Topical Encyclopedia In biblical theology, covenants are solemn agreements between God and humans, often involving promises, stipulations, and signs. The concept of covenants is central to the narrative of the Bible, serving as a framework for understanding God's relationship with humanity. Covenants in the Bible are often formalized through written documents and sealed to signify their binding nature.Written Covenants The practice of documenting covenants in writing is evident in several biblical accounts. Writing serves as a means of preserving the terms of the covenant, ensuring clarity and permanence. In Exodus 24:4, Moses is described as writing down all the words of the LORD, which were part of the covenant established at Mount Sinai: "And Moses wrote down all the words of the LORD. He got up early the next morning and built an altar at the base of the mountain and set up twelve pillars for the twelve tribes of Israel." This written record was crucial for the Israelites to remember and adhere to the covenant stipulations. Similarly, the covenant renewal under King Josiah involved the reading of the Book of the Covenant, which had been found in the temple (2 Kings 23:2). The public reading of the written covenant served to remind the people of their obligations and the divine promises associated with their obedience. Sealed Covenants Sealing a covenant was a customary practice in the ancient Near East, symbolizing the authenticity and inviolability of the agreement. In the Bible, seals often involved physical acts or symbols that confirmed the covenant's terms. For instance, in Nehemiah 9:38, the Israelites made a binding agreement, putting it in writing and affixing their seals: "In view of all this, we are making a binding agreement in writing, and our leaders, Levites, and priests are affixing their seals to it." The act of sealing a covenant was not merely a formality but a declaration of commitment and accountability. It signified that the parties involved were bound to the covenant's terms and that any breach would have serious consequences. The seal served as a witness to the covenant, often involving a physical mark or sign that represented the parties' agreement. The New Covenant The New Covenant, prophesied in the Old Testament and fulfilled in the New Testament, is also characterized by written and sealed elements. Jeremiah 31:31-34 speaks of a new covenant written on the hearts of God's people, indicating an internalization of God's law. In the New Testament, Jesus refers to His blood as the "blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins" (Matthew 26:28). This covenant is sealed by the sacrificial death of Christ, establishing a new relationship between God and humanity. The Apostle Paul further elaborates on the New Covenant in 2 Corinthians 3:3, where he describes believers as "a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts." This emphasizes the transformative nature of the New Covenant, sealed by the Holy Spirit, and written on the hearts of believers. In summary, the conditions of written and sealed covenants in the Bible underscore the seriousness and sacredness of these divine agreements. They serve as enduring testimonies to God's faithfulness and the responsibilities of His people. Torrey's Topical Textbook Nehemiah 9:38And because of all this we make a sure covenant, and write it; and our princes, Levites, and priests, seal to it. Torrey's Topical Textbook Nehemiah 10:1 Library Jeremy Taylor -- Christ's Advent to Judgment Perseverance in Holiness The Resemblance Between the Old Testament and the New. Covenanting According to the Purposes of God. The Life of Mr. Robert Blair. Covenanting Provided for in the Everlasting Covenant. The Westminster Confession of Faith. AD 1647. An Essay on the Scriptural Doctrine of Immortality. The Doctrine P??dobaptism. Its Accordance with the Institution of Christ, and ... Resources How should Christians view the Book of Mormon? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Edenic covenant? | GotQuestions.org Should the Old Testament instead be called the First Testament? | 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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