James 1:12 Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.
James 2:5 Listen, my beloved brethren: Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?
The word promised, means, to announce that one is about to do or furnish something. It's a voluntary act...something that one does on their own. So, we have then, 2 promises that God has made. Again, let's take a closer look.
1. These promises are for "those who love Him"
2. Each promise is a little different then the other.
The first promise is to those who endure temptation, or trials. They will receive the "crown of life." This is reserved specifically, for those who have patiently endured, and persevered the testings of their faith down here on earth. What a person may be going through now, has the potential then, to put them in line for this crown. If you are going through a trial, hang in there, God will get you through, and He will wind up giving you the crown of life someday.
The second promise, ( it's stated in James 2:5 more as a question ) is to those who the poor of this world, who are said to be rich in faith. They are heirs of the kingdom. And, God is going to give them His kingdom.
Jesus said "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven". The kingdom of heaven is that period of time here on earth, when Jesus is going to reign and rule upon the earth.
One last thing about God's promises. He is always faithful to fulfill them, and accomplish them. There has never been one promise He has made that has not been carried out by Him.
God is faithful, God is dependable, God can be counted on, and trusted completely.
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