The word “amen” is an important word in Scripture. In the Authorized version the word is used 78 times in 72 verses. The transliteration of a Hebrew word, amen, signifies “something as certain, sure and valid, truthful and faithful” (Holman Bible Dictionary).
Under the Law, the word was used to show the acceptance of the validity of a curse. “Cursed be the man that maketh any graven or molten image, an abomination unto the Lord, the work of the hands of the craftsman, and putteth it in a secret place. And all the people shall answer and say, Amen” (Deut. 27:15).
Under the gospel, the word is used in association with the blessings of grace. “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen” (2 Cor. 13:14).
“If any man loves not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha” (1 Cor. 16:22). “There is no amen to the curse under the gospel. But ‘all the promises of God are yea and amen, in Christ Jesus’” (C. H. Spurgeon).
Let someone shout, “Amen!”
According to the Puritan, Thomas Adams (1583 – 1652), the word amen means four things.
First, the term amen expresses the desire of the heart. When the apostle John ended the Revelation, he said, “Even so come, Lord Jesus” (Rev. 22:20). The desire of the heart is predicated on the promise of Jesus who said, “Behold, I come quickly.” Faith cries out, “Amen!” in order to affirm faith in the words of Jesus, and to express a longing for the Lord’s coming.
If you have faith in Jesus Christ as Lord, Savior, and coming King, and if the desire of your heart is to express that to Him alone belongs all “glory, both now and forever”, then let someone shout, “Amen!” Can you say, “Amen, Lord, let thy kingdom come, and thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven”?
Second, the term amen expresses the affirmation of our faith. As a Christian, we should only say amen to that which we sincerely believe to be true. Do you believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God? Do you believe that He was born of a virgin? Do you believe that Jesus lived without sin? Do you believe that Christ died for our sins, according to the Scriptures, was buried, and bodily rose again on the third day? Then let someone shout, “Amen!” as an affirmation of faith.
It is not enough to desire something; it must be believed. Our affirmation of faith might be as tiny as a mustard seed, but heaven will take notice and honor that faith.
“This little seed from heaven
Shall soon become a tree;
This ever-blessed leaven
Diffused abroad must be.”
Third, the word amen is often used to express the joy of the heart. The Bible says that one day, “at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Phil. 2:10-11).
Let someone shout, “Amen!”
One day, every Christian shall see the One who died for them. Hearts will rejoice and individuals shall shout for joy, especially those who have lingered long on a bed of sickness.
In 1955, Jim Hill could not understand why a good woman like his mother-in-law had to get seriously ill. As a new believer to Christianity, he just could not shake off that thought in his mind. Then as if to clear his confusion, God answered him as he was driving. The words in Revelation 21:4 popped up in his consciousness. The statement paints a beautiful picture that made Hill exclaimed, “What a day that will be!” Excitedly, he immediately looked for something to write on once he reached home. He found a piece of cardboard, and there he wrote the rest of the lyrics for “What a Day That Will Be.” (CTD Country Thang Daily)
“There is coming a day,
When no heart aches shall come,
No more clouds in the sky,
No more tears to dim the eye,
All is peace forever more,
On that happy golden shore,
What a day, glorious day that will be.
What a day that will be,
When my Jesus I shall see,
And I look upon His face,
The One who saved me by His grace;
When He takes me by the hand,
And leads me through the Promised Land,
What a day, glorious day that will be.”
Fourth, sometimes in Scripture amen is used as a term of resolution. It means, said Charles H. Spurgeon, “I, in the name of God, solemnly pledge myself that in His strength I will seek to make it so; to Him be glory both now and forever.”
There are many commandments for Christians in the New Testament. The Law of Moses had 613 provisions; the Law of Grace has more. The Christian is commanded to redeem the time because the days are evil (Eph. 5:16). Believers are to love one another (John 13:34-35). Those who have been regenerated by the Holy Spirit are to say so, and they are to be holy (1 Peter 1:16).
Read the New Testament and look for every imperative, in every chapter of Scripture. After each Royal Command, let there be a sacred resolution to do what the gospel commands. It is the will of the Lord.
A Christian’s Resolution
Concerning My Intellect: Resolved. I will seek to have a transformed mind. Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, I will think on these things (Rom. 12:1,2; Phil. 4:8).
Concerning My Will: Resolved. I will seek to desire to have, and be content with, what God has ordained for my life. Wanting more than what the Lord has authorized is the essence of sin (Gen. 3:1-7).
Concerning My Emotions: Resolved. I will seek to mortify the flesh knowing that if I live according to the flesh I will die; but if by the Spirit I put to death the misdeeds of the body, I will live (Rom. 8:13).
Let some say, “Amen!”