Definition of a Covenant
A covenant is a sacred agreement or promise made between God and humanity. It is not merely a contract but a profound commitment that often involves conditions or stipulations. Biblical covenants typically include promises from God, obligations for the human participants, and sometimes signs or seals that serve as reminders of the covenant. Understanding these covenants is crucial for grasping the overarching narrative of the Bible and God’s unfolding plan for redemption.
1. Edenic Covenant
Definition: The Edenic Covenant, sometimes referred to as the Covenant of Works, was the first covenant God made with humanity. It was established in the Garden of Eden and governed the relationship between God and Adam, who represented all humankind.
Participants: God and Adam (and by extension, Eve and all humanity).
Blessings:
- Dominion over all living creatures and the earth (Genesis 1:26-30).
- Provision of food from every tree in the garden, except one (Genesis 2:16).
- A perfect and harmonious environment in Eden (Genesis 2:8-9).
Obligations:
- To be fruitful and multiply, filling the earth (Genesis 1:28).
- To cultivate and keep the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:15).
- To abstain from eating from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil (Genesis 2:16-17).
Curses:
- Disobedience would result in death, both spiritual and eventually physical (Genesis 2:17).
Seal: The Tree of Life, representing the promise of eternal life in communion with God, served as the seal of this covenant.
2. Adamic Covenant
Definition: The Adamic Covenant was established after the Fall, as a response to Adam and Eve’s disobedience. This covenant outlines the consequences of sin and includes the first promise of redemption, often referred to as the protoevangelium or “first gospel.”
Participants: God, Adam, Eve, and the serpent (representing Satan).
Blessings:
- The promise of a future Redeemer who would crush the serpent’s head, symbolizing victory over sin and Satan (Genesis 3:15).
- Continuation of human life, though now marked by suffering and toil (Genesis 3:16-19).
Obligations:
- Adam and Eve were to continue living and populating the earth, but now under the curse of sin.
Curses:
- The serpent (Satan) was cursed to crawl on its belly and eat dust (Genesis 3:14).
- Eve would experience pain in childbirth and a desire for her husband, who would rule over her (Genesis 3:16).
- Adam would toil and struggle to produce food from the cursed ground, which would now bring forth thorns and thistles (Genesis 3:17-19).
- Death entered the world, as humans would now return to dust (Genesis 3:19).
Seal: The promise of the “seed of the woman” who would defeat the serpent is considered the seal of this covenant, pointing forward to Christ (Genesis 3:15).
3. Noahic Covenant
Definition: The Noahic Covenant was established after the flood, marking a new beginning for humanity. In this covenant, God promised never to destroy the earth with a flood again and reaffirmed His commitment to preserving life.
Participants: God, Noah, his family, and all living creatures.
Blessings:
- The earth would be repopulated through Noah’s descendants (Genesis 9:1).
- God’s promise to sustain the natural order—seedtime, harvest, cold, heat, summer, winter, day, and night (Genesis 8:22).
- Protection from a future global flood (Genesis 9:11).
Obligations:
- Noah and his descendants were to be fruitful, multiply, and fill the earth (Genesis 9:1).
- They were allowed to eat meat but were forbidden to consume blood, which represents life (Genesis 9:3-4).
- They were required to uphold justice, specifically prohibiting murder (Genesis 9:5-6).
Curses:
- There were no new curses introduced in this covenant, but the curse on Canaan (Noah’s grandson) was pronounced due to Ham’s disrespect toward Noah (Genesis 9:25-27).
Seal: The rainbow was given as the sign and seal of this covenant, a reminder of God’s promise never to flood the entire earth again (Genesis 9:12-17).
4. Abrahamic Covenant
Definition: The Abrahamic Covenant is a foundational covenant in the Bible, where God promises Abraham land, descendants, and blessings. This covenant is central to God’s redemptive plan and is the basis for the nation of Israel and the coming of the Messiah.
Participants: God and Abraham (and by extension, his descendants).
Blessings:
- Abraham would become the father of a great nation (Genesis 12:2).
- His descendants would inherit the land of Canaan (Genesis 12:7; 15:18-21).
- All nations would be blessed through Abraham’s seed, ultimately fulfilled in Christ (Genesis 12:3; Galatians 3:16).
Obligations:
- Abraham was called to leave his country and family and go to the land God would show him (Genesis 12:1).
- Circumcision was instituted as the sign of the covenant, marking all male descendants as part of this covenant (Genesis 17:9-14).
Curses:
- Those who cursed Abraham or his descendants would themselves be cursed (Genesis 12:3).
Seal: Circumcision was the physical seal of the Abrahamic Covenant, a sign of the covenant relationship between God and Abraham’s descendants (Genesis 17:10-11).
5. Mosaic Covenant
Definition: The Mosaic Covenant, also known as the Sinai Covenant, was given to the nation of Israel through Moses. It is a covenant of law, setting forth the terms by which Israel would relate to God as His chosen people.
Participants: God and the nation of Israel.
Blessings:
- Israel would be God’s treasured possession, a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation (Exodus 19:5-6).
- Protection, provision, and blessings in the Promised Land if they obeyed the law (Deuteronomy 28:1-14).
Obligations:
- Israel was required to obey the Law, which included the Ten Commandments and other stipulations given at Sinai (Exodus 19:5; 20:1-17).
- They were to worship God alone and keep the commandments as a covenant community (Exodus 20:3; Leviticus 26:3).
Curses:
- Disobedience would result in various curses, including defeat by enemies, famine, disease, exile, and ultimately, death (Deuteronomy 28:15-68).
Seal: The Sabbath was given as a sign of the Mosaic Covenant, representing the rest and sanctification that comes from following God’s commands (Exodus 31:16-17).
6. Davidic Covenant
Definition: The Davidic Covenant was established with King David, in which God promised to establish David’s throne and kingdom forever. This covenant is critical in understanding the Messianic line and the eternal reign of Christ.
Participants: God and King David (and his descendants).
Blessings:
- David’s descendants would rule Israel, and his kingdom would be established forever (2 Samuel 7:12-16).
- The promise of an eternal throne, fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the Son of David (Luke 1:32-33).
Obligations:
- David and his descendants were expected to walk in obedience to God (1 Kings 2:3-4).
- The kings were to lead Israel in following God’s laws and commands (1 Kings 2:4).
Curses:
- Disobedience would bring discipline and correction, though the promise of an eternal kingdom would stand (2 Samuel 7:14-15).
Seal: The promise of an eternal throne and the coming of the Messiah through David’s lineage serves as the seal of this covenant (2 Samuel 7:16; Psalm 89:34-37).
7. New Covenant
Definition: The New Covenant is the covenant of grace established by Jesus Christ through His death and resurrection. It fulfills and surpasses the previous covenants, providing a way for all people to be reconciled to God through faith in Christ.
Participants: God and all who believe in Jesus Christ.
Blessings:
- Forgiveness of sins and the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ (Jeremiah 31:34; Hebrews 8:12).
- The indwelling of the Holy Spirit, who writes God’s law on believers’ hearts (Jeremiah 31:33; Ezekiel 36:26-27).
- A personal and direct relationship with God (Hebrews 8:10).
Obligations:
- Faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior (John 3:16).
- Living a life led by the Holy Spirit, reflecting God’s will and character (Romans 8:4-5).
- Participating in the Lord’s Supper, which commemorates Christ’s sacrifice (Luke 22:19-20).
Curses:
- There is no explicit curse within the New Covenant, but rejecting Christ leads to eternal separation from God (Hebrews 10:26-31).
Seal: The blood of Jesus Christ, shed on the cross, is the seal of the New Covenant (Luke 22:20; Hebrews 9:15). The Lord’s Supper (Communion) also serves as a continual reminder and seal of this covenant (1 Corinthians 11:25).
These covenants, spanning from the Edenic Covenant to the New Covenant, reveal the progression of God’s plan for humanity, culminating in the salvation offered through Jesus Christ. Understanding these covenants is essential for grasping the depth of God’s commitment to His creation and the unfolding of His redemptive plan throughout history.
