The word "Promise" we are discussing is an Ultimate concept - in other words - we have limited it to "God's promise to Eve and Abram" so is limited to that concept. It has two major focus destinations: (1) THE Promise which points to Jesus; and (2) THE Promise which points to people.
This could get too long - so allow me to just simply say that we are talking about Jesus as God's covenant Promise to solve our problem sourced in Eden and the Fall PLUS - God's promise in Christ to be WITH US - continually and always - in the Holy Spirit. BOTH focus on Jesus and both are talked about by Paul as part of our daily life and inheritance - even called a GUARANTEE of what is to come (Romans 4:16; Ephesians 1:13f.; 2 Corinthians 1:22; 2 Corinthians 5:5; cf. Hebrews 7:22; 6:16).
The actual word "Promise" in this context focuses on God's ASSURANCE that He will take care of us - now and forever. Sounds like a marriage and in the most fundamental way it is - relationship is assured by God's Promise which represents His person and His power of Love. ALL of God's promises have their expressions in Jesus in the Ultimate sense, (2 Corinthians 1:20). So - since Jesus came, lived, died and was raised - we can be assured that God will be even more careful to finish the job, (Romans 5:8ff.). As the author of Hebrews wrote - "God could swear by none greater, He swore by Himself" (6:13-20) and the context is His covenant Promise to Abraham which is guaranteed and is also a done deal because Abraham received the Promise (check verse 15).
In Christ - Christ who is the focus of covenant promise - and the fulfillment of all pictures and shadows of OT structure regarding God's dealings with people - HE is our all - and HE is in all, Colossians 3:11) so - in Christ WE have the Promise of God which guarantees justification, identity and inheritance, (Romans 4:16; 8:9; 8:11; 8:14, 17).
The general concept of Promise is a message from God guaranteed by God to bless those who trust God's Promises - culminating in Jesus Himself. HE is the lamb slain before the foundation of the world - so He is the central focus of redemption/justification. He is also our new identity as a joint heir and the firstborn of many brothers.
What is our part ? Simply, first to RECEIVE HIM (John 1:12) then, as Peter wrote - to declare the wonderful deeds of HIM ! Paul wrote it as "Let him who boasts - boast in the Lord". Since God's kindness (a covenant word) is MEANT to lead us to repentance (Romans 2:2-4) we need to HEAR of God's kindness in Christ and receive God's provision and live in God and allow Him to be "in us to will and to work" - that glorifies HIM - more to come
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