The Sign of the Covenant
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The concept of the "Sign of the Covenant" is a significant theme throughout the Bible, representing the tangible symbols or acts that God established to signify His covenants with humanity. These signs serve as reminders of God's promises and the responsibilities of those who enter into covenant with Him.

1. The Noahic Covenant:

The first explicit sign of a covenant in the Bible is found in the account of Noah. After the flood, God established a covenant with Noah and all living creatures, promising never to destroy the earth with a flood again. The sign of this covenant is the rainbow. Genesis 9:12-13 states, "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:

The covenant with Abraham is marked by the sign of circumcision. This physical act was to be performed on every male descendant of Abraham as a perpetual sign of the covenant. Genesis 17:10-11 records, "This is My covenant with you and your descendants after you, which you are to keep: Every male among you must be circumcised. You are to undergo circumcision, and it will be the sign of the covenant between Me and you."

3. The Mosaic Covenant:

The Mosaic Covenant, given to the Israelites at Mount Sinai, includes the Sabbath as a sign. The observance of the Sabbath was to be a perpetual covenant and a sign between God and the Israelites. Exodus 31:16-17 states, "The Israelites must keep the Sabbath, celebrating it as a permanent covenant for the generations to come. It is a sign between Me and the Israelites forever; for in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, but on the seventh day He rested and was refreshed."

4. The Davidic Covenant:

While the Davidic Covenant does not have a specific physical sign like the previous covenants, it is marked by the promise of an everlasting kingdom through David's lineage. This covenant is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who is often seen as the ultimate sign of God's faithfulness to His promises.

5. The New Covenant:

The New Covenant, prophesied in the Old Testament and established through Jesus Christ, is marked by the sign of the Lord's Supper. Jesus instituted this practice as a remembrance of His sacrifice and the new relationship between God and humanity. Luke 22:19-20 records, "And He took the bread, gave thanks, and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, 'This is My body, given 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, which is poured out for you.'"

Theological Significance:

The signs of the covenants are not merely ritualistic or symbolic acts; they are profound expressions of God's grace and faithfulness. They serve as reminders of His promises and the responsibilities of His people. Each sign points to a deeper spiritual reality and calls for a response of faith and obedience from those who are part of the covenant community. Through these signs, believers are reminded of God's enduring commitment to His creation and His redemptive plan throughout history.
Subtopics

Cosigning

Sign

Sign: A Miracle to Confirm Faith

Sign: A Token of Coming Events

Sign: Asked for By, and Given to Abraham

Sign: Asked for By, and Given to Gideon

Sign: Asked for By, and Given to Hezekiah

Sign: Asked for By, and Given to Moses

Sign: Asked for By, and Given to Zacharias

Sign: Given to Jeroboam

Related Terms

Ensign (21 Occurrences)

Wave (65 Occurrences)

Whistle (3 Occurrences)

Beacon (3 Occurrences)

Banner (20 Occurrences)

Barak (14 Occurrences)

Beth-haccherem (2 Occurrences)

Alarm (26 Occurrences)

Tekoa (12 Occurrences)

Warfare (18 Occurrences)

War (529 Occurrences)

Sign (181 Occurrences)

Isaac (127 Occurrences)

Nod (2 Occurrences)

Jezreel (37 Occurrences)

Looms (2 Occurrences)

Word (8118 Occurrences)

Fulfilment (25 Occurrences)

Flag (30 Occurrences)

Hazor (19 Occurrences)

Teko'a (11 Occurrences)

Target (14 Occurrences)

Tragedy (1 Occurrence)

Receiving (72 Occurrences)

Retreat (10 Occurrences)

Reply (61 Occurrences)

Regard (230 Occurrences)

Era

Eumenes

Ebenezer (3 Occurrences)

Eben-ezer (3 Occurrences)

Encamp (108 Occurrences)

Decision (174 Occurrences)

Deborah (10 Occurrences)

Demetrius (3 Occurrences)

Mulberry (6 Occurrences)

Mizpah (42 Occurrences)

Mordecai (52 Occurrences)

Pharaohnecoh

Pharaoh-necoh (3 Occurrences)

Baalperazim (2 Occurrences)

Beth-haccerem (2 Occurrences)

Beth-cherem (2 Occurrences)

Before (18954 Occurrences)

Baal-perazim (2 Occurrences)

Benjaminites (32 Occurrences)

Betrayer (5 Occurrences)

Beat (85 Occurrences)

Beth-hacche'rem (2 Occurrences)

Bethhaccherem

Beck (1 Occurrence)

Baalsamus

Column (5 Occurrences)

Chorazin (2 Occurrences)

Call

Charge (379 Occurrences)

Arranged (32 Occurrences)

Assembly (371 Occurrences)

Apostolic (2 Occurrences)

Sub-apostolic

Sound (1245 Occurrences)

Signaled (1 Occurrence)

Subapostolic

Stylus (2 Occurrences)

Hip (8 Occurrences)

Covert (18 Occurrences)

Havoc (7 Occurrences)

Hist (1 Occurrence)

Turn (963 Occurrences)

Haccherem (2 Occurrences)

Peter (181 Occurrences)

Sabbath (126 Occurrences)

Armor (53 Occurrences)

Press (57 Occurrences)

Arms (166 Occurrences)

Age (404 Occurrences)

Arrest (22 Occurrences)

Trial (45 Occurrences)

Evolution

The Sign of the Altar Splitting
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