Simply put, a promise is an expectation of success to come, improvement or excellence. It can also be a provision that will likely yield good results, a successful prospect.
That we may embrace these promises, knowing our Creator is the benefactor, is an extraordinary blessing. He made us -- certainly He would know how to improve us and provide goodness to us!! The apostle Peter refers to "great and precious promises" in his second epistle verse 4. These promises accompany a precious faith through Christ, as well as a special calling to glory and virtue. And, why are these precious promises strongly connected to faith and a calling? I believe it is because our Lord would encourage us to strengthen our faith and firm up our calling.
As we move forward on God's path, we can take hold of His precious promises (improvements in our lives). Peter speaks of godliness, a life of knowing Christ which seems to precede the gift of these promises. Peter also asks for grace to be given to his readers. Grace which will help us hold on to God's promises(provisions) in the walk of faith as struggles arise from the bonds of sin.
And, what is the ultimate promise or "expectation?" Look just a little farther in this chapter, it is revealed: His Kingdom. II Peter 1:11 ... "an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."
