IT is not a mistake to take literally God's promises in the Bible. Rather, it is a mistake which may deprive us of safety, health, and peace if we fail to recognize that these promises are for our present use.
Often Scriptural promises are read because they are beautiful. At other times we may read them to gain a sense of comfort. They are helpful when read for any purpose. They are especially beneficial when we accept them as the truth which can be applied to human problems. As we come to rely understandingly on these promises, they meet our present needs.
Through various stages of human progress mankind have been faced with overpowering beliefs of evil. They have known fear of loss of all that seems good and rightfully theirs and even fear of annihilation. The cry of the human heart seems to be, "Surely there is a safe way out of this difficulty; surely there is a power which can save us!" This cry may indicate a newborn willingness to accept the promises of God, a yearning to know God and to feel the safety of His presence. To such a receptive thought, the ever-available Christ, Truth, awaits admission.
