Understanding the Biblical Covenants

Definition of Covenant

• Covenant: A contract or agreement.
• In the Bible, covenants are made between God and His people.
• Understanding these covenants is key to understanding God's purposes and will.

The Eight Covenants

1. The Edenic Covenant

• Key Word: Rule
• Genesis 2:15: God created man, put him in the garden, told him to care for it.
• Eternal purpose for man to rule and enjoy God forever.
• Psalm 8: Man is made to rule creation and show God's glory.
• Man rebelled; sin entered the world, requiring redemption.

2. The Adamic Covenant

• Key Word: Redemption
• Genesis 3:15: God curses men, animals, and earth due to Adam's sin.
• God reveals plan for redemption through Jesus.
• Satan will inflict minor damage (crucifixion), Christ major damage (defeating death).
• Jesus born of Holy Spirit, without man's sin.

3. The Noahic Covenant

• Key Word: Restraint
• God restrains his wrath, preserves Noah.
• Genesis 8:21: Covenant to never again destroy all creatures; rainbow as a sign.
• Man returns to sin at Tower of Babel; God scatters nations.

4. The Abrahamic Covenant

• Key Word: Restore
• Genesis 12:1-3: God chooses Abraham to restore his people.
• Promises: Land (Israel), People (Jews), and Blessing.
• Promise fulfilled as Jews prosper, escape Egypt (Exodus).

5. The Mosaic Covenant

• Key Word: Reveal
• Temporary covenant revealing God's standards and man's sin.
• Leviticus 26: Commands on living righteously.
• Conditional covenant, pointing to the need for a perfect sacrifice (Jesus).

6. The Palestinian Covenant

• Key Word: Return
• Deuteronomy 29-30: Call to return to God and renew covenant.
• Promises of land, seed, blessing, and a new heart.

7. The Davidic Covenant

• Key Word: Reign
• 2 Samuel 7:12-16: Promise to David's line: throne, house, kingdom forever.
• Initially fulfilled through Solomon; ultimately through Jesus.

8. The New Covenant

• Key Word: Regenerate
• Jeremiah 31:27-34: Promise of new hearts, forgiveness of sins.
• Spoken by Jesus at the Last Supper.
• Christians grafted into this covenant.

Conclusion

• The covenants are progressive revelations of God's plan.
• Fulfillment in Jesus Christ and ultimate rule and enjoyment with God forever.