The Promise of the Father and the Faith of the Saints

Acts 1:4–5  And, [Jesus] being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.  5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.

This study attempts to give a sweeping overview of the Biblical Theology embedded in Jesus’ terminology: The Promise of the Father.   From the prayer of Moses to the promise of Joel; from the New Covenant language of Ezekiel to the dawn of John Baptist’s ministry, a special Promise gains prominence.

Jesus’ incarnation and ministry further prepare the people of God for its manifestation by demonstrating the power of the Promise in Himself, while paying the price of His blood, so that all God’s children might be forgiven and receive the Gift of the Holy Spirit.

As the moment drew near when Jesus would say, “It is finished,” He not only spoke of His death and resurrection, He also pointed to the coming Promise of the Father – The Outpouring of the Holy Spirit - as if to say, “Once I accomplish My redemptive work, do not start your witness until I send the Promise of the Father.  I have finished, but don’t you start until you receive the Power of the Holy Spirit.  I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.”