In II Peter 1:4, Peter draws our attention to something extraordinary: “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.”
Think about how we value promises in our everyday lives. We all like to have the assurance of a promise, especially concerning important matters; however, a promise is only as reliable as the person making it. When a trustworthy person gives us their word, it brings comfort, security, and expectation. However, how many times have you made a promise you were unable to keep? We are human and very susceptible to failure, but the promises Peter speaks of here are in a category all their own. He describes them as “exceeding great and precious.” They originate from the Creator of the Universe, who cannot lie and whose faithfulness never fails.
Titus 1:2 “In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began.”
In II Timothy 2:13 we are taught that “if we are faithless, he remains faithful.”
Deuteronomy 7:9 also reminds us of our faithful God. “Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keeps covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations.”
What makes these promises so precious?
First, they are designed to anchor our souls. In a world full of shifting cultural values, uncertainty, and temptation, God’s promises stand immovable. They remind us of His unending forgiveness, His constant presence, His sustaining grace, and our eternal inheritance in Christ.
Second, Peter tells us why these promises have been given: so that by them we might become “partakers of the divine nature.” God’s promises are not merely comforting thoughts to tuck away for a rainy day; they are transformative. As we meditate on His truth and allow the Holy Spirit to work in our hearts, His character begins to shape our character. When we allow Him to shape us, we are pulled away from the world’s spiritual decay and corruption. Turning away from the world and unto Him empowers us to live lives marked by His holiness and love.
In Romans 12:1-2, Paul teaches us to turn from the world and to Him. He promises that if we allow His word to transform us into a living sacrifice, we will be able to “prove,” which means to test, examine, or discern, what is good and acceptable to God.
Romans 12:1-2 “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
Third, the Bible is full of precious promises from God to us, but every promise comes with conditions. For instance, John 3:16 teaches us that God gave His Son for our redemption, but to receive that redemption we must believe. I John 1:9 was written to believers who have sinned. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteous.” Both verses contain promises we as believers cling to and trust. Yet, they are only ours if we obey the “if” contained in each one.
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Scholars say there are around 8,810 promises in the Bible, with 7487 of those spoken directly from God. These are all for us! He will always do what He says He will do. Are you ready to do your part to claim His promises?
Today, whatever situation you are facing, you do not have to rely on your own strength. Lean into His Word. Get to know God by studying His Word and see what precious promises He has made to you. Anchor your heart in His unfailing word, and let His precious promises renew your mind and transform your walk with Him.
