“The LORD did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people: But because the LORD loved you, and because he would keep the oath which he had sworn unto your fathers, hath the LORD brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt.”
(Deuteronomy 7:7-8)
God’s promises are freely given to His people. They are not based on nor influenced by any merit, might, or significance of our own. Rather, every benefit and blessing promised and bestowed on the Lord’s elect arise from His goodness, benevolence, and divine love. In the promises of God, “the love and favor of God, the especial grace of God toward him; this is the foundation of all his happiness.”[1]
As stated in Deuteronomy 7:7-8, “The Lord did not set His love upon you nor choose you because you were more in number than any other people, but because the Lord loved you.” The only evidence called for if you wish to affirm this truth for yourself is the fact that we were all wretched and filthy sinners when God chose to love us. As stated in Titus 3:5, “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us.” Which means that every promise of God – from the first one made after Adam and Eve sinned to the last one recorded by the Apostle John in Revelation – is rooted in God’s free grace and boundless love.
God never commercializes His gifts. He doesn’t dangle them like a carrot in the hopes that you will take notice and be persuaded to “bite”. He doesn’t give with the expectation of getting something in return. God does not need us, our devotion, our thanks, our praise, or anything else we might offer up. He is utterly and infinitely sufficient in and of Himself.
His gifts therefore, including the most precious and priceless gift of all – that of his one and only begotten Son – can only be freely received (Isa. 55:1-3, Rev. 21:6, 22:17, Ezek. 36:32). His love, forgiveness, election, calling, justification, faith, and eternal life are all gifts of His grace.
And yet while God’s promises are freely given, their experience often depends on our actions. As the Apostle Paul reminds believers, God is faithful to establish and protect us from evil, but we must also do our part as He commands (2 Thess. 3:3-4). When we pray for our daily needs, we acknowledge God as the provider but also recognize our role in prayer. Just as a beggar believes in the possibility of receiving alms, we too can trust and hope in God’s mercy because, as Isaiah 43:24-25 reminds us, God forgives our transgressions for His sake, not ours.
Of course, some will attempt to take advantage of God’s goodness and try to manipulate His promises, using them as an excuse for to sin. Listen to what Paul said about that kind of behavior in Romans 2:4, “Do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?” (see also Rom. 6:1 and Heb. 10:29). We must never forget that while God’s mercy and love are abundant and free, they will forever abide in harmony with His truth and justice.
Contemplations:
- God’s Love: Reflecting on Deuteronomy 7:7-8, I am reminded of God’s unconditional love. He didn’t choose us because of anything in us but simply because He loved us. How often do I recognize and appreciate this profound love in my daily life?
- The Freely Given Promises: The idea that God’s promises are freely given and not based on my worthiness or actions, fills me with gratitude. Isaiah 55:1-3 speaks of buying without money, emphasizing God’s generosity. How can I ensure that I don’t take these promises for granted?
- My Role in Fulfilling Promises: Yet while God’s promises are free, their fulfillment often requires action on my part. This balance between divine provision and human responsibility challenges me. Am I doing my part in the covenant, or am I passively waiting for God to do everything?
- Misusing God’s Mercy: It’s troubling to think that some might misuse God’s promises as an excuse for sinful behavior. God’s mercy should lead us to reverence, not recklessness. How can I be certain that I respect and honor God’s grace in my life, using it as a motivation for righteousness rather than an excuse for sin?
Further References for Deut. 7:7-8:
Job 7:17; 1 John 3:1; Deut. 10:15; Isa. 43:4
[1] Nicholas Byfield, The Promises of God, (Coconut Creek, FL: Puritan Publications, 2013), chapter 3, eBook.
