Fifteen Great Covenants of Scripture

From Understanding the Essence of Scriptural Covenant

God Keeps Covenants

God has kept and always will keep His part of any covenant with any people. Israel was not cursed with defeat, captivity, dispersion, and judgment because God broke the covenant. He told them plainly what He would do if they broke the covenant, so He could not do otherwise (Leviticus 26; Deut. 28). Even yet, God promises that when they repent and keep His covenant, He will restore them as in days of old (Deut. 4:25-31; Deut. 30:1-10; Isaiah 11:10-16; Jeremiah 23:1-8; Jeremiah 30:1-31:40; Jeremiah 32:37-44; Jeremiah 33:3-26; Ezekiel 34:11-31; Ezekiel 36:1-38; Ezekiel 37:1-28; Amos 9:9-15; Zeph. 3:8-20; Zech. 8:3-8,20-23; Zech. 12:10-13:9; Zech. 14:14-21; Matthew 24:31; Romans 11:25-29). God is as quick to accuse and judge (bring justice) when the time comes to do so, as He is to bless. It is God who charges anyone who transgresses with sin, not man (Romans 8:33-34; Romans 14:4; 1 Cor. 11:32). If, like Paul, we are persuaded to let nothing separate us from God, we are secure (Romans 8:35-39); and if we practice Paul's method of keeping the carnal flesh under subjection we shall never be a castaway (1 Cor 9:27); but if we go into sin and continue in sin we shall die spiritually; and if we persist in sin, refusing to repent and live righteously, we shall be cut off from God forever (Romans 6:16-23; Romans 8:12-13; Romans 11:11-29; 2 Cor. 3:16-17; 2 Cor. 6:9-11; Galatians 5:19-21; Galatians 6:7-8; Hebrews 6:4-9; Hebrews 10:26-29; 2 Peter 2:20-21).

Fifteen Great Covenants of Scripture

1. Solaric (Genesis 1:14-18; Genesis 8:22; Psalm 89:34-37; Jeremiah 31:35-37; Jeremiah 33:19-26). This covenant was made between God and man. In addition to eternal seasons of fruitfulness it promised that man would continue forever-as long as the solar system endures. In this connection definite promises were made to Noah, David, and others as seen in scriptures above.

2. Edenic (Genesis 1:26-3:24). This was made with Adam and Eve before the fall and was conditional upon obedience (Genesis 2:17). The terms of the covenant were:

(1) Be fruitful, not sterile (Genesis 1:28).

(2) Multiply, increase human kind (Genesis 1:28).

(3) Subdue the earth (Genesis 1:28).

(4) Rule all God's works (Genesis 1:28; Psalm 8).

(5) Till the ground and be a partaker of the garden (Genesis 2:15).

(6) Protect your dominion from enemies (Genesis 2:15).

(7) Freely eat of all things except the tree of knowledge (Genesis 1:29-30).

(8) Refrain from eating of the tree of knowledge (Genesis 2:16-17).

(9) Fear the penalty for sin (Genesis 2:17).

3. Adamic (Genesis 3:14-19). This agreement was made with Adam and Eve after the fall and before the expulsion from the garden. It ushered in the Dispensation of Conscience. The covenant consisted of two parts:

(1) The five-fold curse on:

(A) The serpent (Genesis 3:14,15; Isaiah 65:25)

(B) Satan (Genesis 3:15; John 12:31; Col. 2:14-17; Hebrews 2:14-18)

(D) The man (Genesis 3:17-19; Psalm 90:9,10; Romans 5:12-21)

(E) The ground (Genesis 3:17-19; Romans 8:18-23)

(2) The promise in Genesis 3:15. This included redemption and the removal of the curse (Romans 8:18-23; Rev. 22:3).

4. Cainic (Genesis 4:11-15). This was a pledge to Cain of vengeance on anyone who found him and killed him.

5. Noahic (Genesis 8:20-9:29). This contract was made with Noah and the beasts of the field after the flood and ushered in the Dispensation of Human Government. The terms of the covenant were:

(1) God would not curse the ground or living creatures any more "while the earth remaineth" (Genesis 8:22; Genesis 9:12,16)

(2) Man should replenish the earth forever (Genesis 9:1,12,16).

(3) Man should rule the earth (Genesis 9:2,3).

(4) Animals should be eaten, but not the blood (Genesis 9:3,4)

(5) There should be capital punishment for murderers (Genesis 9:5,6; Numbers 35)

(6) The rainbow should be a sign of the covenant (Genesis 9:12-17).

(7) The covenant would be eternal (Genesis 9:12,16).

6. Abramic (Genesis 12:1-3). This was made with Abram (Abraham) after the confusion of tongues. It ushered in the Dispensation of Promise (Genesis 13:14-18; Genesis 15:1-21; Genesis 17:4-8; Genesis 22:15-18; Genesis 26:1-5; Genesis 28:3,10-15). The covenant consisted of two parts:

(1) The seven-fold promise:

(A) "I will make of thee a great nation" (Genesis 12:1-3; Genesis 13:16; Genesis 17:18-20; Genesis 24:34,35; Galatians 3)

(B) "Make thy name great" (Genesis 12:1-3; Exodus 2:24,25; Exodus 6:3-8)

(D) "I will bless them who bless thee" (Genesis 12:1-3; Matthew 25:31-46)

(E) "I will bless thee" (Genesis 13:14-18; Genesis 15:18-21; Galatians 3)

(F) "I will curse them who curse thee" (Zech. 14; Matthew 25:31-46)

(G) "In thee shall all the nations of the world be blessed" (Deut. 28:8-14; Isaiah 60:3-5; Isaiah 66:18-21; John 8:56-58; Galatians 3:16)

(2) The sign of the covenant: circumcision (Genesis 17:1-21; Isaiah 24:5)

Understand more here

7. Hagaric (Genesis 16:7-14). This was a covenant made with Hagar concerning her seed through Ishmael, Abraham's son. It concerned many generations and was in three parts:

(1) Commands:

(A) Return, submit to Sarah (Genesis 16:9)

(B) Call her son Ishmael, meaning "God shall hear" (Genesis 16:11)

(2) Promises:

(A) Seed to be multiplied beyond number (Genesis 16:10; Genesis 17:20-22)

(B) Ishmael to be blessed and become a great nation (Genesis 17:20; Genesis 21:17-18)

(3) Prophetic revelation:

(A) Ishmael to be a wild man (Genesis 16:12; eventually Islam)

(B) His hand to be against every man (Genesis 16:12; Islam)

(D) Ishmael to dwell in the presence of his brethren (Genesis 16:12)

8. Sarahic (Genesis 17:15-19; Genesis 18:9-15). This covenant was made with Sarah and promised certain blessings to her and her offspring Isaac for many generations. It was in two parts:

(1) Commands:

(A) Change her name from Sarai to Sarah, meaning "princess" (Genesis 17:15)

(B) Call her son Isaac (Genesis 17:19)

(2) Promises:

(A) To be blessed with a son (Genesis 17:16-19; Genesis 18:10-15)

(B) To be made a mother of nations (Genesis 17:16)

(D) Abrahamic covenant to be continued with Isaac (Genesis 17:19)

(E) Abrahamic covenant to be continued with Isaac's seed forever (Genesis 17:19)

9. Healing (Exodus 15:26; Exodus 23:25). This was made with Israel and all who desired or chose to come under the covenant of God as given to Moses. It was in two parts:

(1) Commands:

(A) Diligently hearken to God's voice (Exodus 15:26; Leviticus 26:14-15)

(B) Do that which is right in His sight (Exodus 15:26)

(D) Keep all His statutes (Exodus 15:26; Leviticus 26:3,14-15)

(E) Serve the Lord (Exodus 23:25)

(2) Promises:

(A) "I will put none of these diseases upon thee" (Exodus 15:26)

(B) "I am the Lord that healeth thee" (Exodus 15:26)

This covenant was made a part of the New Covenant, for Christ "took our infirmities and bare our sicknesses" (Psalm 103:2-4; Proverbs 3:7; 4:20-22; Isaiah 53; Matthew 8:17; James 5:14-16; 1 Peter 2:24). See also note at Covenant numbered 9 below. For the New Covenant, see Covenant numbered 15 below.

To prove not only that God could heal, but was willing to (thus fulfilling His promises and covenants), He healed them all by His word and there was not a feeble person in all their tribes (Ps. 105:37; 107:20). God promised to make everyone immune from all diseases in the future, upon meeting conditions (Ex. 23:22-25; Ps. 91; Isa. 58). Sicknesses and diseases were and still are special curses (separation from blessings) on human beings only when they won't obediently yield or when they fail to understand and appropriate God's provision by trusting (faith) (Ex. 23:22-25; Lev. 26; Dt. 28; Job 33:14-33; Ps. 91; 103:3; 107:17-21; Pv. 3:7; 4:20-22; Isa. 58; Mt. 8:17; Jn. 10:10; 2 Cor. 11:30; Jas. 5:14-16; 1 Pet. 2:24). For a complete study as well as How to Access Your Healing, proceed to here.

10. Mosaic or old covenant; also called the Old Testament (Exodus 20:1-24:8; 2 Cor. 3:6-18). See Old and New Covenant Contrasts LATER

11. Levitic (Numbers 25:10-14). This was given through Moses to Phinehas, the son of Levi, who was zealous for the Lord and executed judgment upon rebels (Numbers 25:1-9). It consisted of two great promises:

(1) Peace and blessing to Levi's house (Numbers 25:12)

(2) An everlasting priesthood (Numbers 25:13)

12. Palestinian (Leviticus 26; Deut. 11:8-32; Deut. 27:1-30:20). This covenant was made with Israel through Moses and was conditioned upon the obedience of the nation. There were seven parts:

(1) Dispersion for disobedience (Deut. 28:63-68; Deut. 30:1)

(2) Repentance while in dispersion (Deut. 30:2; Zech. 12:10-14)

(3) The return of the Lord (Deut. 30:3; Zech. 14; Acts 15:14-17)

(4) Restoration in the land (Deut. 30:5; Isaiah 11:1-12; Ezekiel 37; Matthew 24:31)

(5) National conversion (Deut. 30:6; Isaiah 66; Zech. 12:10-13; Romans 11:26)

(6) Judgment of Israel's oppressors (Deut. 30:7; Zech. 14; Matthew 25:31-46)

(7) National prosperity (Deut. 30:9-10; Romans 11)

13. Salt (Leviticus 2:13; Numbers 18:19). A covenant made with Israel concerning the sacrifices they were to offer forever. See usage of salt in Mark 9:49,50; and Col. 4:6. In Palestine and surrounding countries salt was used in making covenants. If people dined together on food with salt in it, they became friends, though they may have been enemies before. The Arab expression, "There is salt between us," or "He has eaten of my salt," means partaking of the hospitality which cements friendship. Covenants were generally confirmed at sacrificial meals and salt was always present. The covenant of salt pictured the everlasting friendship between God and His people (Numbers 18:19).

14. Davidic (2 Samuel 7:1-17). This agreement was made with David and his house through Nathan the prophet, and was conditioned upon obedience as all other covenants. It was to be an everlasting covenant, containing seven blessings:

(1) A Davidic house forever (2 Samuel 7:13-16; Psalm 89:20-37; Luke 1:32-35)

(2) A Davidic throne forever (2 Samuel 7:12-16; Isaiah 9:6,7; Luke 1:32-35)

(3) A Davidic kingdom forever (2 Samuel 7:12-16; Isaiah 9:6,7; Luke 1:32-35)

(4) A sure land for Israel forever (Genesis 17; 2 Samuel 7:10)

(5) No more affliction from the nations forever (Deut. 28:1-30:10; 2 Samuel 7:10)

(6) The Fatherly care of God forever (2 Samuel 7:14; 2 Cor. 6:15-18)

(7) An eternal covenant (2 Samuel 7:10-16; Isaiah 9:6,7; Luke 1:32,33)

15. New covenant (Matthew 26:28; 2 Cor. 3:6-18). This is the one made by Messiah (Christ) (Hebrews 8:6). It is still in force and includes all the terms, conditions, commands, promises and benefits revealed in the twenty-seven books of the New Testament. See Old and New Covenant Contrasts (currently under construction)

Covenants of Scripture

Covenants Were:

1. Sacred (Joshua 9:18; Galatians 3:15-17)

2. Binding (Joshua 9:18; Galatians 3:15-17)

3. Upheld with penalty for breaking (Leviticus 26; Deut. 28; 2 Samuel 21:1-6; Jeremiah 34:8-22; Ezekiel 17:13-19)

4. Covenants Were Ratified by:

(1) Oaths (Genesis 22:16)

(2) Blood of animals (Genesis 15:9-17; Genesis 31:43-53; Exodus 24:8; Hebrews 9:19-22)

(3) Feasts (Genesis 21:26-31; Genesis 26:30-31; Genesis 31:46,54)

(4) Monuments (Genesis 28:16-22; Genesis 31:43-53)

(5) Raising of the hands (Ezra 10:19; cp. Genesis 14:22)

(6) Pulling off shoes (Ruth 4:7-8)

(7) Blood of Christ (Matthew 26:28; Hebrews 9:11-22; Hebrews 13:11-12,20)

Concerning the old covenant, the Ten Commandments written on stone were kept in the ark which had a mercy-seat on it as a constant reminder of God's presence and of man's obligation to obey it (Numbers 10:33; Numbers 14:44; Deut. 10:8; Joshua 3:3-17; etc.).

The new covenant has an eternal ark (Hebrews 8:1-6; Hebrews 9:1-22; Rev. 11:19).

“No, I will not break My covenant; I will not take back a single word I said.” (Psalm 89:34)

“The Lord leads with unfailing love and faithfulness all those who keep His covenant and obey His decrees.” (Psalm 25:10)

Back to The Essence of Covenant

Understand God’s Remarkable Covenant with Abraham

The Context

“The object and purpose of our instruction and charge is that all believers would be filled with charity (love) that comes from a pure heart, and a clear conscience, and genuine faith.” —1 Timothy 1:5

Links

“For His divine power has given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who has called us to glory and goodness. And by that same mighty power, He has given to us exceeding great and precious promises; that by these you all might be partakers of the Divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” (2 Peter1:3-4) There are 750 promises in the New Testament alone.

The Key That Unlocks all promises

Link to the list of 250 separate benefits of the 750 New Testament promises

Promises in the Psalms

“The Lord leads with unfailing love and faithfulness all those who keep his covenant and obey his decrees.” (Ps. 25:10) The benefits of God’s promises are conditional.

“…For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged [by the Lord]. But when we are judged, we are chastened [taught] by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world.” (1 Corinthians 11:31-32) “…Remember, each of us will stand personally before the judgment seat of Messiah (Christ).” (Romans 2:1-16; 14:10; 2 Cor. 5:10-11) Understand the Seven Judgments in Scripture – currently under construction

“If you love me [Jesus], keep My commandments.” (John 14:15; 1 John 5:2-3; 2 John 1:6)

And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly, and [I pray God] your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thess. 5:23). See the tri-unity of humans. Some links require Adobe Acrobat Reader

“This Good News tells us how God makes us right in his sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. As the Scriptures say, ‘The just shall live by faith.’” (Romans 1:17; Galatians 3:11; Habakkuk 2:4)

“So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.” (Hebrews 3:19) See Doubt and Unbelief concerning God’s Word

“Beloved, I pray above all things that you may prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers.” (3 John 1:2)

“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood [people], but against unseen principalities, against powers, against the [invisible] rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” (Ephesians 6:12) See the reality of evil, Satan, or the devil

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication [prayer as from neediness] with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” (Philippians 4:6) See The Art of Prayer

“…The eternal purpose which He [God] purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Ephesians 3:11). “…Rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). Link to God's Plan for Mankind

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