Dictionaries :: Covenant

Covenant:

a contract or agreement between two parties. In the Old Testament the Hebrew word berith is always thus translated. Berith is derived from a root which means "to cut," and hence a covenant is a "cutting," with reference to the cutting or dividing of animals into two parts, and the contracting parties passing between them, in making a covenant. Gen 15; Jer 34:18-19).

The corresponding word in the New Testament Greek is diatheke, which is, however, rendered "testament" generally in the Authorized Version. It ought to be rendered, just as the word berith of the Old Testament, "covenant."

This word is used (1) of a covenant or compact between man and man (Gen 21:32), or between tribes or nations (1Sa 11:1; Jos 9:6,15). In entering into a convenant, Jehovah was solemnly called on to witness the transaction (Gen 31:50), and hence it was called a "covenant of the Lord" (1Sa 20:8). The marriage compact is called "the covenant of God" (Pro 2:17), because the marriage was made in God's name. Wicked men are spoken of as acting as if they had made a "covenant with death" not to destroy them, or with hell not to devour them (Isa 28:15,18).

(2.) The word is used with reference to God's revelation of himself in the way of promise or of favour to men. Thus God's promise to Noah after the Flood is called a covenant (Gen 9; Jer 33:20, "my covenant"). We have an account of God's covernant with Abraham (Genesis 17, comp. Lev 26:42), of the covenant of the priesthood (Num 25:12-13; Deu 33:9; Neh 13:29), and of the covenant of Sinai (Exd 34:27-28; Lev 26:15), which was afterwards renewed at different times in the history of Israel (Deu 29; Jos 1:2-4; 2Ch 15; 2Ch 23; 2Ch 29; 2Ch 34; Ezr 10; Neh 9). In conformity with human custom, God's covenant is said to be confirmed with an oath (Deu 4:31; Psa 89:3), and to be accompanied by a sign (Gen 9; 17). Hence the covenant is called God's "counsel," "oath," "promise" (Psa 89:3-4; 105:8-11; Hbr 6:13-20; Luk 1:68-75). God's covenant consists wholly in the bestowal of blessing (Isa 59:21; Jer 31:33-34).

The term covenant is also used to designate the regular succession of day and night (Jer 33:20), the Sabbath (Exd 31:16), circumcision (Gen 17:910), and in general any ordinance of God (Jer 34:13-14).

A "covenant of salt" signifies an everlasting covenant, in the sealing or ratifying of which salt, as an emblem of perpetuity, is used (Num 18:19; Lev 2:13; 2Ch 13:5).

COVENANT OF WORKS, the constitution under which Adam was placed at his creation. In this covenant, (1.) The contracting parties were (a) God the moral Governor, and (b) Adam, a free moral agent, and representative of all his natural posterity (Rom 5:12-19). (2.) The promise was "life" (Mat 19:16-17; Gal 3:12). (3.) The condition was perfect obedience to the law, the test in this case being abstaining from eating the fruit of the "tree of knowledge," etc. (4.) The penalty was death (Gen 2:16-17).

This covenant is also called a covenant of nature, as made with man in his natural or unfallen state; a covenant of life, because "life" was the promise attached to obedience; and a legal covenant, because it demanded perfect obedience to the law.

The "tree of life" was the outward sign and seal of that life which was promised in the covenant, and hence it is usually called the seal of that covenant.

This covenant is abrogated under the gospel, inasmuch as Christ has fulfilled all its conditions in behalf of his people, and now offers salvation on the condition of faith. It is still in force, however, as it rests on the immutable justice of God, and is binding on all who have not fled to Christ and accepted his righteousness.

CONVENANT OF GRACE, the eternal plan of redemption entered into by the three persons of the Godhead, and carried out by them in its several parts. In it the Father represented the Godhead in its indivisible sovereignty, and the Son his people as their surety (Jhn 17:4, 6, 9; Isa 42:6; Psa 89:3).

The conditions of this covenant were, (1.) On the part of the Father (a) all needful preparation to the Son for the accomplishment of his work (Hbr 10:5; Isa 42:1-7); (b) support in the work (Luk 22:43); and (c) a glorious reward in the exaltation of Christ when his work was done (Phl 2:6-11), his investiture with universal dominion (Jhn 5:22; Psa 110:1), his having the administration of the covenant committed into his hands (Mat 28:18; Jhn 1:12; 17:2; Act 2:33), and in the final salvation of all his people (Isa 35:10; 53:10-11; Jer 31:33; Tts 1:2). (2.) On the part of the Son the conditions were (a) his becoming incarnate (Gal 4:4-5); and (b) as the second Adam his representing all his people, assuming their place and undertaking all their obligations under the violated covenant of works; (c) obeying the law (Psa 40:8; Isa 42:21; Jhn 9:4-5), and (d) suffering its penalty (Isa 53; 2Cr 5:21; Gal 3:13), in their stead.

Christ, the mediator of, fulfils all its conditions in behalf of his people, and dispenses to them all its blessings. In Heb. 8:6; 9:15; 12:24, this title is given to Christ. (See DISPENSATION.)