What promises, Paul? 

Because we forget that the original Scriptures didn’t have chapter-and-verse divisions, we read this start of 2 Corinthians 7 and are confused as to what promises the apostle Paul is referencing. But a quick glance at the end of chapter 6 reveals his train of thought: he quotes multiple Old Testament passages that speak of God’s covenant promises to His people. God promises to make His dwelling place among them, to be their God, and to call them His people, and then He exhorts them to be separate from the pagan peoples around them. 

But Paul does something potentially unexpected in 7:1 – did you notice it? He switches his pronouns. He does not say, “Since they had these promises” but instead says, “Since we have these promises.” Grouping himself with his Corinthian readers, he applies these Old Testament promises to the New Testament Christians, reiterating to them and to us that God and His promises do not change.  

Were you surprised at his argument in 7:1? He says that these promises we have from God should provoke in us a pursuit of holiness and purity. We see this line of thought throughout Scripture, very often from God Himself, as we’re called to obedience. But does it sometimes sound jarring to you? 

Think about the residency documents that allow us to reside in our host countries. Many of us likely have a legal status that enables us to benefit from some of the local social structures: low-cost medical care, free public school, the ability to purchase a home or to get a local driver’s license, for example. In a sense, our legal documentation is a promise from the government saying that it will play certain roles and provide certain functions in our lives. In response to that “promise,” would it be right for us to make a habit of damaging government property or throwing trash all over the place? Of course not! The proper response to the “promise” made to us is living in a way that honors the promise-maker.  

That analogy falls short, but it does remind us that, since we have far greater promises in Christ than mere government “promises,” our response should be a pursuit of holiness and obedience in gratitude for the immense covenant blessings we receive as the people of God. He is our God, and we are His people, no matter where on this earth we find ourselves.