Some scholars use Isaiah 59:1-2 to show that sin is a breaking of the terms of the covenant agreed on by both God and us.
Isaiah 59: 1-2 ASV Behold, Jehovah’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: 2 but your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, so that he will not hear.
Being separated or cut off from God is how many describe the effects of sin. With being cast out of the garden of Eden in Genesis. After the fall, the various covenants represent conditions for a relationship with God. Being able to return to God in the first place. To discuss being in a new covenant relationship is perhaps another subject matter.
Romans 4 : 1-10 ASV What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather, hath found according to the flesh? 2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not toward God. 3 For what saith the scripture? And Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned unto him for righteousness. 4 Now to him that worketh, the reward is not reckoned as of grace, but as of debt. 5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is reckoned for righteousness. 6 Even as David also pronounceth blessing upon the man, unto whom God reckoneth righteousness apart from works, 7 saying,
Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven,
And whose sins are covered.
8 Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not reckon sin.
9 Is this blessing then pronounced upon the circumcision, or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say, To Abraham his faith was reckoned for righteousness. 10 How then was it reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision:
The number of different covenants in the bible is a subject of debate. Some might list the dispensational actions of God with his people as signs of being in a different covenant relationship with God. Dispensationalism is the distinct period in which God interacts with mankind in a different way. Are different interpretations a problem? How long is a piece of string with different interpretations and overlap? You can view it as a problem. Or part of the beauty of the bible. The freedom to know that nobody else is 100 percent right in their interpretations is cause for celebration.
Covenant (biblical) Wiki Students of the Bible hold wildly differing opinions as to how many major covenants exist (or did exist) between God and humanity, with numbers ranging from one to at least twelve. (See covenant theology and dispensationalism for further information on two of the major viewpoints.) Some scholars classify only two: a covenant of promise and a covenant of law.
Covenant theology Wiki Covenant theology (also known as covenantalism, federal theology, or federalism) is a conceptual overview and interpretive framework for understanding the overall structure of the Bible. It uses the theological concept of a covenant as an organizing principle for Christian theology. The standard form of covenant theology views the history of God’s dealings with mankind, from Creation to Fall to Redemption to Consummation, under the framework of three overarching theological covenants: those of redemption, of works, and of grace.
Dispensationalism Wiki Dispensationalism views history as divided into distinct periods in which God interacts with mankind in a specific way. Each of these periods is defined as a specific dispensation. The defining characteristics of a dispensation are the distinct governing relationship in which God interacts with mankind in the specific period, and the resulting responsibility placed upon mankind in each of these periods.
Covenantal theology (Catholic Church) Covenantal theology is a distinctive approach to Catholic biblical theology stemming from the mid-twentieth century recovery of Patristic methods of interpreting scripture by scholars such as Henri de Lubac.
Covenantal theology is distinctive in its emphasis of the following tenets:
- The biblical covenants (Edenic, Adamic, Noahite, Abrahamic, Mosaic, Davidic, and New or Messianic) are taken to be the chief structural framework for salvation history.
Looking at what some consider the major covenants of the bible. Will help with who, what, how, when, and why God’s treatment of mankind changed. You might be surprised that you probably have heard of a number of these but did not associate the word covenant or dispensation with them.
- The fall of man in the garden of Eden Genesis 2 to Genesis 3.
- Noah and the Flood Genesis 6 to Genesis 9
- Abraham and Melchizedek’s Priestly Line. Genesis 11 to Genesis 25
- Aron and Levitates Priestly Line. Aron first mentioned Exodus 4
- Moses and the law. Moses first mentioned Exodus 2
- David will always have an heir on the throne. David first mentioned 1 Samuel 16
- Through Jesus’ birth, death, and resurrection. The New Testament represents the story of Jesus which begins with Matthew. The first book of the New Testament.
The fall of man in the garden of Eden in Genesis 2 and Genesis 3. Not formally pronounced as a covenant in Genesis but we read in Hosea 6. It was a covenant with an associated statement. They dealt treacherously against me.
Hosea 6:6-10 ASV For I desire goodness, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt-offerings. 7 But they like Adam have transgressed the covenant: there have they dealt treacherously against me. 8 Gilead is a city of them that work iniquity; it is stained with blood. 9 And as troops of robbers wait for a man, so the company of priests murder in the way toward Shechem; yea, they have committed lewdness. 10 In the house of Israel I have seen a horrible thing: there whoredom is found in Ephraim, Israel is defiled.
Noah and the Flood The story from Genesis 6 to Genesis 9 Take note that Noah was considered a righteous man in a world of corruption and Noah walked with God.
Genesis 6:9-11 ASV These are the generations of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, and perfect in his generations: Noah walked with God. 10 And Noah begat three sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth. 11 And the earth was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence. 12 And God saw the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted their way upon the earth. 13 And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth.
After the earth was destroyed.
Genesis 9:11 ASV And I will establish my covenant with you; neither shall all flesh be cut off any more by the waters of the flood; neither shall there any more be a flood to destroy the earth.
As for the terms of the covenant for man. The Seven Nohide Laws represent a summary and human interpretation of the bible passages of Noah’s story. You can also read what God intends to do for his side of the covenant in Genesis 6 to Genesis 9. Is what Noah did before the flood more important than what he did after it? The Seven Laws Of Noahide do not interpret it that way. There is no cause and effect as to why Naoh was granted a covenant in the first place.
Seven Laws Of Noahide Wiki The seven Noahide laws as traditionally enumerated in the Babylonian Talmud Sanhedrin 56a-b and Tosefta Avodah Zarah 9:4,[21] are the following:[22]
1. Not to worship idols.
2. Not to curse God.
3. Not to commit murder.
4. Not to commit adultery or sexual immorality.
5. Not to steal.
6. Not to eat flesh torn from a living animal.
7. To establish courts of justice.
Abraham and Melchizedek’s Priestly Line. Abraham first mention is in Genesis 11 and Melchizedek first mention is in Genesis 14. From Genesis 11 to Genesis 15 we have a number of interactions where God seems to be walking and talking with Abraham.
Genesis 15:6 KJV And he believed in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness.
Also in Genesis 15:18, we get God making a covenant with Abraham. This covenant is known as the covenant of the pieces. This covenant is not conditional on any terms.
Covenant Of The Pieces Wiki According to the Hebrew Bible, the covenant of the pieces or covenant between the parts (Hebrew: ברית בין הבתרים, romanized: Brit Bein HaBetarim) is an important event in Jewish history.[1] In this seminal event God revealed himself to Abraham and made a covenant with him (in the site known nowadays as Mount Betarim), in which God announced to Abraham that his descendants would eventually inherit the Land of Israel.
Melchizedek’s Priestly Line. A causal mention of a person in Genesis. Who later becomes the priestly line that Jesus is ascribed to. The second and final mention of Melchizedek in the Hebrew bible. Is in Psalm 110:4. Psalm 110 is the most quoted Psalm in the New Testament.
Psalm 110:4 The Lord hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.
The interaction with Abraham in Genesis 14 has caused some speculation that it is a narration inserted into the story.
Melchizedek Wiki Some textual critics classify the narration as not being derived from any of the usual pentateuchal sources.[15] It has been speculated that verses 18–20 (in which Melchizedek appears) are an informal insertion into the narration, as they interrupt the account of the meeting of Abraham with the king of Sodom.[16][4]: 56 There is no consensus on when or why the story might have been added. It may have been inserted in order to give validity to the priesthood and tithes connected with the Second Temple.[4]: 59–60 It also may have been inserted to give validity to the superiority of the Zadokite priests over the Levite priests
Although Melchizedek is the first person in the Torah to be titled a Kohen (priest), the medrash records that he was preceded in priesthood (kehuna) by Adam.
Aron and Levitates Priestly Line Personally, I think there is a breakdown of the covenant of the Levitates priestly line. This for me, happened or was finalized when Israel wanted a King to be anointed through the priesthood to Be King over Israel. Instead of having God as their King in 1 Samuel 8. A rebellion through the priesthood occurs. With Samuel anointing Saul and then David. While Saul was still King. It appears the priesthood line. Starts to break to Melchizedek with David as in Psalm 110. For the Levites, in terms of the covenant. I will mention it in some verses. In some New Testament passages. The change to a different priesthood looks complete.
Numbers 20:24-26 KJV Aaron shall be gathered unto his people: for he shall not enter into the land which I have given unto the children of Israel, because ye rebelled against my word at the water of Meribah. 25 Take Aaron and Eleazar his son, and bring them up unto mount Hor: 26 And strip Aaron of his garments, and put them upon Eleazar his son: and Aaron shall be gathered unto his people, and shall die there.
Malachi 2:1-9 ASV And now, O ye priests, this commandment is for you. 2 If ye will not hear, and if ye will not lay it to heart, to give glory unto my name, saith Jehovah of hosts, then will I send the curse upon you, and I will curse your blessings; yea, I have cursed them already, because ye do not lay it to heart. 3 Behold, I will rebuke [a]your seed, and will spread dung upon your faces, even the dung of your feasts; and ye shall be taken away [b]with it. 4 And ye shall know that I have sent this commandment unto you, that my covenant may be with Levi, saith Jehovah of hosts. 5 My covenant was with him of life and peace; and I gave them to him that he might fear; and he feared me, and stood in awe of my name. 6 The law of truth was in his mouth, and unrighteousness was not found in his lips: he walked with me in peace and uprightness, and turned many away from iniquity. 7 For the priest’s lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth; for he is the messenger of Jehovah of hosts. 8 But ye are turned aside out of the way; ye have caused many to stumble in the law; ye have corrupted the covenant of Levi, saith Jehovah of hosts. 9 Therefore have I also made you contemptible and base before all the people, according as ye have not kept my ways, but have had respect of persons in the law.
A new covenant explanation in Hebrews 8 comes from finding fault with the old covenant. As verse 8 puts it. For finding fault with them. Though “them” can be implied. It is not stated.
Hebrews 8:1-13 KJV Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens; 2 A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man. 3 For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer. 4 For if he were on earth, he should not be a priest, seeing that there are priests that offer gifts according to the law: 5 Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount. 6 But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises. 7 For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second. 8 For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah: 9 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord. 10 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people: 11 And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest. 12 For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more. 13 In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away.
Moses and the Law It is perhaps easiest to see a path of redemption beginning with Moses vs Pharaoh. Then into the desert receiving a covenant of the law and the Ten Commandments. However, the law only has blessings and curses in the scriptures. It is with the Tabernacle being setup comes the provision for the forgiveness of sin. The Tabernacle is perhaps the greatest unsung covenant of all in the Old Testament. If you have not already done so. Please read the post The Path Of Redemption Vs The Forgiveness Of Sin.
David will always have an heir on the throne. When I considered this. I concluded that there was a split in the King’s line. God was meant to be King over Israel. Israel rebelled and wanted a King. Saul was chosen for rebellious Israel. God in his way then rebelled against Israel’s King and chose David. God said David was a man after his own heart. Along with the change in the priesthood. We get a change in the King’s line for being the representative of God as King. Hence, David becomes the first human representative of the King’s line if you will. If you have not already done so. Please read the post. Birds Of A Feather The Treason Will Stick Together.
Through Jesus’ birth, death, and resurrection. A new covenant as stated in Hebrews 8. A lot of different things can be said. I will focus on some scriptures that talk about the return of the relationship with God through Christ. Jesus is the fulfillment of the path of Redemption as well as the forgiveness of sin. The Path Of Redemption Vs The Forgiveness Of Sin.
John 3:16 ASV For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have eternal life.
Romans 8:1-5 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit
Galatians 4: 3-7 KJV Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world:4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.7 Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.