Covenant in the Bible

The concept of covenant is central to the biblical narrative, serving as a foundational theme that underscores God's relationship with humanity. A covenant, in biblical terms, is a solemn agreement or promise made by God to His people, often accompanied by specific commitments and obligations. The Berean Standard Bible provides numerous instances of covenants, each revealing different aspects of God's character and His divine plan.

The Noahic Covenant

The first explicit covenant mentioned in the Bible is the Noahic Covenant. After the flood, God establishes a covenant with Noah and all living creatures, promising never to destroy the earth with a flood again. Genesis 9:11 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." The sign of this covenant is the rainbow, serving as a perpetual reminder of God's mercy and faithfulness.

The Abrahamic Covenant

The Abrahamic Covenant marks a significant development in God's redemptive plan. God promises Abraham that he will be the father of a great nation, that his descendants will inherit the land of Canaan, and that through him all nations will be blessed. Genesis 12:2-3 records God's promise: "I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you; and all the families of the earth will be blessed through you." This covenant is characterized by God's unilateral commitment to fulfill His promises, underscoring His sovereignty and grace.

The Mosaic Covenant

The Mosaic Covenant, given at Mount Sinai, establishes the law for the nation of Israel. It is a conditional covenant, requiring obedience to God's commandments as a prerequisite for blessing. Exodus 19:5-6 articulates this covenant: "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." This covenant highlights God's desire for a holy people set apart for His purposes.

The Davidic Covenant

The Davidic Covenant promises an everlasting dynasty, with David's throne established forever. 2 Samuel 7:16 declares, "Your house and kingdom will endure forever before Me, and your throne will be established forever." This covenant points to the coming Messiah, Jesus Christ, who fulfills the promise of an eternal kingdom.

The New Covenant

The New Covenant, prophesied in Jeremiah 31:31-34 and fulfilled in Jesus Christ, represents the culmination of God's covenantal promises. Hebrews 8:10 quotes this promise: "This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord. I will put My laws in their minds and inscribe them on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they will be My people." Through Christ's sacrificial death and resurrection, believers are brought into a new relationship with God, characterized by forgiveness and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

Remembrance in the Bible

Remembrance is a recurring theme in Scripture, often associated with God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. The act of remembering is not merely a mental exercise but a call to action, worship, and obedience.

God's Remembrance

God's remembrance is an assurance of His faithfulness and steadfast love. In Genesis 8:1 , "But God remembered Noah and all the animals and livestock that were with him in the ark, and God sent a wind over the earth, and the waters receded." This remembrance signifies God's intervention and care for His creation.

Human Remembrance

Believers are called to remember God's works and commandments. Deuteronomy 8:2 instructs, "Remember that the LORD your God led you all the way these forty years in the wilderness, so that He might humble you and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep His commandments." Remembrance serves as a means to cultivate faithfulness and gratitude.

Remembrance in Worship

The act of remembrance is integral to worship, particularly in the observance of the Lord's Supper. 1 Corinthians 11:24-25 recounts Jesus' words: "And when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, 'This is My body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of Me.' In the same way, after supper He took the cup, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.'" This ordinance serves as a perpetual reminder of Christ's sacrifice and the New Covenant established through His blood.

In summary, God's covenant and remembrance are intertwined themes that reveal His unwavering commitment to His people and His call for them to live in faithful response to His grace.