Categorizing Promises

There are many ways that one could categorize the promises of God. Not all promises are created equal. What makes a lot of sense to me is to categorize based primarily on two parameters: conditionality and temporality.

Some of God’s promises to man are unconditional, most however are conditional. Another parameter would be that of time (temporality). Some promises are past, one-time events, some are current “now” realities applying in the present, and yet others will be fulfilled in the future. Taken together this yields a table of the following six categories.

The “U” stands obviously for Unconditional, and the “C” for Conditional. When it comes to the tenses, I went with Past (p), Now (n) and Future (f). I chose “Now” (n) not only because it gives a different letter than “p”, but also to emphasize that these promises are for here and now! God’s promises ARE yes for us in Christ:

“20 For as many as are the promises of God, in Him they are yes; therefore also through Him is our Amen to the glory of God through us. 21 Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and anointed us is God, 22 who also sealed us and gave us the Spirit in our hearts as a pledge.”

2. Corinthians 1:20-22

Illustrative examples:

There are untold numbers of examples of these six categories of promises throughout Scripture. But, just so you begin to get the idea of this categorization, here are some clarifying examples.

Unconditional

Up God told Abraham and Sarah that they will have a son (Isaac the son of promise). (Genesis 15:4-5; 17:16; 18:10-14))

Un Jesus has promised that He is building His church and the gates of Hades will not overpower it. (Matthew 16:18)

Uf Jesus will return and receive us to Himself. Death itself will be thrown into the lake of fire. (Revelation 20:14)

Conditional

Cp Adam and Eve could eat from any tree in the garden. But God said that on the day that they eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, they will surely die. (Genesis 2:16-17)

Cn Seek first for His kingdom and His righteousness and all your earthly needs will be provided. (Matthew 6:33)

Cf If we suffer with Him, then we will also reign with Him. (2. Timothy 2:12)

 This chart is intended to be a help in properly understanding and differentiating the promises of God. This is critical if we are to properly apply them in our lives and not try to cash in on a promise which wasn’t made to us. Especially encouraging, of course, are the Unconditional Now promises, of which there are actually quite a few! These are pure gold! Another Un promise would be: “I will never leave you or forsake you!” (Hebrews 13:5) Nothing for us to do, it depends only on Christ, and He has promised to always be with us! Hallelujah!