April 7 THE ONE WHO CONFIRMS GOD'S PROMISES "Christ has become a servant of the Jews on behalf of God's truth, to confirm the promises made to the patriarchs so that the Gentiles may glorify God for his mercy" (Romans 15:8, 9, NIV). Our devotional text today is packed with good news for all humanity! It highlights the universal nature of God's grace as manifested in Jesus Christ and exhibited toward Jews and Gentiles without favoritism or partiality. Through the mystery of the incarnation, Christ became a servant. By this condescension, He forever confirmed the promises of eternal life to all who believe and accept His free salvation. Jesus came to our planet not only as Redeemer, but to confirm God's promises. His presence, ministry, and identification with both Jew and Gentile is the confirmation and guarantee of the all-inclusiveness of God's matchless grace. Through Christ, who confirmed God's promises to Israel made in the covenant with Abraham, all who believe are accepted into God's family. Christ's manifestation of God's righteousness is His fulfillment of the promises; it is the very foundation of His universal salvation. Christ's death and resurrection have forever confirmed the promise of salvation by grace through faith to all who believe. Moreover, we are assured that He will fully confirm His ultimate promise of final restoration at His glorious return. It is a certainty that He who confirmed God's promises will soon confirm His own promise to come again so that where He is, we may be also (see John 14:1-3). Ellen White expresses it beautifully: "The attractions of heaven are our light, the words and promises of Christ are our assurance. On these we must rely, and reveal Christ to the world."--Sign of the Times, November 30, 1891. My Prayer Today: Lord, because you have already confirmed God's promises, I eagerly await the final confirmation. Amen.