Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, covenants are solemn agreements or promises between God and humans, or between individuals, often involving specific conditions and witnessed by others. These covenants are foundational to the narrative of Scripture, serving as pivotal moments in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.Old Testament Covenants 1. Noahic Covenant: After the flood, God established a covenant with Noah, promising never to destroy the earth with a flood again. The sign of this covenant was the rainbow, serving as a witness to God's promise. Genesis 9:12-13 states, "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. Abrahamic Covenant: God's covenant with Abraham included promises of land, descendants, and blessing. This covenant was witnessed by the act of circumcision, which served as a physical sign. Genesis 17:10-11 records, "This is My covenant with you and your descendants after you, which you are to keep: Every male among you must be circumcised. You are to undergo circumcision, and it will be the sign of the covenant between Me and you." 3. Mosaic Covenant: At Mount Sinai, God gave the Law to Moses, establishing a covenant with the Israelites. This covenant was witnessed by the entire nation, as they agreed to obey God's commandments. Exodus 24:3 describes, "When Moses came and told the people all the words and ordinances of the LORD, they all responded with one voice: 'Everything that the LORD has said, we will do.'" 4. Davidic Covenant: God's promise to David ensured that his lineage would endure forever, culminating in the Messiah. This covenant was witnessed by the prophet Nathan, who conveyed God's promise to David. 2 Samuel 7:16 states, "Your house and kingdom will endure forever before Me, and your throne will be established forever." New Testament Covenant 1. New Covenant: Instituted by Jesus Christ, the New Covenant fulfills and surpasses the Old Testament covenants. It is witnessed by the sacrament of the Lord's Supper, symbolizing Christ's sacrifice. Luke 22:20 records, "In the same way, after supper He took the cup, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is poured out for you.'" Conditions and Witnesses Covenants in the Bible often include specific conditions that must be met by the parties involved. These conditions are sometimes accompanied by signs or rituals that serve as witnesses to the covenant. For example, the rainbow in the Noahic Covenant, circumcision in the Abrahamic Covenant, and the observance of the Law in the Mosaic Covenant all serve as tangible witnesses to the agreements made. Witnesses to covenants can also be individuals or groups who observe and affirm the agreement. In the case of the Mosaic Covenant, the entire nation of Israel served as witnesses. In the New Covenant, the apostles and early church bear witness to the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, affirming the establishment of this new relationship between God and humanity. Theological Significance Covenants are central to understanding the relationship between God and His people. They reveal God's faithfulness, His desire for a relationship with humanity, and His unfolding plan of salvation. Each covenant builds upon the previous ones, culminating in the New Covenant through Jesus Christ, which offers redemption and eternal life to all who believe. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 23:17,18And the field of Ephron which was in Machpelah, which was before Mamre, the field, and the cave which was therein, and all the trees that were in the field, that were in all the borders round about, were made sure Torrey's Topical Textbook Ruth 4:9-11 Library The Resemblance Between the Old Testament and the New. Index of Subjects. Letter Lv. Replies to Questions of Januarius. Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ... A Few Sighs from Hell; An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ... The Pilgrim's Progress Resources What is the Mosaic Covenant? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is a covenant? | GotQuestions.org Why are Mormons/LDS so interested in genealogies? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Covenants of God's Promises to Man Covenants of the Contract of Marriage Covenants of the United Determination of a People to Serve God Covenants: (With Death and Hell) Carnal Security Covenants: (With Stones and Beasts, of the Earth) Peace Covenants: Agreements Between Two Parties Covenants: Conditions of Clearly Specified Covenants: Conditions of Conformed by Oath Covenants: Conditions of Witnessed Covenants: Conditions of Written and Sealed Covenants: Designed For: Establishing Friendship Covenants: Designed For: Establishing Peace Covenants: Designed For: Mutual Protection Covenants: Designed For: Procuring Assistance in War Covenants: Designed For: Promoting Commerce Covenants: Designed For: Selling Land Covenants: Followed by a Feast Covenants: God often Called to Witness Covenants: Made by Passing Between the Pieces of the Divided Sacrifices Covenants: Names Given to Places where Made Covenants: Pillars Raised in Token of Covenants: Presents Given As Tokens Covenants: Ratified by Joining Hands Covenants: Salt a Sign of Perpetuity In Covenants: The Jews: Condemned for Making, With Idolatrous Nations Covenants: The Jews: Forbidden to Make, With the Nations of Canaan Covenants: The Jews: Frequently Made With Other Nations Covenants: The Jews: Regarded, As Sacred Covenants: Violated by the Wicked Covenants: when Confirmed, Unalterable Related Terms |
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