The distinction between "flesh" and "promise" is a significant theme in the Bible, particularly in the writings of the Apostle Paul. This distinction is often explored in the context of God's covenant with humanity and the means by which His promises are fulfilled.

Flesh

In biblical terms, "flesh" often refers to human nature in its fallen state, characterized by sin and mortality. It represents the physical and earthly aspects of human existence, which are inherently weak and prone to corruption. The Apostle Paul frequently contrasts the flesh with the Spirit, emphasizing the limitations and failures of the flesh in achieving righteousness before God.

In Romans 8:5-8 , Paul writes, "Those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. The mind of the flesh is death, but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace, because the mind of the flesh is hostile to God: It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those controlled by the flesh cannot please God."

The flesh is associated with the old covenant, which was based on adherence to the law. The law, while holy and good, could not bring about salvation because of the weakness of human flesh. This is evident in Galatians 3:3 , where Paul admonishes the Galatians, "Are you so foolish? After starting in the Spirit, are you now finishing in the flesh?"

Promise

In contrast, "promise" refers to the divine assurance given by God, often fulfilled through His sovereign will and power, independent of human effort. The promise is rooted in God's grace and is realized through faith. The concept of promise is central to the Abrahamic covenant, where God promises Abraham descendants, land, and blessings, ultimately fulfilled in Christ.

Paul elaborates on this in Galatians 3:16-18 : "The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. The Scripture does not say, 'and to seeds,' meaning many, but 'and to your seed,' meaning One, who is Christ. What I mean is this: The law that came 430 years later does not revoke the covenant previously established by God, so as to cancel the promise. For if the inheritance depends on the law, then it no longer depends on a promise; but God freely granted it to Abraham through a promise."

The promise is fulfilled through the Spirit, as believers are made heirs of God's promises through faith in Jesus Christ. This is further emphasized in Romans 4:13 : "For the promise to Abraham and his offspring that he would be heir of the world was not given through the law, but through the righteousness that comes by faith."

Theological Implications

The distinction between flesh and promise underscores the transition from the old covenant, based on the law and human effort, to the new covenant, based on grace and faith in Christ. It highlights the inadequacy of the flesh to achieve salvation and the sufficiency of God's promise, fulfilled in Jesus Christ, to bring about redemption and eternal life.

This distinction also serves as a reminder of the believer's identity in Christ, called to live not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit, as stated in Galatians 5:16 : "So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh." The promise of God, realized through faith, empowers believers to overcome the limitations of the flesh and live in the freedom and victory of the Spirit.