Never!         

Hebrews 13:5

 

     "He hath said" - This is the promise of the eternal, triune God to his beloved, covenant people. "I will never leave thee,  nor forsake thee." This is a remarkable, unlimited, unconditional promise, given in the most emphatic language possible. "God has said, I will never, no never, no never leave you, nor forsake you." Believer, God means for you to understand and be confident of his absolute faithfulness to you. This promise from God assures us of his constant help, guarantees the greatest possible good for our souls, secures the supply of all our needs, and gives us comfort for every trouble. It is a promise substantiated by God's immutability, faithfulness and love. And it is confirmed to our hearts both by the scriptures and the observation of faith (Gen. 28:15; Deut. 31:7-8; Josh. 1:5; I Chron. 28:20; Isa. 41:10-14; 43:1-5).

     "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." These are not the words of a mere man, an angel, or any other creature. These are the words of God to his elect. GOD THE FATHER will never leave his children for any reason nor forsake them for any cause (Isa. 49:13-15; 54:7-10, 14-17). GOD THE SON will never leave the people he loves nor forsake the souls he has redeemed (Matt. 28:18-20; Phil. 4:4). Once the Lord Jesus has come to a sinner to be his all, he will never forsake that sinner and be nothing at all. His immutable love, his precious blood, his covenant engagements, his faithfulness will not allow it. And GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT will never leave those in whom he dwells nor forsake those whom he sanctifies (John 14:16). M'Cheyne wrote, "Eternity alone will unfold the riches of this promise. He who died for us will be our eternal Friend; and he who sanctifies us will forever dwell in us; and then God who loved us, will be ever with us. Then we will get into the meaning of his promise - `I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.'" "How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord, is laid for your faith in His excellent Word! What more can he say than to you he hath said, to you who for refuge to Jesus have fled?"

 

Don Fortner