Topical Encyclopedia
Covenant confirmation is a significant theme throughout the Bible, representing the formal ratification and establishment of agreements between God and His people. These covenants are pivotal in understanding the unfolding of God's redemptive plan and His relationship with humanity.
Old Testament Covenants1.
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.
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.'"
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Abrahamic Covenant: God's covenant with Abraham included promises of land, descendants, and blessing. This covenant was confirmed through various signs and reaffirmations.
Genesis 15:18 records, "On that day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, 'To your descendants I have given this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the Euphrates.'"
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Mosaic Covenant: At Mount Sinai, God confirmed His covenant with the Israelites, giving them the Law. This covenant was ratified with sacrifices and the sprinkling of blood.
Exodus 24:7-8 describes, "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.' So Moses took the blood, sprinkled it on the people, and said, 'This is the blood of the covenant that the LORD has made with you in accordance with all these words.'"
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Davidic Covenant: God's covenant with David promised an everlasting dynasty. This covenant was confirmed through prophetic words and the establishment of David's throne.
2 Samuel 7:16 declares, "Your house and kingdom will endure forever before Me, and your throne will be established forever."
New Testament Covenant1.
New Covenant: The New Covenant, prophesied in the Old Testament and fulfilled in Jesus Christ, is central to the New Testament. It is confirmed through the death and resurrection of Jesus, offering forgiveness of sins and eternal life.
Luke 22:20 records Jesus' words at the Last Supper, "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 confirmation in the Bible underscores God's faithfulness and the seriousness of His promises. Each covenant builds upon the previous, revealing more of God's plan for salvation and His desire for a relationship with His people. The confirmation of these covenants often involves signs, sacrifices, and divine declarations, emphasizing their binding nature and the commitment required from both parties.
Covenant Signs and SealsThroughout Scripture, covenants are often accompanied by signs and seals that serve as reminders of the promises made. For example, the rainbow in the Noahic Covenant, circumcision in the Abrahamic Covenant, and the Sabbath in the Mosaic Covenant. In the New Covenant, the sacraments of baptism and the Lord's Supper serve as signs and seals of God's promises to believers.
Covenant RenewalThe concept of covenant renewal is also present in the Bible, where God's people are called to reaffirm their commitment to the covenant. This is seen in various instances, such as Joshua's renewal of the covenant at Shechem (Joshua 24) and King Josiah's reforms (2 Kings 23). These renewals serve as reminders of the covenant's ongoing relevance and the need for faithfulness to God's commands.
