Topical Bible: Covenant: Binding

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In the biblical context, a covenant is a solemn agreement or promise between two parties, often involving commitments and obligations. The concept of a covenant is central to the narrative of the Bible, serving as a foundational element in the relationship between God and humanity. The binding nature of covenants underscores their seriousness and the expectation of faithfulness from both parties involved.

Old Testament Covenants

The Old Testament presents several key covenants, each with its own unique characteristics and implications. The Noahic Covenant, found in Genesis 9:8-17, is a universal covenant in which God promises never to destroy the earth with a flood again, symbolized by the rainbow. This covenant is binding upon all of creation, highlighting God's mercy and faithfulness.

The Abrahamic Covenant, detailed in Genesis 12:1-3, 15:1-21, and 17:1-14, establishes a binding promise between God and Abraham. God promises Abraham descendants, land, and blessings, with circumcision as the sign of this covenant. This covenant is foundational for the nation of Israel and is reiterated throughout the Scriptures.

The Mosaic Covenant, given at Mount Sinai, is a binding agreement between God and the people of Israel. As recorded in Exodus 19-24, this covenant includes the Ten Commandments and various laws that govern the moral, ceremonial, and civil life of Israel. The Mosaic Covenant emphasizes obedience and the consequences of breaking the covenant, as seen in Deuteronomy 28.

The Davidic Covenant, found in 2 Samuel 7:12-16, is a binding promise that establishes David's lineage as the royal line through which the Messiah would come. This covenant assures the perpetuity of David's throne and is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the Son of David.

New Testament Covenant

The New Testament introduces the New Covenant, prophesied in Jeremiah 31:31-34 and fulfilled in Jesus Christ. This covenant is binding and eternal, established through the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus. In Luke 22:20, Jesus declares, "This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is poured out for you." The New Covenant offers forgiveness of sins and a transformed heart, enabling believers to live in a restored relationship with God.

The Binding Nature of Covenants

The binding nature of biblical covenants is evident in the language and rituals associated with them. Covenants often involve oaths, sacrifices, and signs, such as the rainbow, circumcision, or the Lord's Supper, which serve as tangible reminders of the commitments made. The seriousness of breaking a covenant is underscored by the consequences outlined in the Scriptures, as seen in the blessings and curses associated with the Mosaic Covenant (Deuteronomy 28).

God's faithfulness to His covenants is a recurring theme throughout the Bible. Despite human unfaithfulness, God remains steadfast in His promises, ultimately fulfilling them in Jesus Christ. The binding nature of covenants reflects God's unchanging character and His desire for a committed relationship with His people.

Key Scriptures

· Genesis 9:8-17 (Noahic Covenant)
· Genesis 12:1-3; 15:1-21; 17:1-14 (Abrahamic Covenant)
· Exodus 19-24 (Mosaic Covenant)
· 2 Samuel 7:12-16 (Davidic Covenant)
· Jeremiah 31:31-34 (Prophecy of the New Covenant)
· Luke 22:20 (New Covenant in Christ's blood)

The concept of covenant as binding is integral to understanding the biblical narrative and God's redemptive plan for humanity. Through covenants, God reveals His purposes, establishes His kingdom, and invites humanity into a relationship marked by faithfulness and love.

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Joshua 9:18-20
And the children of Israel smote them not, because the princes of the congregation had sworn to them by the LORD God of Israel. And all the congregation murmured against the princes.
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Jeremiah 34:8-21
This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD, after that the king Zedekiah had made a covenant with all the people which were at Jerusalem, to proclaim liberty to them;
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Ezekiel 17:14-18
That the kingdom might be base, that it might not lift itself up, but that by keeping of his covenant it might stand.
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Galatians 3:15
Brothers, I speak after the manner of men; Though it be but a man's covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man cancels, or adds thereto.
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Library

Covenanting Recommended by the Practice of the New Testament ...
... times, there appeared on the banners of the Scottish people, the memorable motto,
"For Christ's Crown and Covenant." These covenants are binding still on the ...
/.../the ordinance of covenanting/chapter xiv covenanting recommended by.htm

God's Covenant with Abram
... The covenant is not only God's binding Himself anew by solemn acts to fulfil His
promises already made, but it is His entering into far sweeter and nearer ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/gods covenant with abram.htm

The Blood of the Covenant
... to seal the covenant was not the blood of bulls or of goats, but the blood of the
Son of God himself; and this has made the covenant so binding that sooner may ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 20 1874/the blood of the covenant.htm

The First Covenant
... the confession of his impotence, and of his need of a New Covenant and a ... of God;
its misery, working temporal and eternal ruin; its power, binding man down in ...
/.../murray/the two covenants/chapter iii the first covenant.htm

The Ark of his Covenant
... And once more, not only the promises, but the force and binding power of
the covenant change not. All God's acts are done with a ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 41 1895/the ark of his covenant.htm

The Cambridge Platform and the Half-Way Covenant
... The signing of the "League and Covenant" with England in 1643 by Scotland, the ... of
doubtful value if its articles were to be authoritative as a binding rule of ...
/.../chapter iv the cambridge platform.htm

The Uses of the Law
... "This I say, that the covenant, that was ... Antinomian, who says, "Yes, I know I am
saved by grace alone;" and then breaks the law"says, it is not binding on him ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/the uses of the law.htm

God's Faithfulness
... That conception of a Covenant is the negation of caprice, of arbitrary sovereignty,
of mystery. ... to us there by some word spoken to our heart and binding Him. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/gods faithfulness.htm

Perpetual Covenants
... This was the sign of a perpetual covenant, and everybody who saw it knew that the
man's self-surrender to his master was real, binding, and permanent. ...
/.../howard/standards of life and service/xii perpetual covenants.htm

Things Pertaining to the Kingdom.
... the remission of sins" (S. Matthew 26:28), pointed both to the ending of the old
covenant, or testament ... Was the Jewish Sabbath still binding on men's consciences ...
/.../burbidge/the kingdom of heaven what is it/chapter v things pertaining to.htm