Understanding the seven foundational covenants of the Bible helps to deepen our engagement with the Christian faith and allows us to view the scriptural narrative in a more comprehensive framework. These covenants, found throughout both the Old and New Testaments, represent divine promises that both define and establish the relationship between God and man. Let’s begin our journey through these divine agreements, exploring each in turn and considering their significance to us, as Christians, today.
The Edenic Covenant
The Edenic Covenant is the first of these divine agreements, and it is found within the early passages of the book of Genesis. As part of this covenant, God gives Adam and Eve dominion over all living creatures and the freedom to eat from any tree in the Garden of Eden except “the tree of the knowledge of good and evil” (Genesis 2:17). This covenant underscores the fundamental responsibility and moral discretion mankind was granted by God.
The Adamic Covenant
After Adam and Eve’s transgression, God made a second agreement, known as the Adamic Covenant. This covenant outlines the consequences of their sin, which included death and a life of toil (Genesis 3:14-19). Yet, in His mercy, God also promises a redeemer – an early foreshadowing of Jesus Christ (Genesis 3:15). This covenant reminds us of the cost of disobedience but also highlights the unfailing love and mercy of our Heavenly Father.
The Noahic Covenant
The Noahic Covenant is a universal covenant between God and all living creatures on Earth. After the Great Flood, God promised never to destroy the world by a flood again and established the rainbow as a sign of this covenant (Genesis 9:8-17). This pledge from God underscores His commitment to humanity and His patience despite our iniquities.
The Abrahamic Covenant
The Abrahamic Covenant represents a turning point in biblical history. God pledged Abraham descendants as numerous as the stars, a land of their own, and that through his seed, all nations would be blessed (Genesis 12:1-3, 15:1-6, 17:1-8). This covenant held the promise of a coming Saviour and marked the beginnings of the nation of Israel.
The Mosaic Covenant
God’s covenant with the Israelites through Moses at Mount Sinai is known as the Mosaic Covenant. It comprises the Ten Commandments and other laws intended to guide the lives of God’s people (Exodus 19-24). This covenant underlines the necessity of obedience to God’s laws and His desire for righteous living.
The Davidic Covenant
In the Davidic Covenant, God promised David that his descendants would rule Israel forever, a prophetic nod towards the eternal kingship of Jesus Christ (2 Samuel 7:12-16). This covenant solidifies God’s intention of extending His kingdom through the lineage of David, and it is directly connected to Christ, who is often referred to as the ‘Son of David’.
The New Covenant
Finally, the New Covenant, inaugurated by Jesus Christ, brings fulfillment to the earlier covenants. God promised a transformative relationship with His people, characterized by the forgiveness of sin and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit (Jeremiah 31:31-34; Luke 22:20). This covenant brings hope of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ and reinforces God’s unfailing commitment to His people.
Conclusion: The Relevance of These Covenants Today
Each of these covenants, embedded in the vast narrative of the Bible, carries a distinct divine promise and outlines the consequences of human actions, be they faithful or disobedient. They provide rich insight into the character of God – His justice, mercy, and steadfast love. Moreover, they speak to us today of the necessity of obedience, importance of faith, and the transformative power of God’s grace through Jesus Christ.
Understanding these covenants, we see a continuous thread running from the Garden of Eden to the Cross of Calvary – a story of God reaching out to His creation, offering forgiveness and salvation. As we glimpse God’s hand active across thousands of years, may we be inspired to live faithfully in response to His ongoing offer of the covenant relationship to us today, through Jesus Christ.
