7 covenants of the Bible

       The Bible is a story of God’s relationship with humanity, and this relationship is shaped by covenants—divine agreements between God and His people. These covenants outline blessings, responsibilities, and consequences. While some covenants are unconditional (God fulfills them regardless of human actions), others are conditional (dependent on human obedience). Here are the seven major covenants in Scripture.

1. The Adamic Covenant (Genesis 1:26-30; 2:16-17; 3:14-19)

      The Adamic Covenant can be divided into two parts:

1. The Covenant of Works (Before the Fall) – God gave Adam and Eve dominion over the earth and commanded them not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Obedience would result in eternal life; disobedience would bring death.

2. The Covenant of Grace (After the Fall) – After Adam and Eve sinned, God cursed the ground and introduced suffering and death. However, He also gave the first prophecy of redemption (Genesis 3:15), promising that a future descendant (Jesus) would crush Satan’s power.

2. The Noahic Covenant (Genesis 9:8-17)

      Following the global flood, God made an unconditional covenant with Noah and all of humanity. He promised:

● Never destroy the earth by flood again.

● That seasons and life would continue.

● The rainbow is a sign of this covenant.

      This covenant demonstrated God's mercy and reaffirmed humanity’s role in the world despite sin’s consequences.

3. The Abrahamic Covenant (Genesis 12:1-3; 15:1-21; 17:1-14)

      God made an unconditional covenant with Abraham, promising three key blessings:

1. Land – His descendants would inherit Canaan.

2. Nationhood – He would become the father of a great nation (Israel).

3. Blessing to All Nations – Through his lineage, the Messiah (Jesus) would come.

      Circumcision was given as a sign of this covenant. This promise was fulfilled in stages—Abraham's descendants became Israel, they entered the Promised Land, and through Christ, salvation was extended to all nations.

4. The Mosaic Covenant (Exodus 19-24; Deuteronomy 28)

      This was a conditional covenant between God and Israel at Mount Sinai. God gave the Law (including the Ten Commandments) and promised:

● Blessings for obedience – Prosperity, protection, and God’s presence.

● Curses for disobedience – Exile, suffering, and judgment.

      The Mosaic Covenant was temporary and designed to point people toward the need for a Savior. Israel frequently broke this covenant, leading to consequences such as exile.

5. The Priestly (Levitical) Covenant (Numbers 25:10-13)

      This unconditional covenant was made with Phinehas, the grandson of Aaron. Because of his zeal for God's holiness, God promised:

● An everlasting priesthood for his descendants.

● A unique role for the Levites in Israel’s religious system.

      This covenant reinforced Israel’s need for mediators (priests), ultimately pointing to Jesus as the final High Priest (Hebrews 7:23-28).

6. The Davidic Covenant (2 Samuel 7:8-16; 1 Chronicles 17:11-14)

      God made an unconditional covenant with King David, promising:

● His lineage would produce an everlasting kingdom.

● A future king (the Messiah) would reign forever.

      Although David’s earthly dynasty ended, Jesus, the Son of David, fulfilled this covenant by establishing His eternal reign through His resurrection and second coming.

7. The New Covenant (Jeremiah 31:31-34; Luke 22:20; Hebrews 8:6-13)

      Prophesied in the Old Testament and fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the New Covenant replaced the Mosaic Covenant. It promised:

● Forgiveness of sins through Christ’s sacrifice.

● The Holy Spirit to dwell in believers.

● A personal relationship with God without reliance on human mediators.

      Jesus inaugurated this covenant at the Last Supper, declaring, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood” (Luke 22:20). Unlike previous covenants, which required sacrifices and laws, the New Covenant is based entirely on grace through faith in Jesus (Ephesians 2:8-9).  

      Each covenant reveals a different aspect of God’s plan:

● The Adamic Covenant introduced the problem of sin.

● The Noahic Covenant reaffirmed God’s commitment to humanity.

● The Abrahamic Covenant established a chosen people.

● The Mosaic Covenant showed the need for holiness.

● The Priestly Covenant ensured spiritual leadership.

● The Davidic Covenant pointed to the Messiah.

● The New Covenant fulfilled all previous covenants in Jesus.

      God’s covenants demonstrate His faithfulness, justice, and love. Ultimately, the New Covenant in Jesus Christ is the greatest of all, offering salvation to everyone who believes.