Topical Bible: Covenants: Conditions of Clearly Specified

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In the biblical narrative, covenants are solemn agreements between God and humanity, often accompanied by specific conditions that are clearly outlined. These covenants serve as foundational elements in the relationship between God and His people, establishing promises, obligations, and expectations. The conditions of these covenants are crucial, as they define the responsibilities of both parties involved.

The Noahic Covenant

The Noahic Covenant, found in Genesis 9, is established between God and Noah following the flood. This covenant is unconditional in its promise that God will never again destroy the earth with a flood. However, it includes specific conditions for humanity: "But you must not eat meat with its lifeblood still in it" (Genesis 9:4). The sign of this covenant is the rainbow, serving as a reminder of God's promise.

The Abrahamic Covenant

The Abrahamic Covenant, detailed in Genesis 12, 15, and 17, is a pivotal moment in biblical history. God promises Abraham land, descendants, and blessings. The conditions include Abraham's obedience and faith, as seen in Genesis 17:1-2 : "Walk before Me and be blameless, that I may make My covenant between Me and you and multiply you exceedingly." The sign of this covenant is circumcision, a physical mark of the agreement.

The Mosaic Covenant

The Mosaic Covenant, given at Mount Sinai, is a conditional covenant between God and the Israelites. It is encapsulated in the Law, including the Ten Commandments. Exodus 19:5 states, "Now if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, you will be My treasured possession out of all the nations." The conditions are clear: obedience to God's laws results in blessings, while disobedience leads to curses, as outlined in Deuteronomy 28.

The Davidic Covenant

The Davidic Covenant, found in 2 Samuel 7, promises David that his lineage will endure forever and that his throne will be established eternally. While this covenant is primarily unconditional, it includes conditions for David's descendants. In 1 Kings 2:4 , God instructs David, "If your sons are careful about their way, to walk before Me in truth with all their heart and soul, you will never fail to have a man on the throne of Israel."

The New Covenant

The New Covenant, prophesied in Jeremiah 31 and fulfilled in the New Testament, is established through Jesus Christ. It offers forgiveness of sins and a personal relationship with God. The conditions are based on faith in Jesus and His sacrificial death and resurrection. Hebrews 8:10 describes this covenant: "I will put My laws in their minds and inscribe them on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they will be My people."

Throughout Scripture, covenants with clearly specified conditions highlight the importance of obedience, faith, and relationship with God. These covenants not only define the terms of God's promises but also underscore the responsibilities of His people in maintaining their part of the agreement.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Samuel 11:1,2
Then Nahash the Ammonite came up, and encamped against Jabeshgilead: and all the men of Jabesh said to Nahash, Make a covenant with us, and we will serve you.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Doctrine
... Again; the conditions of that on Sinai and of that ... wit, grace and works"under which
two covenants all are ... man, that his sins were not so clearly discovered as ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the doctrine.htm

Covenant Duties.
... Its etymology points out that the conditions of the ... upon to prohibit only some practices
clearly evinced to ... adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter iv covenant duties.htm

The Evangelical Revival.
... As to the Conference, Wesley clearly gave its members to understand that his ... He was
a born ruler of men; the powers which under different conditions would have ...
/.../chapter ix the evangelical revival.htm

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ...
... law, or covenant of works, as the sequel of the story clearly manifesteth; for ... Adam
going into the garden under these conditions and penalties, was therein a ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... Damascus; but before long, the conditions being favourable ... children of Israel, and
the covenants made by ... contravention of their own clearly, expressed intentions ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

part ii
... You see very clearly that it is extremely difficult, and without God's grace ... spirits,
to insufficient or bad education, to the unfavourable conditions of life ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part ii.htm