A covenant is a solemn, binding agreement between two or more parties — sworn, often sealed in blood, and usually accompanied by signs of remembrance. In the Bible, covenant is the primary framework through which God relates to humanity. Biblical covenants are sovereignly administered by God (He proposes the terms; man does not negotiate). Each typically includes promises (what God will do), stipulations (what is expected of the partner), and signs (rainbow, circumcision, Sabbath, the blood of the New Covenant cup). The biblical canon names six major divine covenants — Adamic, Noahic, Abrahamic, Mosaic, Davidic, and the New Covenant of Christ — and many lesser human covenants modeled on them. Marriage is covenant; friendship can be covenant; baptism is covenant sign.
A mutual consent or agreement of two or more persons, to do or to forbear some act or thing; a contract; a stipulation.
A mutual consent or agreement of two or more persons, to do or to forbear some act or thing; a contract; a stipulation. The covenant of grace is that which is established in the gospel, by which God engages to bestow salvation on man, through the mediation of Christ, on condition of faith in Christ.
Genesis 9:9-11 (Noahic)
Genesis 15:18 (Abrahamic)
Exodus 24:7-8 (Mosaic)
2 Samuel 7:12-16 (Davidic)
Jeremiah 31:31-34 (New)
In modern language, "covenant" is often used interchangeably with "contract." This misses the sacred, relational, and...
In modern language, "covenant" is often used interchangeably with "contract." This misses the sacred, relational, and often life-and-death gravity of a biblical covenant, which is based on solemn oaths and divine promises, not just mutual consideration for a business transaction.