Chapter-15-Covenant

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The concept of covenant is a fundamental teaching of the Bible. Therefore, understanding it is important in order to rightly interpret Scripture.

The Holy Bible is one cohesive covenant document. It is filled with covenant language from beginning to end.

Simply put, a covenant is a binding agreement between two parties. It is mutually beneficial.

The concept of covenant originated from God and became a common tradition on earth. Consequently, the Bible speaks of covenants that are both earthly and heavenly.

Earthly Covenants

The concept of covenant was familiar in the ancient world. As a result, “… ancient cultures adopted the concept of a covenant to express a range of interpersonal and social relationships. A covenant between nations was a treaty (Genesis 14:13; 31:44-55). Between persons, a covenant might express a business contract or a pledge of friendship (1 Samuel 18:3; 23:18). A covenant between a ruler and the subjects served as the constitution of states, spelling out the responsibilities of both the ruler and the ruled (2 Samuel 3:21; 5:3).”1

The Bible contains record of a number of earthly covenants established between human beings. For example, it mentions hand covenants (Ezra 10:19; Ezekiel 17:18), shoe covenants (Ruth 4:8), and salt covenants (Numbers 18:19; Leviticus 2:13; 2 Chronicles 13:5).

Heavenly Covenants

Contrary to earthly covenants, the heavenly covenants of God were originated in eternity. They are critical to His eternal plan.

God clarified His intentions for His creation through heavenly covenants. Providing irrefutable evidence that His work is always consistent with His word, His fulfillment of covenantal stipulations exactly as promised beforehand served to demonstrate the integrity of His nature.

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Law or Promise

There are two types of heavenly covenants that originate from God. They include covenants of law and promise.

Heavenly covenants of law are conditional. Under the rule of covenantal law, obedience leads to blessing and disobedience to cursing. Thus, human cooperation is satisfied by performance or works.

In contrast, heavenly covenants of promise are unconditional. Under the rule of divine life (zoe), God promises to graciously initiate and fulfill covenantal stipulations regardless of the performance of His covenant partner or chosen beneficiary. Thus, human cooperation occurs only through the obedience of faith. (Romans 6:15; 16:26)

Essential Elements

While some variation may occur, there are at least four essential elements associated with divine, heavenly covenants. They include a preamble (the identification of the covenant participant (s)); background (the relationship of covenant participant (s) clarified); stipulations (the obligation of covenant participant (s) explained through means of law or promise); and ratification (the obligation of covenant participant (s) validated by oath, blessing, or sacrifice, and generally accompanied by a sign).

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Essential Elements	Definition
Preamble:	Identification of the covenant participant(s).
Background:	Relationship of covenant participant(s) clarified.
Stipulations:	The obligation of covenant participant(s) explained through means of law or promise.
Ratification:	The obligation of covenant participant(s) validated by oath, blessing, or sacrifice, generally accompanied by a sign.

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