In the biblical narrative, the concept of "Access Through Covenant" is foundational to understanding the relationship between God and humanity. Covenants in the Bible are divine agreements that establish the terms of this relationship, often involving promises, obligations, and signs. From a conservative Christian viewpoint, these covenants are seen as progressive revelations of God's redemptive plan, culminating in the New Covenant through Jesus Christ.

Old Testament Covenants

1. The Noahic Covenant: After the flood, God established a covenant with Noah and all living creatures, promising never to destroy the earth by flood again. The sign of this covenant is the rainbow. Genesis 9:11-13 states, "I establish My covenant with you: Never again will all life be cut off by the waters of a flood; never again will there be a flood to destroy the earth. And God said, 'This is the sign of the covenant I am making between Me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all generations to come: I have set My rainbow in the clouds, and it will be a sign of the covenant between Me and the earth.'"

2. The Abrahamic Covenant: God's covenant with Abraham is pivotal, promising him descendants, land, and blessing. This covenant is marked by the rite of circumcision. Genesis 17:7 declares, "I will establish My covenant as an everlasting covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you for the generations to come, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you."

3. The Mosaic Covenant: Given at Mount Sinai, this covenant provided the Law, which defined Israel's relationship with God. It included blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience. Exodus 19:5-6 states, "Now if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, you will be My treasured possession out of all the nations—for the whole earth is Mine. And unto Me you shall be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation."

4. The Davidic Covenant: God's promise to David ensured that his lineage would endure forever, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ. 2 Samuel 7:16 affirms, "Your house and kingdom will endure forever before Me, and your throne will be established forever."

New Testament Fulfillment

The New Covenant, prophesied in the Old Testament and fulfilled in the New Testament, is central to Christian theology. Jeremiah 31:31-33 foretells, "The days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah. It will not be like the covenant I made with their fathers when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt—a covenant they broke, though I was a husband to them, declares the LORD. But this is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the LORD: I will put My law in their minds and inscribe it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they will be My people."

The New Covenant in Christ

The New Covenant is inaugurated through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It offers believers direct access to God, forgiveness of sins, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Hebrews 9:15 explains, "Therefore Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, now that He has died to redeem them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant."

Access to God

Through the New Covenant, believers have unprecedented access to God. Ephesians 2:18 states, "For through Him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit." This access is not based on adherence to the Law but on faith in Jesus Christ, as emphasized in Romans 5:1-2 : "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we stand."

Conclusion

The concept of "Access Through Covenant" underscores the continuity and fulfillment of God's promises throughout the biblical narrative. Each covenant builds upon the previous, revealing more of God's character and His plan for redemption, ultimately granting believers access to Him through the New Covenant in Christ.