CONCEPT

Covenant

A contract or agreement between two parties. In the Old Testament the Hebrew word berith is always thus translated. Berith is derived from a root which means “to cut,” and hence a covenant is a “cutting,” with reference to the cutting or dividing of animals into two parts, and the contracting parties passing between them, in making a covenant (Gen. 15; Jer. 34:18, 19).

The corresponding word in the New Testament Greek is diatheke, which is, however, rendered “testament” generally in the Authorized Version. It ought to be rendered, just as the word berith of the Old Testament, “covenant.”

This word is used (1) of a covenant or compact between man and man (Gen. 21:32), or between tribes or nations (1 Sam. 11:1; Josh. 9:6, 15). In entering into a convenant, Jehovah was solemnly called on to witness the transaction (Gen. 31:50), and hence it was called a “covenant of the Lord” (1 Sam. 20:8). The marriage compact is called “the covenant of God” (Prov. 2:17), because the marriage was made in God’s name. Wicked men are spoken of as acting as if they had made a “covenant with death” not to destroy them, or with hell not to devour them (Isa. 28:15, 18). The word is used with reference to God’s revelation of himself in the way of promise or of favour to men. Thus God’s promise to Noah after the Flood is called a covenant (Gen. 9; Jer. 33:20, “my covenant”). We have an account of God’s covernant with Abraham (Gen. 17, comp. Lev. 26:42), of the covenant of the priesthood (Num. 25:12, 13; Deut. 33:9; Neh. 13:29), and of the covenant of Sinai (Ex. 34:27, 28; Lev. 26:15), which was afterwards renewed at different times in the history of Israel (Deut. 29; Josh. 1:24; 2 Chr. 15; 23; 29; 34; Ezra 10; Neh. 9). In conformity with human custom, God’s covenant is said to be confirmed with an oath (Deut. 4:31; Ps. 89:3), and to be accompanied by a sign (Gen. 9; 17). Hence the covenant is called God’s “counsel,” “oath,” “promise” (Ps. 89:3, 4; 105:8-11; Heb. 6:13-20; Luke 1:68-75). God’s covenant consists wholly in the bestowal of blessing (Isa. 59:21; Jer. 31:33, 34).

The term covenant is also used to designate the regular succession of day and night (Jer. 33:20), the Sabbath (Ex. 31:16), circumcision (Gen. 17:9, 10), and in general any ordinance of God (Jer. 34:13, 14).

A “covenant of salt” signifies an everlasting covenant, in the sealing or ratifying of which salt, as an emblem of perpetuity, is used (Num. 18:19; Lev. 2:13; 2 Chr. 13:5).

COVENANT OF WORKS, the constitution under which Adam was placed at his creation. In this covenant, The contracting parties were (a) God the moral Governor, and (b) Adam, a free moral agent, and representative of all his natural posterity (Rom. 5:12-19). The promise was “life” (Matt. 19:16, 17; Gal. 3:12). The condition was perfect obedience to the law, the test in this case being abstaining from eating the fruit of the “tree of knowledge,” etc. The penalty was death (Gen. 2:16, 17).

This covenant is also called a covenant of nature, as made with man in his natural or unfallen state; a covenant of life, because “life” was the promise attached to obedience; and a legal covenant, because it demanded perfect obedience to the law.

The “tree of life” was the outward sign and seal of that life which was promised in the covenant, and hence it is usually called the seal of that covenant.

This covenant is abrogated under the gospel, inasmuch as Christ has fulfilled all its conditions in behalf of his people, and now offers salvation on the condition of faith. It is still in force, however, as it rests on the immutable justice of God, and is binding on all who have not fled to Christ and accepted his righteousness.

CONVENANT OF GRACE, the eternal plan of redemption entered into by the three persons of the Godhead, and carried out by them in its several parts. In it the Father represented the Godhead in its indivisible sovereignty, and the Son his people as their surety (John 17:4, 6, 9; Isa. 42:6; Ps. 89:3).

The conditions of this covenant were, On the part of the Father (a) all needful preparation to the Son for the accomplishment of his work (Heb. 10:5; Isa. 42:1-7); (b) support in the work (Luke 22:43); and (c) a glorious reward in the exaltation of Christ when his work was done (Phil. 2:6-11), his investiture with universal dominion (John 5:22; Ps. 110:1), his having the administration of the covenant committed into his hands (Matt. 28:18; John 1:12; 17:2; Acts 2:33), and in the final salvation of all his people (Isa. 35:10; 53:10, 11; Jer. 31:33; Titus 1:2). On the part of the Son the conditions were (a) his becoming incarnate (Gal. 4:4, 5); and (b) as the second Adam his representing all his people, assuming their place and undertaking all their obligations under the violated covenant of works; (c) obeying the law (Ps. 40:8; Isa. 42:21; John 9:4, 5), and (d) suffering its penalty (Isa. 53; 2 Cor. 5:21; Gal. 3:13), in their stead.

Christ, the mediator of, fulfils all its conditions in behalf of his people, and dispenses to them all its blessings. In Heb. 8:6; 9:15; 12:24, this title is given to Christ.

▶Sermons

Audio

Grace and the Election of Israel - Part 1
Art Katz · 58:39
The sermon explores the relationship between election, covenant, and resurrection, and how these concepts are essential for Israel's redemption and the church's role in it.
Inside the Rainbow
A.W. Tozer · 33:55
A.W. Tozer's sermon 'Inside the Rainbow' emphasizes the sovereignty of God and the importance of worship in maintaining peace amidst earthly chaos.
The Covenant
Bill Randles · 44:11
The sermon explores the significance of Abram's encounter with God in Genesis 15, and how it represents the promise of the seed and the land, which is a spiritual identity that includes all who believe in Jesus Christ.
Permanency of the Covenant
Bill Stafford · 54:54
Bill Stafford's sermon explores the everlasting nature of God's covenant and its transformative impact on believers' lives.
Person of the Covenant
Bill Stafford · 40:53
The sermon emphasizes the importance of covenant in our relationship with God, and how it's the key to true salvation and discipleship.
Provision of the Covenant - Part 1
Bill Stafford · 58:15
Bill Stafford's sermon emphasizes the transformative power of understanding and living out our covenant relationship with God.
Provision of the Covenant - Part 2
Bill Stafford · 51:16
The sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding covenant relationship with God, where God's life becomes man's life, and man is identified in God's life, leading to holiness and godliness.
The Purpose of the Covenant
Bill Stafford · 58:13
Bill Stafford's sermon explores the profound purpose of God's covenant with humanity, emphasizing the restoration of relationship and the call to live out His life through us.
Exodus 24:1
Carl Armerding · 40:52
The sermon emphasizes the importance of responding to God's invitations for deeper spiritual communion and growth, as exemplified by Moses in Exodus 24.
God's Covenant With David
Chuck Smith · 25:05
God's covenant with David is a reminder of His faithfulness and mercy, and it serves as a foundation for our understanding of God's character.
Reforms of the Covenant
Chuck Smith · 25:05
The sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking God and turning from sin, and highlights the significance of Josiah's reforms in attempting to restore the covenant between God and the people of Judah, but ultimately, it was too late to prevent the judgment of God.
God Wants to Make Covenant With You!
David Wilkerson · 58:09
God wants to make a covenant with you, based on His mercy and love, through Jesus Christ, and promises to fulfill all His covenant promises in you.
The Covenant 1 - Abraham
G.W. North · 1:41:17
G.W. North's sermon explores the significance of the covenant through Abraham, emphasizing God's desire to be intimately involved in our lives and the transformative power of faith.
The Covenant 2 - Moses
G.W. North · 1:39:27
The sermon explores the nature of God's covenant with His people, emphasizing His promises and the importance of personal encounters with Him.
The Covenant 3 - Marriage to Jesus
G.W. North · 1:29:38
God's relationship with mankind is based on marriage, a bond of love between God and man, and he wants to bring men and women together in a closer union with him, redeeming them from sin and bringing them into eternal life.
The Covenant 4 - the Mediator of the New Covenant
G.W. North · 1:37:17
The New Covenant, mediated by Jesus Christ, brings God's love and grace to humanity, altering human nature and making it possible for people to know God personally.
The Covenant 5 - the Holiest of All
G.W. North · 1:50:34
The sermon emphasizes the revelation of God through Christ and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in believers' lives.

Text

As the Surety of the Covenant
Andrew Murray
Andrew Murray's sermon emphasizes Jesus as the surety of the New Covenant, ensuring God's faithfulness and empowering human obedience.
The Ark of His Covenant
C.H. Spurgeon
The covenant of God is always near to Him, and it is seen by saints through faith, prayer, and the promises of God.
Enjoy His Company
David Wilkerson
The shedding of Jesus' blood gives us access to God's presence, allowing us to enjoy His company without fear of judgment.
Pledged by an Eternal Oath
David Wilkerson
God has pledged an eternal oath to keep and preserve us, demonstrating his undying love for his people.
We Receive All the Benefits
David Wilkerson
We receive all the benefits of God's covenant because the Son's sacrifice brought us into the Father's agreement.
Because He Slew the Gibeonites.
F.B. Meyer
We can trust in God's unbreakable covenant, which promises to take us as His people and forgive our sins.
They Entered Into a Covenant to Seek The
F.B. Meyer
The sermon emphasizes the significance of the new covenant, entered into by Jesus on our behalf, and encourages believers to participate in it by reminding God of His promises and asking Jesus to accomplish God's law in us.
Epistle 195
George Fox
Dwell in the light of Christ, keep the fear of the Lord, and bind the unruly to bring all to believe in the light and get the victory.
A Covenant of Blood and the Fire of God
G.W. North
G.W. North's sermon explores the profound significance of the blood covenant and the role of altars in the relationship between God and His people.
An Everlasting Covenant
G.W. North
The sermon explores the significance of Jesus Christ's sacrifice and the establishment of the second covenant, highlighting the spiritual meaning of water baptism and its representation of the Holy Spirit.
In Covenant With Jesus
G.W. North
The sermon emphasizes the importance of entering into covenant with Jesus, understanding the nature of the covenant, and the role of the Spirit in living as Christ in the world.
The Blood of the Covenant
G.W. North
The blood of the covenant is the New Testament, shed for the remission of sins and benefiting many, not just a select few.
The Pattern of the House
G.W. North
The sermon emphasizes the importance of the altar as a symbol of God's basic principle of life, sacrifice, and self-offering, which is essential for true love and relationship with God.