances and with what you have]; for He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down ( relax My hold on you)! [Assuredly not!]”
This promise assures us of God’s constant help. It guarantees the greatest possible good. It secures all our needs. It gives comfort for every trouble. It is substantiated by God’s immutability, faithfulness, and love. And it is confirmed by the observation of faith. These are not the words of an angel, a mere man, or any creature. These are the words of God himself. ― “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”
God the Father will never leave his children, nor forsake them (Isa. 49:13-15; 54:7-10, 14-17). God the Son will never leave nor forsake the people for whom he suffered and died (Matt. 28:18-20; Phil. 4:4). Once the Lord Jesus comes to a sinner to be his all, he will never forsake that sinner and be nothing at all. His immutable love will not allow it. His precious blood will not allow it. His covenant engagements will not allow it. His faithfulness will not allow it. And God the Holy Spirit will never leave nor forsake those in whom he dwells (John 14:16).
God forsook the tabernacle in the wilderness, and the temple at Jerusalem, but he will never forsake his living temple. We are the habitation of his delight. God once forsook his darling Son, when he was made to be sin for us. But, since Christ has put away our sins, God will never forsake any sinner for whom Christ died, because he can never have any reason to do so!
This is the sweet promise of God to every believer. ― “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” Read it as it is given repeatedly in his Word and rejoice (Psa. 27:10; 73:25-26; Lk. 10:42). ― “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee!”
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