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The term "Covenants of the Promise" refers to the divine agreements established by God with humanity, particularly with the people of Israel, as recorded in the Bible. These covenants are foundational to understanding the unfolding of God's redemptive plan throughout Scripture. They are characterized by God's initiative and faithfulness, often involving promises that foreshadow the coming of the Messiah and the ultimate redemption of His people.

Abrahamic Covenant

The Abrahamic Covenant is one of the earliest and most significant covenants in the Bible. It is first introduced inGenesis 12:1-3, where God calls Abram (later Abraham) to leave his country and promises to make him a great nation. The covenant is further elaborated inGenesis 15 and 17, where God promises Abraham numerous descendants, the land of Canaan, and that through him all nations of the earth will be blessed. This covenant is unconditional, relying solely on God's faithfulness.Genesis 17:7 states, "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."

Mosaic Covenant

The Mosaic Covenant, given through Moses, is a conditional covenant that outlines the laws and commandments that the Israelites are to follow as God's chosen people. It is established at Mount Sinai, as recorded inExodus 19-24. This covenant includes the Ten Commandments and various laws governing religious, moral, and social life.Exodus 19:5-6 declares, "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." The Mosaic Covenant emphasizes the importance of obedience and the consequences of disobedience.

Davidic Covenant

The Davidic Covenant is a promise made by God to King David, ensuring that his lineage would endure forever and that his throne would be established eternally. This covenant is recorded in2 Samuel 7:12-16, where God promises David that his offspring will succeed him and that his kingdom will be established forever. This covenant is significant in the messianic expectation, as it points to Jesus Christ, the Son of David, whose kingdom is everlasting.2 Samuel 7:16 states, "Your house and kingdom will endure forever before Me, and your throne will be established forever."

New Covenant

The New Covenant is prophesied in the Old Testament and fulfilled in the New Testament through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.Jeremiah 31:31-34 speaks of a new covenant where God will write His law on the hearts of His people and forgive their iniquities. This covenant is inaugurated by Jesus at the Last Supper, as recorded inLuke 22:20 : "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.'" The New Covenant is characterized by the internalization of God's law, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, and the assurance of eternal life through faith in Christ.

Covenants and the Promise of Redemption

The covenants collectively reveal God's unfolding plan of redemption and His desire to restore a broken relationship with humanity. They highlight God's faithfulness and the progressive revelation of His redemptive purposes, culminating in the New Covenant through Jesus Christ.Ephesians 2:12-13 reflects on the significance of these covenants for believers: "remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ."

These covenants underscore the continuity of God's plan and His unwavering commitment to His promises, offering hope and assurance to all who place their faith in Him.