Promise (1862) (epaggelma from epaggello = to announce that one is about to do or furnish something from epi = upon, intensifies meaning + aggelos = messenger or aggello = to tell or declare) is a declaration of intention, an announcement, or a promise to do something with implication of obligation to carry out what is stated and here represents God's Word that He will bring into being a new heavens and a new earth. The English word promise conveys the idea of assurance such as the assurance that one will do something or that something will happen. It may be a declaration of what one will do or refrain from doing. It can also refer to a legally binding declaration that gives the person to whom it is made a right to expect or to claim the performance or forbearance of a specified act The only other NT use of epaggelma (no uses in LXX) is also in Second Peter... For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, in order that by them you might become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust. (see note 2Peter 1:4) (Comment: Here epaggelma refers to the content of that which God promises) What promise? In the Old Testament the psalmist records a prophetic promise: Of old Thou didst found the earth and the heavens are the work of Thy hands. Even they will perish, but Thou dost endure and all of them will wear out like a garment, like clothing Thou wilt change them, and they will be changed. (Ps 102:25, 26) (Comment: The change of course speaks of the new heavens and new earth.) Through the prophet Isaiah God promised Israel... For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth and the former things shall not be remembered or come to mind. But be glad and rejoice forever in what I create; for behold, I create Jerusalem for rejoicing, And her people for gladness. (Isaiah 65:17-18) Did you notice what Isaiah said? One of the great realities of eternity is you will have no memory of time. You will be consumed in the new heaven and the new earth and the former things will not be remembered or come to mind. Through Isaiah God also promised Israel For just as the new heavens and the new earth Which I make will endure before Me," declares the LORD, "So your offspring and your name will endure. (Isaiah 66:22) Paul elaborates on God's promise of renovation of this present creation writing that... the creation was subjected to futility, not of its own will, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope (not "hope so" but an absolute assurance of future good) that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God. (see notes Romans 8:20; 8:21) John writes that... And I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away, and there is no longer any sea. (see note Revelation 21:1) We are looking for - In contrast to the preceding verse, here Peter says we and so unites himself with other believers who are looking the fulfillment of our Christian hope. "Copy and paste the address below into your web browser in order to go to the original page which will allow you to access live links related to the material on this page - these links include Scriptures (which can be read in context), Scripture pop-ups on mouse over, and a variety of related resources such as Bible dictionary articles, commentaries, sermon notes and theological journal articles related to the topic under discussion." http://www.preceptaustin.org/2_peter_38-13.htm#promise