Topical Encyclopedia The concept of covenants is central to the biblical narrative, serving as a framework through which God establishes and maintains His relationship with humanity. In the Scriptures, covenants are solemn agreements, often accompanied by signs or rituals, that outline the terms of the relationship between God and His people. These covenants reveal God's character, His promises, and His expectations for human response.The Noahic Covenant The Noahic Covenant, found in Genesis 9:8-17, is the first explicit covenant between God and humanity. After the flood, God promises Noah and his descendants that He will never again destroy the earth with a flood. The sign of this covenant is the rainbow: "I have set My rainbow in the clouds, and it will be a sign of the covenant between Me and the earth" (Genesis 9:13). This covenant underscores God's mercy and His commitment to the stability of creation. The Abrahamic Covenant The Abrahamic Covenant is a foundational promise that shapes the rest of the biblical narrative. In Genesis 12:1-3, God calls Abram (later Abraham) to leave his homeland and promises to make him a great nation, to bless him, and to make his name great. This covenant is further elaborated in Genesis 15 and 17, where God promises Abraham numerous descendants and the land of Canaan. The sign of this covenant is circumcision: "This is My covenant with you and your descendants after you, which you are to keep: Every male among you must be circumcised" (Genesis 17:10). The Abrahamic Covenant highlights God's plan to bless all nations through Abraham's lineage. The Mosaic Covenant The Mosaic Covenant, given at Mount Sinai, is detailed in Exodus 19-24. It establishes Israel as God's chosen people and provides them with the Law, including the Ten Commandments. This covenant is conditional, requiring Israel's obedience to God's commandments in exchange for His blessings. The covenant is ratified with sacrifices and the sprinkling of blood: "Then he took the Book of the Covenant and read it to the people, who replied, 'All that the LORD has spoken we will do, and we will be obedient'" (Exodus 24:7). The Mosaic Covenant emphasizes holiness and the importance of living according to God's standards. The Davidic Covenant The Davidic Covenant, found in 2 Samuel 7:12-16, is God's promise to King David that his lineage will endure forever and that his throne will be established eternally. God declares, "Your house and kingdom will endure forever before Me, and your throne will be established forever" (2 Samuel 7:16). This covenant points to the coming Messiah, who will reign on David's throne and fulfill God's promise of an everlasting kingdom. The New Covenant The New Covenant is prophesied in Jeremiah 31:31-34 and fulfilled in the New Testament through Jesus Christ. Unlike previous covenants, the New Covenant is characterized by an internal transformation and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Jesus, at the Last Supper, declares, "This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is poured out for you" (Luke 22:20). The New Covenant offers forgiveness of sins and a personal relationship with God, accessible to all who believe in Jesus Christ. These covenants collectively reveal God's redemptive plan and His unwavering faithfulness to His promises. Through them, God unfolds His purpose for humanity, culminating in the New Covenant, which offers eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 9:9-11And I, behold, I establish my covenant with you, and with your seed after you; Torrey's Topical Textbook Ephesians 2:12 Library Why one of the Covenants is Called Old, the Other New. A Covenant God Perpetual Covenants Man's Misery by the Fall The New Covenant: a Ministration of the Spirit The Two Covenants: the Transition Jesus, the Mediator of the New Covenant Of Creation New Covenant Obedience The New Covenant 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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