Topical Encyclopedia
A covenant relationship in the biblical context refers to a solemn and binding agreement between two parties, often involving promises, commitments, and obligations. In the Bible, covenants are central to God's interactions with humanity, serving as foundational elements in the unfolding of His divine plan. These covenants reveal God's character, His purposes, and His desire for a relationship with His people.
Old Testament Covenants1.
The Noahic Covenant: Following the flood, God established a covenant with Noah and all living creatures, promising never to destroy the earth by flood again. The sign of this covenant is the rainbow.
Genesis 9:11-13 states, "I establish My covenant with you: Never again will all life be cut off by the waters of a flood; never again will there be a flood to destroy the earth. 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.
The Abrahamic Covenant: God made a covenant with Abraham, promising to make him a great nation, to bless him, and to bless all the families of the earth through him. This covenant is marked by the rite of circumcision.
Genesis 17:7 declares, "I will establish My covenant as an everlasting covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you."
3.
The Mosaic Covenant: Given at Mount Sinai, this covenant established the Israelites as God's chosen people, with the Law serving as the terms of the covenant.
Exodus 19:5-6 states, "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."
4.
The Davidic Covenant: God promised David that his throne would be established forever, a promise ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
2 Samuel 7:16 affirms, "Your house and kingdom will endure forever before Me, and your throne will be established forever."
New Testament Covenant1.
The New Covenant: Prophesied in the Old Testament and fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the New Covenant is established through His sacrificial death and resurrection. It offers forgiveness of sins and a restored relationship with God.
Jeremiah 31:31-33 foretells, "Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah. It will not be like the covenant I made with their fathers when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt—a covenant they broke, though I was a husband to them, declares the LORD. But this is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the LORD: I will put My law in their minds and inscribe it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they will be My people."
In the New Testament, Jesus institutes the New Covenant at the Last Supper.
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.'"
Theological SignificanceCovenant relationships in the Bible underscore the faithfulness and sovereignty of God. They highlight His initiative in reaching out to humanity and His commitment to His promises. Covenants also emphasize the importance of obedience and faithfulness on the part of God's people. Through these divine agreements, God reveals His redemptive plan, culminating in the New Covenant through Jesus Christ, which offers eternal life and reconciliation with God to all who believe.
