Page 24 - Biblical Theology Textbook - masters

Study Section 4: God’s Covenants

4.1 Connect

A couple lessons ago we learned that God’s revelation is progressive. That means God does not
tell us everything He is doing or going to do right up front. We find out along the way what His
plans are. Today, God will make several promises to significant people, but it will take
thousands of years to do it. Each promise is based on and builds upon the previous promise,
adding more information along the way.

Life is like that. As you live your life you will see various chapters unfolding. During each of the
chapters, you find out more about what God is going to do to use you for His glory. And many times,
you will be totally surprised.

When I was growing up, I wanted to be a missionary doctor. I even went to college and was a pre-
medical student and majored in Biology and Chemistry. But when it came time to enter medical school,
God closed every door. God altered by plans. So it is as we journey through history as we see God
unfolding His plans for redemption. Let’s see how it unfolds…

4.2 Objectives

1. The student should be able to describe the seven covenants made in the Bible by God.

2. The student should be able to explain why God used illustrations to help man understand His
mysterious plans.

3. The student should be able to explain how God used stories and illustrations to reveal His progressive
story of redemption.

4.3 God’s Covenants

In the Bible we see a clear description of the relationship between YHVH and
His people. This relationship has gone through many ups and downs
throughout the history of the Bible. The rules for this relationship are defined
in the Bible by the means of a covenant between YHVH and His people. Thus it
is of the utmost importance for us to understand these covenants if we would
like to understand the relationship that YHVH wants with us.

The Bible speaks of seven different covenants, four of which (Abrahamic, Palestinian,
Mosaic, Davidic) God made with the nation of Israel. Of those four, three are unconditional in nature;
that is, regardless of Israel’s obedience or disobedience, God still will fulfill these covenants with Israel.
One of the covenants, the Mosaic Covenant, is conditional in nature. That is, this covenant will bring
either blessing or cursing depending on Israel’s obedience or disobedience.
The best illustration of the conditional nature of this covenant can be observed between Mount Gerizim
and Mount Ebal. Moses, in Deuteronomy 11:29 told Israel when they came into their promised land to

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