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The Story Behind Standing on the Promises Russell Kelso Carter (1849-1928) was a man of varied passions and abilities. A native of Baltimore, Maryland, Carter was known as an excellent athlete in his youth. The Methodist Holiness camp had a deep impact upon his life and he was appointed into the ministry in 1887. Carter occupied various teaching posts at the Pennsylvania Military Academy including professor of chemistry, natural science, civil engineering, and mathematics. He not only taught but also published textbooks in his different disciplines and even wrote several novels. Further interests included sheep-raising and practicing medicine. “Standing on the Promises” was composed in 1886 while Carter taught at the military academy. He was a member of the first graduating class in 1867 and had a powerful affection for the school. Author Phil Kerr makes a correlation between the music and the military academy in his book, Music in Evangelism, saying that Carter’s military experience was reflected in the martial musical style of the hymn. The verse most directly associated with "standing on his promises" is 2 Corinthians 1:20-22, which says, "For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen... " Other verses that speak to God's faithfulness and promises include Hebrews 10:23 ("Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; for he is faithful that promised") and 2 Peter 1:4 ("Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises"). Key verses for "standing on his promises" 2 Corinthians 1:20-22: "For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us. Now he which stablishoth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God; Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts" (KJV). This verse is a foundational text for the concept, asserting that all of God's promises are firm and dependable. Hebrews 10:23: "Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; for he is faithful that promised". This verse encourages believers to hold firmly to their faith because God is trustworthy and keeps His promises. 2 Peter 1:4: "Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust". This verse speaks to the great and precious promises God gives to help believers live a godly life. Joshua 23:14: "...and you know in your hearts and souls, all of you, that not one word has failed of all the good things that the Lord your God promised concerning you. All have come to pass for you; not one of them has failed". This verse highlights God's perfect track record of fulfilling His promises. Philippians 1:6: "...being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus". This is a promise of God's faithfulness to complete the good work He has started in believers.