Topical Encyclopedia In biblical theology, the concept of a covenant is central to understanding the relationship between God and humanity. A covenant is a solemn agreement or promise, often involving commitments and obligations between two parties. In the context of Scripture, covenants are divine commitments initiated by God, establishing a relationship with His people, who are often referred to as His subjects. These covenants reveal God's sovereign will and purpose throughout redemptive history.Old Testament Covenants 1. The Noahic Covenant: Following the flood, God established a covenant with Noah and all living creatures, promising never to destroy the earth by flood again. This covenant is marked by the sign of the rainbow. Genesis 9:11-13 states, "I establish My covenant with you: Never again will all life be cut off by the waters of a flood; never again will there be a flood to destroy the earth. And God said, 'This is the sign of the covenant I am making between Me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all generations to come: I have set My rainbow in the clouds, and it will be a sign of the covenant between Me and the earth.'" 2. The Abrahamic Covenant: God's covenant with Abraham is foundational, promising him descendants, land, and blessing. This covenant is unconditional and everlasting, emphasizing God's sovereign choice and grace. Genesis 17:7 declares, "I will establish My covenant as an everlasting covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you for the generations to come, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you." 3. The Mosaic Covenant: Given at Mount Sinai, this covenant established Israel as God's chosen nation, with the Law as its guiding principle. It was conditional, requiring obedience to God's commandments. Exodus 19:5-6 states, "Now if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, you will be My treasured possession out of all the nations—for the whole earth is Mine. And unto Me you shall be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation." 4. The Davidic Covenant: God's promise to David ensured that his lineage would endure forever, culminating in the Messiah. This covenant underscores God's sovereign plan for a righteous ruler. 2 Samuel 7:16 affirms, "Your house and kingdom will endure forever before Me, and your throne will be established forever." New Testament Covenant 1. The New Covenant: Prophesied in the Old Testament and fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the New Covenant is established through His sacrificial death and resurrection. It offers forgiveness of sins and a transformed heart to all who believe. This covenant is marked by grace and is accessible to all, Jew and Gentile alike. Jeremiah 31:31-33 foretells, "Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah. It will not be like the covenant I made with their fathers when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt—a covenant they broke, though I was a husband to them, declares the LORD. But this is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the LORD: I will put My law in their minds and inscribe it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they will be My people." Theological Significance Covenants in the Bible highlight God's sovereignty and faithfulness. They demonstrate His initiative in establishing a relationship with humanity and His commitment to His promises. Each covenant builds upon the previous, revealing a progressive unfolding of God's redemptive plan. Through these covenants, God reveals His character as a sovereign ruler who desires a covenantal relationship with His subjects, ultimately fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Nave's Topical Index 2 Chronicles 23:1-3,16And in the seventh year Jehoiada strengthened himself, and took the captains of hundreds, Azariah the son of Jeroham, and Ishmael the son of Jehohanan, and Azariah the son of Obed, and Maaseiah the son of Adaiah, and Elishaphat the son of Zichri, into covenant with him. Nave's Topical Index Library Of the First Covenant Made with Man Covenant Duties. The City of God. Index of Subjects. The Cambridge Platform and the Half-Way Covenant Covenanting Sanctioned by the Divine Example. Doctrinal and Moral Treatises. Index of Subjects. Confessing Christ an Indispensable Duty. Baptists. The Basis of Union of the United Church of Canada. The God who Dwells with Men Resources What is Covenant Theology? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is new covenant theology? | GotQuestions.org What was the Old Covenant? | GotQuestions.org Covenant: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Covenant of God With Men: Binding Covenant of God With Men: Broken by the Jews Covenant of God With Men: Confirmed With an Oath Covenant of God With Men: Everlasting Covenant of God With Men: God Faithful To Covenant of God With Men: Punishments for Breaking of Covenant of God With Men: Repudiated by God on Account of Jews' Idolatry Covenant of Man With God: Absalom Covenant of Man With God: Israelites Covenant of Man With God: Jacob Covenant of Man With God: Jehoiada and Joash Covenant of Man With God: Joshua Covenant of Man With God: Josiah Covenant of Man With God: Nehemiah Covenant of Men With Men by a Monument Covenant of Men With Men by Giving Presents Covenant of Men With Men by Giving the Hand Covenant of Men With Men by Making a Feast Covenant of Men With Men by offering a Sacrifice Covenant of Men With Men by Salting Covenant of Men With Men: Breach of, Punished Covenant of Men With Men: Loosing the Shoe Covenant of Men With Men: Written and Sealed Covenant of the Ten Commandments Covenant with David and his House Covenant with Israel, at Horeb Covenant with the Israelites to Deliver Them from Egypt Covenant: Abraham and Abimelech Covenant: Binding, not Only on Those Who Make Them, But on Those Who are Represented Covenant: Jews With Each Other, to Serve God Covenant: King Zedekiah and his Subjects Covenant: Subjects With Sovereign Covenant: The Mosaic Law Called a Covenant The Covenant is a Covenant of Peace The Covenant: All Saints Interested In The Covenant: Blessings Connected With The Covenant: Caution Against Forgetting The Covenant: Christ, the Mediator of The Covenant: Christ, the Messenger of The Covenant: Christ, the Substance of The Covenant: Confirmed in Christ The Covenant: Fulfilled in Christ The Covenant: God is Ever Mindful of The Covenant: God is Faithful To The Covenant: Made With: Abraham The Covenant: Made With: David The Covenant: Made With: Isaac The Covenant: Made With: Israel The Covenant: Made With: Jacob The Covenant: Plead, in Prayer The Covenant: Punishment for Despising The Covenant: Ratified by the Blood of Christ The Covenant: Renewed Under the Gospel The Covenant: The Wicked Have No Interest In Related Terms Covenant-victim (2 Occurrences) |
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