The concept of Covenant in Christianity
Covenant in Christianity refers to a sacred agreement between God and His people that underscores their relationship and the expectations that arise from it. This concept encompasses various promises made, including God's pledge to Noah after the flood and His commitment to Abraham regarding his descendants. The covenant establishes moral and ethical standards for conduct and is continually highlighted in biblical narratives, serving as a central theme in the faith's theology. Ultimately, it is a binding agreement that reflects God's justice, mercy, and holiness.
Synonyms: Agreement, Contract, Promise, Compact, Treaty, Commitment, Settlement, Commitment.
In German: Bund; In French: Engagement; In Finnish: Liitto; In Malay: Perjanjian; In Spanish: Pacto; In Swedish: ¹óö°ù²ú³Ü²Ô»å; In Dutch: Verbond
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Christian concept of 'Covenant'
From: Bible cyclopedia, critical and expository
(1) This is the agreement between God and the Israelites, which the Pharisees were originally devoted to, emphasizing their initial commitment to religious principles.[1] (2) This refers to the agreement that the rulers had broken, which Nehemiah addressed, ensuring that the Levites received their portions, as stated in the text.[2] (3) This written agreement, inscribed on two stone tables by God, was kept within the Ark of the Covenant, symbolizing a sacred religious deposit.[3] (4) The covenant has six historical stages: the family, expanded into a nation, royalty, the exile and return, Messiah's advent and the church in troublous times, and His second advent and the church's and Israel's glory.[4] (5) The covenant is an agreement, and circumcision was a sign of the covenant between God and Abraham and his seed.[5]
From: Expositions of Holy Scripture
(1) Outward descent gave outward place within the covenant, but the distinction of real and formal place there was established from the beginning, and the children of the covenant had an outward connection.[6] (2) The covenant is established in the blood of Jesus Christ, and it contains not only the direction for conduct, but also the motives which will impel us to walk where and as He enjoins.[7] (3) This refers to the agreement between God and Abram, which included the promise of numerous descendants, the land of Canaan, and God's presence with Abram's seed, which is repeated in the new covenant.[8] (4) Satan sought to depose the nation from its place as the covenant people, because of its transgressions of the covenant, and God's past mercies are a motive with him.[9] (5) This is an agreement or promise that was made between the divine being and the people, which the divine being vowed to never break, but the people were expected to keep their part of the agreement, and it was a central theme in the narrative.[10]
From: A Cyclopedia of Biblical literature
(1) The term designates the divine dealings with mankind or with individuals, and it often appears in Scripture to represent these interactions between God and humanity, though not in the same manner as human contracts.[11] (2) Upon the basis of the Decalogue, the covenant is concluded with the Israelites, in which God reveals Himself in agreement with the people's understanding.[12] (3) Covenant is an agreement, and a prophet denounces the Lord's vengeance upon Tyre, because she remembered not the brotherly covenant.[13] (4) A solemn agreement between Abraham and God, which included promises of blessings and the obligation to practice circumcision.[14] (5) The covenant refers to the sacred agreement between God and the Israelites, which included commitments made by the people and their leaders.[15]
From: A Dictionary of the Bible (Hastings)
(1) This refers to the general concept of an agreement, compact, or arrangement, which could be between individuals or between God and humans.[16] (2) A sacred agreement between God and His people that serves as the standard by which ethical conduct is judged in Biblical texts.[17] (3) A binding agreement, in this context referring to the promise of eternal redemption won for mankind through Jesus.[18]
From: Ante-nicene Fathers
(1) This refers to something that is passed down through the people, with a focus on who will inherit it or to whom it belongs.[19] (2) This is a thing associated with the ark, and is said to have rested at a place where the children of Israel crossed a river.[20] (3) This is a promise, and the text mentions that we will become heirs of it when we are made perfect.[21] (4) This phrase refers to the agreement that death wished to break, which had been made by the instrumentality of Moses.[22] (5) This is the covenant of the Highest, and one should remember it and wink at the ignorance of thy neighbour, highlighting the importance.[23]
From: The Existence and Attributes of God
(1) A formal agreement, is mentioned, where God would make it for man’s security, and the condition could not be works, because man’s nature was polluted, so faith is the most proper.[24] (2) Sacred agreements established by God that reflect His nature, justice, mercy, and the holiness beneficial for the believer.[25]
From: Summa Theologica (English translation)
(1) A sacred agreement between God and the people, often signified through rituals and the appointment of ministers.[26]
From: The city of God
(1) The covenant is mentioned in the text as broken by the infants, and as a sign of regeneration and the basis for the old and new covenants.[27]
From: The Kebra Nagast
(1) A written agreement between God and people, which is kept in the Ark, and which people were instructed to keep.[28] (2) This is an agreement struck between Solomon and the Queen, concerning their relationship and the future of their child.[29]