Covenants of the Bible

Compare God’s promises, their recipients, and the passages that explain them.

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Covenants: promises, people, and setting

11 entries covering major covenants and related biblical covenant language. Related priestly and restoration entries are not a claim that Scripture teaches 11 independent covenant eras.

Covenants: promises, people, and setting
Covenant	Entry classification	Who is included
God's covenant with Noah	Foundational divine covenant	Noah, his descendants, and every living creature
God's covenant with Noah Link to this entry Narrative or prophetic setting Before and after the flood God’s promises Before the flood, God told Noah that He would establish His covenant with him. Afterward, He promised Noah, his descendants, and the living creatures that a flood would never again destroy all flesh. The assurance of continuing seasons belongs to this setting and is expressed for as long as the earth remains. Foundational passages Genesis 6:18; Genesis 8:20–9:17 Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab) Promises and Response Read the promise and response columns together. Broad labels such as conditional or unconditional should not replace the actual clauses of a passage. Human response / stated duties Noah's family is told to multiply; humanity must respect life and not consume flesh with its blood. Accountability for shedding human blood is stated separately from the no-flood promise. Warnings / sanctions The passage requires accountability for human bloodshed. It does not make a future universal flood the penalty for breaking a condition. Duration / continuity language Called everlasting in Genesis 9:16; the promise extends to future generations. Keep in mind The promise rules out another flood that destroys all flesh, not every local flood or every future judgment. Genesis identifies the rainbow as the sign but does not explicitly say that no rainbow had ever appeared before. Scripture references Genesis 6:18; Genesis 8:20-9:17; Isaiah 54:9-10; 2 Peter 3:5-13 Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab) Signs and Ratification An item is called an explicit covenant sign only where the text identifies it that way. Later biblical connections are distinguished from invented symbolism. Sign or memorial: what is actually stated The rainbow is explicitly identified as the covenant sign. How the covenant is declared or ratified God declares the covenant; Noah's preceding sacrifice belongs to the narrative setting, not a condition requiring him to purchase the promise. Related biblical passages / connections Isaiah 54:9-10 compares God's assurance to His oath concerning Noah; 2 Peter 3 recalls the flood while describing a different future judgment. Scripture references Genesis 6:18; Genesis 8:20–9:17; Isaiah 54:9-10; 2 Peter 3:5-13 Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab) Covenant Passages Foundational texts, renewals, and later biblical reflection. Each row explains what that passage contributes without treating every occurrence as a separate covenant. Passage Genesis 6:18 Contribution to the study Covenant announced before the flood What the passage contributes God tells Noah that He will establish His covenant with him and directs the family into the ark. Reading caution The covenant is announced before the flood, not first introduced when the rainbow appears. Genesis 9 then gives the fuller declaration of its recipients, promise, and sign. Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab) Passage Genesis 8:20-22 Contribution to the study Sacrifice and preservation assurance What the passage contributes After Noah's sacrifice, God speaks of the continuing seasonal order while the earth remains. Reading caution God's assurance follows Noah's offering, but the promise is not presented as something Noah purchased. The words about seasons apply while the earth remains and should be read with the declaration in Genesis 9. Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab) Passage Genesis 9:1-7 Contribution to the study Life and human responsibility What the passage contributes God commands multiplication, permits animal food with a blood restriction, and requires accountability for human bloodshed. Reading caution Respect for life is a real human responsibility in this passage. The later promise against another flood destroying all flesh is not conditioned on humanity becoming sinless. Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab) Passage Genesis 9:8-17 Contribution to the study Recipients, promise, and sign What the passage contributes The covenant includes Noah's descendants and living creatures; the rainbow is identified as its sign. Reading caution The promise concerns a flood that destroys all flesh. It does not deny the possibility of local flooding or the different future judgment described in 2 Peter 3. Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab)
God's covenant with Abraham	Foundational divine covenant	Abraham and his offspring; promises extend blessing to the nations
God's covenant with Abraham Link to this entry Narrative or prophetic setting Patriarchal period; promise develops through several encounters God’s promises God called Abraham and promised him descendants, land, and blessing that would reach the nations. These promises develop through several encounters rather than appearing all at once. God later reaffirmed the covenant line through Isaac and Jacob, while also giving Ishmael a distinct promise of blessing. Foundational passages Genesis 12:1-3; Genesis 15; Genesis 17; Genesis 22:15-18; Genesis 26:2-5; Genesis 28:13-15 Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab) Promises and Response Read the promise and response columns together. Broad labels such as conditional or unconditional should not replace the actual clauses of a passage. Human response / stated duties Abraham is called to go, trust God, walk before Him, and keep circumcision as the covenant sign; Genesis also commends his obedience. Warnings / sanctions An uncircumcised male is to be cut off for breaking the covenant in Genesis 17:14. This membership sanction must be distinguished from God's sworn commitment to His promises. Duration / continuity language Called everlasting in Genesis 17:7-8; later texts recall God's oath and faithfulness. Keep in mind The land promise and the blessing of the nations both belong in the account. Circumcision marked covenant membership, but Paul distinguishes receiving that sign from being counted righteous through faith. Abraham's justification is recorded before his circumcision. Scripture references Genesis 12:1-3; Genesis 15; Genesis 17; Genesis 22:15-18; Genesis 26:2-5; Genesis 28:13-15; Romans 4:1-12 Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab) Signs and Ratification An item is called an explicit covenant sign only where the text identifies it that way. Later biblical connections are distinguished from invented symbolism. Sign or memorial: what is actually stated Circumcision is explicitly called the covenant sign in Genesis 17:11. How the covenant is declared or ratified Genesis 15 describes Abram falling into a deep sleep and later records a smoking oven and burning torch passing between the divided animals. God then states that He has made the covenant; the account does not describe Abram walking between the pieces. Genesis 22 adds God's sworn assurance. Related biblical passages / connections Romans 4; Galatians 3; Hebrews 6:13-20 discuss faith, promise, Christ, and heirs. Acts 3:25-26 connects the blessing to turning people from sin. Scripture references Genesis 12:1-3; Genesis 15; Genesis 17; Genesis 22:15-18; Genesis 26:2-5; Genesis 28:13-15; Romans 4; Galatians 3; Hebrews 6:13-20; Acts 3:25-26 Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab) Covenant Passages Foundational texts, renewals, and later biblical reflection. Each row explains what that passage contributes without treating every occurrence as a separate covenant. Passage Genesis 12:1-3 Contribution to the study Initial call and blessing promise What the passage contributes Abram is called to leave, and God promises a nation, blessing, and blessing for the families of the earth. Reading caution The call contains the promises that the later covenant passages develop. Genesis 12:1-3 itself does not yet use the noun covenant. Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab) Passage Genesis 12:7; Genesis 13:14-17 Contribution to the study Land and offspring What the passage contributes God promises the land to Abram's offspring and expands the description after Lot departs. Reading caution The land and Abraham's offspring are explicitly part of the promise. Later spiritual blessings should not be used to remove what these passages actually say about the land. Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab) Passage Genesis 15:1-6 Contribution to the study Heir, faith, and righteousness What the passage contributes God promises offspring, and Abram believes Him; righteousness is credited in the narrative. Reading caution Abraham's faith and the crediting of righteousness appear before the institution of circumcision in Genesis 17. Paul uses that sequence in Romans 4 to distinguish justification from receiving the covenant sign. Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab) Passage Genesis 15:7-21 Contribution to the study Covenant ceremony and land What the passage contributes God promises the land to Abram's descendants. After the divided animals and Abram's deep sleep are described, a smoking oven and burning torch pass between the pieces, and the Lord declares the covenant. Reading caution Abram had fallen into a deep sleep, and the text later describes the smoking oven and burning torch passing between the pieces. It does not describe Abram passing between them himself or supply a spoken promise to punish God. Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab) Passage Genesis 17:1-14 Contribution to the study Covenant relationship and circumcision What the passage contributes God names the covenant everlasting and institutes circumcision with a sanction for refusal. Reading caution God's enduring promise and the requirement concerning circumcision appear together. The sign should not be treated as proof that every person who received it possessed saving faith. Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab) Passage Genesis 17:15-21 Contribution to the study Isaac and Ishmael distinguished What the passage contributes God promises Isaac through Sarah, blesses Ishmael, and specifically identifies Isaac with the covenant's continuation. Reading caution God blesses Ishmael, but He expressly identifies Isaac as the son through whom the covenant will continue. Blessing and designation of the covenant line are therefore related but distinct statements. Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab) Passage Genesis 22:15-18 Contribution to the study Sworn reaffirmation What the passage contributes God swears by Himself and reaffirms offspring and worldwide blessing following Abraham's obedience. Reading caution God's oath confirms His promise; Hebrews 6 later appeals to that oath as grounds for confidence. The narrative should not be rewritten to make Abraham the source or purchaser of God's saving grace. Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab) Passage Genesis 26:2-5 Contribution to the study Reaffirmation to Isaac What the passage contributes God renews the land, offspring, and blessing promises to Isaac. Reading caution The promises to Isaac expressly recall Abraham and the oath God swore. They continue that covenant history rather than begin an unrelated saving arrangement. Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab) Passage Genesis 28:13-15 Contribution to the study Reaffirmation to Jacob What the passage contributes God promises Jacob land, offspring, worldwide blessing, and His presence. Reading caution God's promise comes before Jacob's response in the following verses. The order helps distinguish God's initiative from the vows Jacob subsequently makes. Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab) Passage Genesis 35:9-12 Contribution to the study Kings and land reaffirmed What the passage contributes God restates Jacob's name, future nationhood and kings, and the land granted to Abraham and Isaac. Reading caution The promises of descendants, kings, and land continue the same patriarchal story. A reaffirmation is not automatically another independently numbered covenant. Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab) Passage Exodus 2:23-25; Exodus 6:2-8 Contribution to the study Remembered in the exodus What the passage contributes God's response to Israel's bondage is related to His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Reading caution God's remembering means that He acts faithfully in relation to His promise, not that He had forgotten information. The coming Sinai covenant does not cancel the earlier commitment to the patriarchs. Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab)
The Sinai / Mosaic covenant	Foundational national covenant	The LORD and Israel, mediated through Moses
The Sinai / Mosaic covenant Link to this entry Narrative or prophetic setting After the exodus, at Sinai / Horeb God’s promises The Lord delivered Israel from Egypt before calling the nation into covenant at Sinai. He gave His people commands for worship and life together and called them to serve as a holy nation. The covenant included both blessings for obedience and judgment for rebellion. Foundational passages Exodus 19–24; Exodus 31:12-18; Exodus 34; Leviticus 26; Deuteronomy 4:13; Deuteronomy 5 Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab) Promises and Response Read the promise and response columns together. Broad labels such as conditional or unconditional should not replace the actual clauses of a passage. Human response / stated duties Israel must hear and obey God's covenant instruction, reject other gods, and keep the commands governing worship and national life. Warnings / sanctions The covenant contains blessings for obedience and severe sanctions for rebellion, including defeat and exile; provision for restoration and remembrance of earlier promises also appears. Duration / continuity language Exodus calls the Sabbath a perpetual covenant sign between God and Israel. Hebrews 8:13 later describes the first covenant as obsolete in relation to the new covenant. Keep in mind The law exposed sin and ordered Israel's covenant life; it did not provide a way for sinners to earn justification. Hebrews describes the first covenant as obsolete in relation to the new covenant in Christ. This does not make the Old Testament false or useless. Scripture references Exodus 19-24; Exodus 31:12-18; Exodus 34; Leviticus 26; Deuteronomy 4:13; Deuteronomy 5; Galatians 3:19-25; Hebrews 8:6-13 Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab) Signs and Ratification An item is called an explicit covenant sign only where the text identifies it that way. Later biblical connections are distinguished from invented symbolism. Sign or memorial: what is actually stated The Sabbath is explicitly a sign between the LORD and Israel in Exodus 31:13,17. The tablets are covenant testimony, not an additional invented sign. How the covenant is declared or ratified Moses read the Book of the Covenant, and the people agreed to obey. Young men offered sacrifices, and Moses applied the blood to the altar and the people. Exodus 34 records renewal after the golden calf crisis. Related biblical passages / connections Galatians 3 distinguishes law from the earlier promise; 2 Corinthians 3 and Hebrews 8–10 explain the old/new covenant contrast. Scripture references Exodus 19–24; Exodus 31:12-18; Exodus 34; Leviticus 26; Deuteronomy 4:13; Deuteronomy 5; Galatians 3; 2 Corinthians 3; Hebrews 8-10 Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab) Covenant Passages Foundational texts, renewals, and later biblical reflection. Each row explains what that passage contributes without treating every occurrence as a separate covenant. Passage Exodus 19:3-8 Contribution to the study Covenant proposal and assent What the passage contributes God identifies the rescued people and calls Israel to obedient covenant service as a holy nation. Reading caution Israel has already been rescued when God calls the people to covenant obedience. Their responsibilities should not be described as a payment that first earned the exodus. Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab) Passage Exodus 20:1-17 Contribution to the study The Ten Commandments What the passage contributes God sets forth foundational covenant commands for Israel. Reading caution Deuteronomy 4:13 explicitly connects the Ten Commandments with the covenant. Recognizing their place in Israel's history is different from claiming that fallen people can earn justification by keeping the law. Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab) Passage Exodus 24:3-8 Contribution to the study Ratification with blood What the passage contributes The people agree to the covenant words. Young men offer sacrifices, and Moses reads the Book of the Covenant and applies the blood to the altar and the people. Reading caution Exodus 24 identifies young men as offering the sacrifices and Moses as applying the blood. The people's assent, the written words, and the blood all belong to the narrated ceremony. Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab) Passage Exodus 24:9-11 Contribution to the study Covenant fellowship setting What the passage contributes Moses, Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, and seventy elders ascend and eat in God's presence. Reading caution The representatives eat and drink in the setting of God's presence after the covenant ceremony. The passage does not introduce an additional covenant simply because it records a further event. Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab) Passage Exodus 31:12-18 Contribution to the study Sabbath sign and testimony What the passage contributes The Sabbath is specifically identified as a sign between God and Israel, and the tablets are given. Reading caution The Sabbath is expressly called a sign between the Lord and Israel. Other objects or practices should not be assigned that same status here unless the text identifies them in that way. Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab) Passage Exodus 34:10-28 Contribution to the study Renewal after covenant breach What the passage contributes God renews covenant commitments after the golden calf crisis, and Moses receives the words again. Reading caution The golden calf has already breached Israel's covenant obligations. The renewed commitments belong to that continuing relationship rather than an unrelated universal covenant. Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab) Passage Leviticus 26:1-45 Contribution to the study Blessings, discipline, exile, and remembrance What the passage contributes Obedience and rebellion have national consequences; God also speaks of remembering the patriarchal covenant. Reading caution The chapter contains both severe judgment and God's remembrance of His promises. Reading only the blessings or only the curses would give an incomplete account of its message. Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab) Passage Deuteronomy 4:9-31 Contribution to the study Covenant remembrance and return What the passage contributes Moses warns against idolatry and exile, yet describes seeking God and His covenant faithfulness. Reading caution Moses connects Israel's future responsibility with what God had already revealed at Horeb. The warning about exile is joined with the assurance that the Lord will not forget His covenant with the fathers. Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab) Passage Deuteronomy 5:1-22 Contribution to the study Horeb covenant recalled What the passage contributes Moses rehearses the covenant and commandments for the generation preparing to enter the land. Reading caution Moses addresses the living generation as responsible participants in the covenant. The passage should not be read as denying that the preceding generation had heard God at Sinai. Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab) Passage Deuteronomy 28 Contribution to the study Blessing and curse What the passage contributes The covenant's national blessings and curses are set out at length. Reading caution These are covenant blessings and curses addressed to Israel as a people. They do not become an unrestricted promise that every Christian will be wealthy or free from suffering. Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab)
Priestly provision for Aaron's household	Explicit covenant grant within Israel's priestly order	Aaron and his descendants, including household members as specified
Priestly provision for Aaron's household Link to this entry Narrative or prophetic setting Wilderness instructions for sanctuary service God’s promises God assigned Aaron's household priestly responsibilities and portions of Israel's holy offerings. Numbers 18:19 calls the enduring grant of offerings a covenant of salt. The passage concerns the support and holiness of the appointed priesthood, not a general promise of material wealth. Foundational passages Numbers 18:1-20 Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab) Promises and Response Read the promise and response columns together. Broad labels such as conditional or unconditional should not replace the actual clauses of a passage. Human response / stated duties Priests must guard the sanctuary, perform their appointed duties, and observe the rules of holiness and access. Warnings / sanctions Unauthorized approach and profaning holy responsibilities bring serious liability and judgment. Duration / continuity language The grant of offerings is called a covenant of salt forever in Numbers 18:19. Keep in mind The covenant-of-salt wording in verse 19 describes the grant of holy offerings to Aaron's household. It should not be expanded into an independent system of salvation or treated as a promise that every Levite held the same priestly office. Scripture references Numbers 18:1-20 Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab) Signs and Ratification An item is called an explicit covenant sign only where the text identifies it that way. Later biblical connections are distinguished from invented symbolism. Sign or memorial: what is actually stated Salt is part of the covenant description; the passage does not institute a separate visual covenant sign comparable to the rainbow. How the covenant is declared or ratified God declares the grant to Aaron. No separate animal-cutting ratification ceremony is narrated here. Related biblical passages / connections Read beside Leviticus 2:13; Numbers 25:10-13; Malachi 2:4-9; Hebrews 7 discusses the later contrast with Christ's priesthood. Scripture references Numbers 18:1-20; Leviticus 2:13; Numbers 25:10-13; Malachi 2:4-9; Hebrews 7 Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab) Covenant Passages Foundational texts, renewals, and later biblical reflection. Each row explains what that passage contributes without treating every occurrence as a separate covenant. Passage Numbers 18:1-7 Contribution to the study Priestly responsibilities What the passage contributes Aaron's house and the Levites receive distinct duties and boundaries at the sanctuary. Reading caution Aaron's priestly household and the wider group of Levites receive different responsibilities. The distinction keeps sanctuary service from being described as one interchangeable office. Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab) Passage Numbers 18:8-20 Contribution to the study Priestly support as covenant grant What the passage contributes Holy offerings are assigned to Aaron's household, with covenant-of-salt language in verse 19. Reading caution The covenant-of-salt description attaches to the provision of holy offerings. Its historical setting does not support a general teaching that ministry service guarantees prosperity. Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab)
God's covenant with Phinehas	Explicit priestly covenant of peace	Phinehas son of Eleazar, and his descendants
God's covenant with Phinehas Link to this entry Narrative or prophetic setting After the Baal of Peor crisis God’s promises After the crisis at Baal of Peor, God announced a covenant of peace with Phinehas and a continuing priesthood for his descendants. The grant is connected with the zeal described in that particular historical setting. It belongs within Israel's priestly history rather than replacing the larger Sinai covenant. Foundational passages Numbers 25:1-13; Psalm 106:28-31 Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab) Promises and Response Read the promise and response columns together. Broad labels such as conditional or unconditional should not replace the actual clauses of a passage. Human response / stated duties The grant responds to the action and zeal described in the narrative; the wider priestly responsibilities remain governed by God's instruction. Warnings / sanctions No new, separate list of penalties is attached to this grant in Numbers 25:10-13. Duration / continuity language The priesthood is described as everlasting. Keep in mind The action described in Numbers belongs to Israel's historical covenant setting. It is not an instruction for Christians to attack religious offenders. The shared phrase covenant of peace also does not prove that every later restoration passage refers only to this grant. Scripture references Numbers 25:1-13; Psalm 106:28-31 Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab) Signs and Ratification An item is called an explicit covenant sign only where the text identifies it that way. Later biblical connections are distinguished from invented symbolism. Sign or memorial: what is actually stated No distinct physical covenant sign is specified in the grant. How the covenant is declared or ratified God announces the covenant through Moses after the plague is stopped. Related biblical passages / connections Compare the related priestly covenant language of Malachi 2:4-9; read Christ's different priestly order in Hebrews 7 without simply equating every priestly passage. Scripture references Numbers 25:1-13; Psalm 106:28-31; Malachi 2:4-9; Hebrews 7 Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab) Covenant Passages Foundational texts, renewals, and later biblical reflection. Each row explains what that passage contributes without treating every occurrence as a separate covenant. Passage Numbers 25:10-13 Contribution to the study Phinehas's covenant grant What the passage contributes God announces peace and a continuing priesthood for Phinehas and his descendants. Reading caution The grant responds to the zeal described in the preceding account. The event belongs to Israel's historical administration of judgment, not a command for Christians to use religious violence. Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab) Passage Psalm 106:28-31 Contribution to the study Later reflection on Phinehas What the passage contributes The psalm recalls the Peor crisis, Phinehas's intervention, and its lasting significance. Reading caution The psalm recalls an earlier event rather than narrating a new covenant ceremony. Its statement concerning righteousness should be read as its assessment of Phinehas's action, not as a universal method of earning salvation through violence. Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab)
The covenant in Moab / Deuteronomic renewal	Explicit covenant; relationship to Sinai requires qualification	The LORD and the assembled people, including those represented beyond the present assembly
The covenant in Moab / Deuteronomic renewal Link to this entry Narrative or prophetic setting On the plains of Moab before entry into the land God’s promises Before Israel entered the land, Moses called the people to covenant faithfulness in Moab. The text distinguishes this covenant from Horeb and warns that rebellion will lead to exile. It also promises gathering, mercy, and God's work in the heart when His people return to Him. Foundational passages Deuteronomy 29–30; Deuteronomy 4:25-31 Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab) Promises and Response Read the promise and response columns together. Broad labels such as conditional or unconditional should not replace the actual clauses of a passage. Human response / stated duties The people must turn to God, love Him, listen to His voice, and keep His commands; the passage calls them to choose life. Warnings / sanctions Idolatry brings covenant curses and removal from the land; the restoration passage also describes divine mercy and action. Duration / continuity language Extends beyond the immediate assembly; connected with the promises sworn to the fathers. Keep in mind Deuteronomy 29:1 expressly distinguishes the covenant in Moab from the one at Horeb. Land covenant is a later descriptive title for this material, not the wording of the verse. The chapter must retain both the people's call to return and God's promise to change their hearts. Scripture references Deuteronomy 29–30; Deuteronomy 4:25-31 Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab) Signs and Ratification An item is called an explicit covenant sign only where the text identifies it that way. Later biblical connections are distinguished from invented symbolism. Sign or memorial: what is actually stated No new physical covenant sign is named in Deuteronomy 29–30. Heart circumcision is a promised divine work, not an instituted bodily ritual here. How the covenant is declared or ratified The people stand before the LORD to enter His covenant and oath; Moses sets before them blessing, curse, life, and death. Related biblical passages / connections Romans 10:6-10 uses language from Deuteronomy 30. The relationship of the restoration promises to the new covenant requires explanation rather than assumption. Scripture references Deuteronomy 29–30; Deuteronomy 4:25-31; Romans 10:6-10 Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab) Covenant Passages Foundational texts, renewals, and later biblical reflection. Each row explains what that passage contributes without treating every occurrence as a separate covenant. Passage Deuteronomy 29:1-15 Contribution to the study Moab covenant and oath What the passage contributes The text distinguishes the Moab covenant from Horeb and includes the assembled community and others represented by it. Reading caution The distinction from Horeb is explicit in Deuteronomy 29:1. Land covenant is a later title used to organize the material, not the name Moses supplies in these verses. Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab) Passage Deuteronomy 29:16-29 Contribution to the study Warning against concealed rebellion What the passage contributes Moses warns of idolatry, false security, and the land's desolation under covenant judgment. Reading caution Moses warns against a person assuming safety while deliberately following a rebellious heart. Outward membership in the community is not permission to disregard the Lord. Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab) Passage Deuteronomy 30:1-10 Contribution to the study Return, restoration, and heart circumcision What the passage contributes God promises to gather the returning people and transform their hearts to love Him. Reading caution The people's return and God's restoring action are both present. Heart circumcision is His work to bring about love for Him, not a newly prescribed physical operation. Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab) Passage Deuteronomy 30:11-20 Contribution to the study Nearness of the word and choice of life What the passage contributes Moses calls the people to hear, love, obey, and choose life. Reading caution The word is presented as near enough to hear and obey, not as inaccessible revelation. Romans 10 later uses this language in explaining the message of faith concerning Christ. Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab)
God's covenant with David	Foundational royal / dynastic covenant	David, his royal offspring, and the people affected by that kingship
God's covenant with David Link to this entry Narrative or prophetic setting David's reign after he expresses a desire to build a house for God God’s promises God promised to establish David's royal house and the throne of his descendant. Solomon's temple-building role stands within the immediate setting, while the promise of an enduring kingdom reaches beyond his reign. The New Testament identifies Jesus as the promised King from David's line. Foundational passages 2 Samuel 7:8-17; 1 Chronicles 17:7-15; Psalm 89:3-4,19-37; Psalm 132:11-12; Luke 1:32-33 Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab) Promises and Response Read the promise and response columns together. Broad labels such as conditional or unconditional should not replace the actual clauses of a passage. Human response / stated duties David's royal sons are responsible to obey; individual kings can experience discipline and conditional loss of benefits. Warnings / sanctions 2 Samuel 7 speaks of discipline for iniquity while distinguishing that discipline from the removal of steadfast commitment seen with Saul; other passages warn individual sons. Duration / continuity language The house, kingdom, and throne are described as established forever. Keep in mind The historical kings could be disciplined for sin without God's enduring promise to David being canceled. The iniquity and discipline described for David's descendants do not imply that Jesus Himself would be sinful. Luke 1:32-33 connects the lasting royal promise with Him. Scripture references 2 Samuel 7:8-17; 1 Chronicles 17:7-15; Psalm 89:3-4,19-37; Psalm 132:11-12; Luke 1:32-33 Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab) Signs and Ratification An item is called an explicit covenant sign only where the text identifies it that way. Later biblical connections are distinguished from invented symbolism. Sign or memorial: what is actually stated No distinct physical covenant sign is instituted in 2 Samuel 7. The description covenant of salt in 2 Chronicles 13:5 is not a newly prescribed ritual. How the covenant is declared or ratified God speaks through Nathan and later Scripture calls the promise a sworn covenant; no cut-animal ceremony is recorded here. Related biblical passages / connections Luke 1:32-33; Acts 2:29-36; Acts 13:22-39 identify Jesus with David's promised royal line and God's fulfillment. Scripture references 2 Samuel 7:8-17; 1 Chronicles 17:7-15; Psalm 89:3-4,19-37; Psalm 132:11-12; 2 Chronicles 13:5; Luke 1:32-33; Acts 2:29-36; Acts 13:22-39 Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab) Covenant Passages Foundational texts, renewals, and later biblical reflection. Each row explains what that passage contributes without treating every occurrence as a separate covenant. Passage 2 Samuel 7:8-17 Contribution to the study Promise to David through Nathan What the passage contributes God promises David a house and a royal son and distinguishes discipline from abandonment of the dynastic promise. Reading caution The promise includes the son who will build the temple and the lasting royal house. The warning about a descendant's iniquity must not be transferred to Jesus as though He became sinful. Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab) Passage 1 Chronicles 17:7-15 Contribution to the study Parallel royal promise What the passage contributes Chronicles retells the promise of the coming son and enduring royal house. Reading caution Chronicles recounts the same royal promise with its own wording and emphasis. Comparison is helpful precisely because the two accounts are not word-for-word duplicates. Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab) Passage Psalm 89:3-4,19-37 Contribution to the study Covenant, oath, and discipline What the passage contributes The psalm expressly calls God's promise to David a covenant and combines discipline with enduring commitment. Reading caution The psalm combines the covenant oath with the discipline of David's sons. Its later lament over the royal situation should remain part of the reading rather than being omitted as inconvenient. Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab) Passage Psalm 132:11-12 Contribution to the study Royal oath and sons' responsibility What the passage contributes The psalm joins God's sworn promise with a condition concerning the conduct of David's sons. Reading caution God's oath and the responsibilities of David's sons are both stated. The assurance concerning the royal line does not make every individual king's disobedience harmless. Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab) Passage 2 Chronicles 13:5 Contribution to the study Davidic covenant of salt What the passage contributes Abijah appeals to God's grant of kingship to David's house. Reading caution Abijah appeals to the enduring grant of kingship using covenant-of-salt language. The verse does not prescribe a new salt ritual or narrate a new ratification ceremony. Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab) Passage 1 Kings 9:1-9 Contribution to the study Solomon's warning What the passage contributes God addresses Solomon with promises and warnings concerning obedience, dynasty, and temple. Reading caution The presence of the temple did not give Solomon or the nation immunity from judgment. God's warning concerns their actual response to Him, not the building's mere existence. Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab)
God's covenant with Levi	Explicit retrospective priestly covenant language	The LORD and Levi / the priestly line addressed through that name
God's covenant with Levi Link to this entry Narrative or prophetic setting Malachi's rebuke of unfaithful priests God’s promises Malachi recalls God's covenant with Levi while confronting corrupt priests. He describes faithful priestly service through reverence, truthful instruction, and the turning of people away from sin. This is a rebuke grounded in an existing covenant relationship, not an account of a new covenant ceremony. Foundational passages Malachi 2:1-9; Nehemiah 13:29 Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab) Promises and Response Read the promise and response columns together. Broad labels such as conditional or unconditional should not replace the actual clauses of a passage. Human response / stated duties Priests must honor God, teach faithfully, preserve knowledge, and avoid corrupt or partial instruction. Warnings / sanctions Unfaithful priests face rebuke, curse, and public contempt because they have corrupted the covenant. Duration / continuity language Malachi looks back to an existing covenant rather than narrating a new covenant's inauguration. Keep in mind Malachi uses Levi to speak about the priestly covenant and its responsibilities. The relationship to Aaron's and Phinehas's grants deserves comparison, but the passage does not establish an entirely unrelated covenant era. Scripture references Malachi 2:1-9; Nehemiah 13:29 Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab) Signs and Ratification An item is called an explicit covenant sign only where the text identifies it that way. Later biblical connections are distinguished from invented symbolism. Sign or memorial: what is actually stated No new covenant sign is named in these passages. How the covenant is declared or ratified No original ratification ceremony is retold; the existing covenant is invoked to expose current failure. Related biblical passages / connections Related to the Aaronic and Phinehas materials, but Malachi does not provide a complete historical identification of every covenant reference. Scripture references Malachi 2:1-9; Nehemiah 13:29; Numbers 18:19; Numbers 25:10-13 Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab) Covenant Passages Foundational texts, renewals, and later biblical reflection. Each row explains what that passage contributes without treating every occurrence as a separate covenant. Passage Malachi 2:1-9 Contribution to the study Priestly covenant corrupted What the passage contributes God contrasts faithful priestly instruction with the current priests' corruption of the covenant with Levi. Reading caution Malachi's rebuke assumes a priestly covenant already in place. The contrast between faithful instruction and corrupt teaching explains why the current priests are being held accountable. Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab) Passage Nehemiah 13:28-29 Contribution to the study Priestly covenant profaned What the passage contributes Nehemiah addresses a priestly marriage alliance and asks God to remember the defilement of priestly responsibilities. Reading caution Nehemiah names the defilement of the priesthood and its covenant responsibilities. This is a particular historical rebuke, not a full account of the original covenant's institution. Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab)
The new covenant	Explicit promised covenant inaugurated through Jesus	Jeremiah names the houses of Israel and Judah; the New Testament describes believers' participation through Christ
The new covenant Link to this entry Narrative or prophetic setting Promised in prophetic restoration passages; identified by Jesus with His sacrificial death God’s promises Jeremiah names Israel and Judah when God promises the new covenant, inwardly written law, and forgiveness. Jesus identifies the covenant with His own blood, shed for sinners, and Hebrews explains the sufficiency of His sacrifice. Believers receive its saving blessings through Christ, not through earning righteousness by the law. Foundational passages Jeremiah 31:31-34; Luke 22:19-20; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26; Hebrews 8:6-13; Hebrews 9:11-15; Hebrews 10:14-18; Romans 3:21-26 Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab) Promises and Response Read the promise and response columns together. Broad labels such as conditional or unconditional should not replace the actual clauses of a passage. Human response / stated duties The New Testament calls people to respond in faith and to draw near, hold fast, love, and obey through God's transforming work; these are not payments that purchase Christ's sacrifice. Warnings / sanctions Hebrews warns severely against rejecting the Son and treating covenant blood as common. These warnings should not be softened into a harmless illustration, and neither should they be isolated from Christ's sufficiency and the distinction between profession and genuine faith. Duration / continuity language Hebrews 13:20 speaks of the everlasting covenant; Hebrews contrasts Christ's completed sacrifice with repeatedly offered sacrifices. Keep in mind I understand the new covenant's saving work to secure those who are truly born again, while the warnings in Hebrews expose the seriousness of rejecting Christ. The wording of each warning still needs to be read in its own context, including Hebrews 10:29. Gentile participation through faith does not cancel the promises God expressly made to Israel and Judah. Scripture references Jeremiah 31:31-34; Luke 22:19-20; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26; Hebrews 8:6-13; Hebrews 9:11-15; Hebrews 10:14-39; Hebrews 13:20-21; John 10:27-30; Ephesians 1:13-14; Romans 11:25-29 Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab) Signs and Ratification An item is called an explicit covenant sign only where the text identifies it that way. Later biblical connections are distinguished from invented symbolism. Sign or memorial: what is actually stated Jesus connects the cup with the new covenant in His blood and commands His followers to remember Him. The cup serves this remembrance, but the passage does not use the same sign-of-the-covenant formula used for circumcision in Genesis 17. How the covenant is declared or ratified The covenant's saving basis is Christ's real sacrifice, His body given and His blood shed for sinners. Communion remembers and proclaims His finished work; it does not repeat that sacrifice or turn the elements into the price of forgiveness. Related biblical passages / connections 2 Corinthians 3 describes new-covenant ministry; Hebrews 8 and 10 quote Jeremiah; Luke 22 and 1 Corinthians 11 connect the covenant to the Lord's Supper. Scripture references Jeremiah 31:31-34; Luke 22:20; 1 Corinthians 11:25; Hebrews 8:6-13; Hebrews 9:15; Hebrews 10:14-18; Luke 22:19-20; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26; Hebrews 9:11-15; Hebrews 10:10-18; 2 Corinthians 3 Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab) Covenant Passages Foundational texts, renewals, and later biblical reflection. Each row explains what that passage contributes without treating every occurrence as a separate covenant. Passage Jeremiah 31:31-34 Contribution to the study New covenant promised What the passage contributes God names Israel and Judah and promises inward instruction, knowledge of Him, and forgiveness. Reading caution Israel and Judah are expressly named and should remain named when the passage is summarized. The New Testament's description of believers sharing in Christ's work should be explained alongside that promise, not substituted for its original recipients. Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab) Passage Jeremiah 32:37-41 Contribution to the study Everlasting commitment in restoration What the passage contributes God promises gathering, a united heart and way, and lasting faithfulness to His people's good. Reading caution This passage develops Jeremiah's restoration promises and God's enduring commitment to His people. Its everlasting-covenant language does not require treating it as another unrelated entry in the main count. Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab) Passage Ezekiel 36:24-28 Contribution to the study Cleansing, new heart, and Spirit What the passage contributes God promises to gather, cleanse, transform, and enable His people to obey. Reading caution The gathering, cleansing, new heart, and Spirit are real promises in the passage. The connection with the new covenant is thematic here, because these verses do not themselves use the noun covenant. Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab) Passage Luke 22:19-20 Contribution to the study Jesus identifies the new covenant cup What the passage contributes Jesus connects the cup with the new covenant in His blood. Reading caution The cup points to Christ's blood and the remembrance of His sacrifice. It is not an independent object that saves, nor does drinking it repeat His death. Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab) Passage 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 Contribution to the study The church remembers Christ's death What the passage contributes Paul passes on the supper tradition, including the new-covenant cup and the proclamation of the Lord's death. Reading caution Paul applies the Lord's Supper to Christian congregational life and commands remembrance and proclamation. The sacrifice remembered is Christ's completed death, not a new sacrifice supplied by the congregation. Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab) Passage Hebrews 8:6-13 Contribution to the study Jeremiah quoted in the covenant contrast What the passage contributes Jesus mediates a better covenant; Jeremiah's promise supplies the argument. Reading caution Hebrews makes a genuine distinction between the first covenant and the new. Its quotation of Jeremiah retains Israel and Judah while explaining the better mediation provided by Jesus. Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab) Passage Hebrews 9:11-22 Contribution to the study Mediator, death, inheritance, and blood What the passage contributes Christ's sacrifice and mediation are explained against the earlier sanctuary and covenant inauguration. Reading caution The argument connects death, blood, inheritance, and mediation. The NKJV's covenant and testament language deserves to be read through that whole argument, without assuming that every feature of a modern legal will is being taught. Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab) Passage Hebrews 10:14-18 Contribution to the study Completed offering and remembered promise What the passage contributes The writer cites inward law and forgiveness to explain why Christ's offering does not need repetition. Reading caution Forgiveness secured by Christ's offering is the reason another offering for sin is unnecessary. The passage does not present animal sacrifices as equal alternatives to His finished work. Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab) Passage Hebrews 13:20-21 Contribution to the study Everlasting covenant and transformed living What the passage contributes The closing prayer connects Jesus, covenant blood, resurrection, and God's work in His people. Reading caution The prayer joins the covenant blood with Christ's resurrection and God's work in believers. It does not narrate a separate agreement negotiated before creation. Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab) Passage Isaiah 59:20-21 Contribution to the study Redeemer, Spirit, and enduring words What the passage contributes The Redeemer comes to Zion and to those who turn from transgression in Jacob. God explicitly connects His covenant with His Spirit and the continuing presence of His words. Reading caution This is an important covenant passage alongside Jeremiah and Ezekiel. Its named setting should remain visible when the promise is connected with the New Testament. Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab) Passage Isaiah 61:8-9 Contribution to the study Everlasting covenant and restored people What the passage contributes The Lord declares His love of justice and promises an everlasting covenant. The descendants of His people will be recognized as those He has blessed. Reading caution The restoration setting explains the promise. The passage should not become an unrestricted guarantee of wealth or success for any individual who claims it. Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab) Passage Ezekiel 16:59-63 Contribution to the study Remembered covenant and forgiveness What the passage contributes After exposing Jerusalem's unfaithfulness, God promises to remember His covenant and establish an everlasting covenant. The promise leads to shame over past sin and the knowledge of His atoning mercy. Reading caution The severe earlier rebuke and the later promise belong together. This supporting passage is not being counted as another unrelated covenant transaction. Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab) Passage Jeremiah 50:4-5 Contribution to the study Returning Israel and Judah What the passage contributes Israel and Judah are pictured seeking the Lord together and turning toward Zion. They speak of joining themselves to Him in a perpetual covenant. Reading caution The national setting and the call to seek God are explicit. The passage supports the restoration study without replacing the fuller new-covenant explanation in Jeremiah 31. Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab)
Restoration covenants and promises of peace	Explicit prophetic covenant language; related to restoration promises	God's restored people; Ezekiel explicitly addresses Israel and its reunification
Restoration covenants and promises of peace Link to this entry Narrative or prophetic setting Prophetic promise after judgment God’s promises The prophets promise peace, restoration, and God's presence after judgment. Ezekiel describes the reunion of Israel and Judah under one royal shepherd whom God calls His servant David. These passages connect with the Davidic and new-covenant promises; their overlap does not require counting each passage as an unrelated covenant. Foundational passages Isaiah 54:9-10; Ezekiel 34:23-31; Ezekiel 37:21-28 Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab) Promises and Response Read the promise and response columns together. Broad labels such as conditional or unconditional should not replace the actual clauses of a passage. Human response / stated duties Ezekiel connects the restored people with walking in God's judgments and statutes; God also emphasizes His own restoring action. Warnings / sanctions The passages primarily proclaim restoration after judgment rather than adding a fresh list of covenant curses. Duration / continuity language Ezekiel 37:26 calls this covenant everlasting; Isaiah stresses God's unfailing commitment. Keep in mind I read the restoration of Israel and the coming kingdom as real promises, not merely names for the church's present experience. The prophetic descriptions should be read together without assuming that every shared word supplies an identical timetable or a separate covenant. Scripture references Isaiah 54:9-10; Ezekiel 34:23-31; Ezekiel 37:21-28 Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab) Signs and Ratification An item is called an explicit covenant sign only where the text identifies it that way. Later biblical connections are distinguished from invented symbolism. Sign or memorial: what is actually stated No distinct physical covenant sign is instituted in these restoration passages. How the covenant is declared or ratified God promises to establish the covenant; the prophetic text does not describe a new ratification ceremony. Related biblical passages / connections These promises connect Israel's restoration, Davidic kingship, and God's dwelling among His people. Ephesians 2:11-22 explains peace and reconciliation through Christ's blood, but it is not a direct quotation identifying every feature of Ezekiel's promise. Scripture references Isaiah 54:9-10; Ezekiel 34:23-31; Ezekiel 37:21-28; Ephesians 2:11-22; Hosea 2:18-23 Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab) Covenant Passages Foundational texts, renewals, and later biblical reflection. Each row explains what that passage contributes without treating every occurrence as a separate covenant. Passage Isaiah 54:9-10 Contribution to the study Peace compared with the Noah oath What the passage contributes God uses the Noah assurance to express the steadfastness of His promised compassion and peace. Reading caution God explicitly compares His assurance of peace with the oath concerning Noah. The comparison strengthens the promise without making the two historical settings identical. Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab) Passage Ezekiel 34:23-31 Contribution to the study One shepherd and covenant peace What the passage contributes God promises His shepherd, protection, fruitful life, and covenant relationship. Reading caution The promise answers the failure of Israel's shepherds by describing God's care for His flock. Its restoration language should not be reduced to a promise of personal comfort detached from that setting. Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab) Passage Ezekiel 37:21-28 Contribution to the study Reunification, Davidic rule, and sanctuary What the passage contributes God promises one people, one royal shepherd, a covenant of peace, and His abiding sanctuary. Reading caution Israel and Judah are brought together, and the royal shepherd is called God's servant David. These connections belong beside the Davidic and new-covenant passages rather than being treated as a collection of unrelated promises. Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab) Passage Hosea 2:18-23 Contribution to the study Covenant peace and renewed betrothal What the passage contributes God promises safety, an end to warfare, and a covenant involving the creatures of the land. He also describes renewed faithfulness and belonging through the language of betrothal. Reading caution The promise belongs to Hosea's account of restoring an unfaithful people. Its inclusion expands the restoration study, not the number of independent covenants in the main table. Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab)
God's covenant with day and night	Explicit covenant language used for creation's ordered regularity	God speaks of His covenant with day and night and the established order of heaven and earth
God's covenant with day and night Link to this entry Narrative or prophetic setting Jeremiah's assurance concerning God's promises God’s promises Jeremiah speaks of God's covenant with day and night to underline the dependability of His promises. The ordered creation becomes a comparison for His commitment concerning David's line and Israel. This is explicit covenant language, but it is not a newly narrated ceremony or a list of human membership duties. Foundational passages Jeremiah 33:19-26; Jeremiah 31:35-37 Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab) Promises and Response Read the promise and response columns together. Broad labels such as conditional or unconditional should not replace the actual clauses of a passage. Human response / stated duties No human membership duties are given for this cosmic-order comparison. Warnings / sanctions No human covenant-breaking penalty is attached to day and night in this passage. Duration / continuity language The continuing regularity of day and night is used as the comparison. Keep in mind The passage uses creation's order to strengthen confidence in God's faithfulness. It does not by itself establish every clause later theologians associate with an Edenic covenant. Scripture references Jeremiah 33:19-26; Jeremiah 31:35-37 Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab) Signs and Ratification An item is called an explicit covenant sign only where the text identifies it that way. Later biblical connections are distinguished from invented symbolism. Sign or memorial: what is actually stated Day and night function as the comparison's visible reality; the passage does not institute a new ceremonial sign. How the covenant is declared or ratified No separate historical ratification ceremony is narrated. Related biblical passages / connections Read with the Noah promise of continuing seasons and with the Davidic promises; the exact relationship of the labels is interpretive. Scripture references Jeremiah 33:19-26; Jeremiah 31:35-37; Genesis 8:20-9:17; 2 Samuel 7:8-17 Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab) Covenant Passages Foundational texts, renewals, and later biblical reflection. Each row explains what that passage contributes without treating every occurrence as a separate covenant. Passage Jeremiah 33:19-26 Contribution to the study Creation order and covenant assurance What the passage contributes The regularity of day and night supports the assurance concerning David's line and God's people. Reading caution God uses the regularity of day and night to reinforce His covenant assurance. The comparison is not a new list of human covenant duties or a separately narrated creation ceremony. Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab) Passage Jeremiah 31:35-37 Contribution to the study Creation's ordinances and Israel's continuity What the passage contributes The established heavenly order is invoked as a comparison for the endurance of God's commitment. Reading caution The passage explicitly speaks about Israel's continuing place before God. Its location beside the new-covenant promise makes it especially important when considering the relationship of Israel and the church. Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab)

How the New Testament uses covenant passages

The connection type is identified: direct quotation, explicit argument, or broader thematic relationship. Not every similarity is a prediction-fulfillment statement.

How the New Testament uses covenant passages
Covenant IDs	Earlier biblical background	New Testament passage
C01	Isaiah 54:9-10; Genesis 9:8-17	2 Peter 3:5-13
C01 Link to this entry Connection type Historical comparison, not a claim that the no-flood covenant ended What the New Testament says Peter recalls the ancient flood and then describes a different future judgment and the promised new creation. Interpretive caution The covenant with Noah rules out another flood destroying all flesh, not every possible judgment. Peter's argument therefore does not require the Noahic promise to have expired. New Testament source URL biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab)
C02	Genesis 15:6; Genesis 17:9-14	Romans 4:1-12
C02 Link to this entry Connection type Explicit use of Abraham's faith and circumcision What the New Testament says Paul points out that Abraham was counted righteous before he was circumcised. Circumcision then served as a sign and seal of the righteousness associated with that faith. Interpretive caution Receiving a covenant sign and being justified are not interchangeable events. The sequence is especially important when considering claims that a religious rite causes salvation. New Testament source URL biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab)
C02	Genesis 12:1-3; Genesis 15	Romans 4:13-25
C02 Link to this entry Connection type Argument from promise and faith What the New Testament says Paul grounds Abraham's inheritance in promise and faith rather than law-keeping. He also turns the reader toward God who raised Jesus from the dead. Interpretive caution The argument explains how the promise rests on grace. It should not be used to delete the land and national elements actually present in Genesis. New Testament source URL biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab)
C02	Genesis 12:3; Genesis 15:6	Galatians 3:6-14
C02 Link to this entry Connection type Explicit scriptural argument What the New Testament says Paul connects Abraham's faith and the blessing of the nations with Christ's redemption. He explains that Christ redeemed from the law's curse through His death on the tree, so the promised blessing and Spirit are received through faith. Interpretive caution The cross involved Christ's real, sinless sacrifice, not a change into a sinful nature. The blessing comes through faith in Him; it is not a promise that every person is automatically saved. New Testament source URL biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab)
C02; C03	Genesis 12–17; Exodus 19–24	Galatians 3:15-18
C02; C03 Link to this entry Connection type Explicit covenant / promise comparison What the New Testament says Paul explains that the later law does not cancel God's earlier promise. He identifies Christ as the promised Seed at the center of the inheritance. Interpretive caution The word offspring can refer collectively to descendants in Genesis, while Paul directs attention to the promise's fulfillment in Christ. His argument should not be replaced with a claim that the earlier passages never spoke about Abraham's descendants. New Testament source URL biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab)
C02; C03	Abrahamic promise and Mosaic law	Galatians 3:19-29
C02; C03 Link to this entry Connection type Explanation of the law's role and heirs in Christ What the New Testament says Paul explains the law's place in exposing sin and leading toward Christ. Those who belong to Christ are Abraham's offspring and heirs according to promise. Interpretive caution Inheritance is not earned by keeping the law. At the same time, participation in the blessing through Christ does not require every distinct biblical covenant to be renamed as the same thing. New Testament source URL biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab)
C02; C03	Genesis 16–21; Sinai	Galatians 4:21-31
C02; C03 Link to this entry Connection type Author-identified allegorical comparison What the New Testament says Paul expressly uses Hagar and Sarah in a figurative comparison concerning two covenants, slavery, and freedom. He addresses people who want to place themselves under the law. Interpretive caution The historical women do not become fictional because Paul draws this comparison. An interpretation supplied by an inspired writer is different from assigning an invented spiritual meaning to every detail of another narrative. New Testament source URL biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab)
C02	Genesis 22:16-18	Hebrews 6:13-20
C02 Link to this entry Connection type Explicit appeal to God's oath What the New Testament says God's promise and oath to Abraham encourage believers to take refuge in His faithfulness. The passage then directs their hope to Jesus, who has entered as their forerunner and High Priest. Interpretive caution The assurance rests on God's trustworthiness rather than human achievement. The hope described should not be reduced to national prosperity or personal financial security. New Testament source URL biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab)
C02	Genesis 12:3; Genesis 22:18	Acts 3:19-26
C02 Link to this entry Connection type Explicit promise-to-blessing connection What the New Testament says Peter reminds his hearers of the covenant promise to Abraham. He presents the blessing through God's Servant in relation to turning people from their sins. Interpretive caution Peter's call to repentance in the surrounding sermon belongs with the promise. The blessing is not an automatic guarantee of salvation based on ancestry. New Testament source URL biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab)
C02	God's oath to Abraham	Luke 1:68-75
C02 Link to this entry Connection type Covenant remembrance in praise What the New Testament says Zacharias praises God for remembering His covenant and the oath sworn to Abraham. That faithfulness is connected with deliverance and the calling to serve God in holiness. Interpretive caution Remembering describes faithful action, not the recovery of forgotten information. The hymn's historical setting should remain part of the explanation. New Testament source URL biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab)
C06	Deuteronomy 30:11-14	Romans 10:6-10
C06 Link to this entry Connection type Explicit use of Deuteronomy's language What the New Testament says Paul uses the language of the near word in Deuteronomy to explain the message of faith concerning Christ. His application speaks of believing in the risen Lord and confessing Him. Interpretive caution The use is explicit, but Romans does not call this a Palestinian covenant. That label belongs to a later way of organizing Deuteronomy's material. New Testament source URL biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab)
C07	2 Samuel 7:12-16	Luke 1:30-33
C07 Link to this entry Connection type Explicit Davidic throne connection What the New Testament says Gabriel tells Mary that her Son will receive David's throne and reign over Jacob's house forever. Jesus is identified with the lasting royal promise, not simply with another temporary dynasty. Interpretive caution I understand this as a real promise of Christ's kingship, consistent with His coming kingdom. The text should not be restricted to the years of Solomon's historical reign. New Testament source URL biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab)
C07	Psalm 132:11; Psalm 16; Psalm 110	Acts 2:29-36
C07 Link to this entry Connection type Explicit oath, resurrection, and exaltation argument What the New Testament says Peter distinguishes David, who died and was buried, from the risen and exalted Christ. He connects the oath concerning David's throne with the Messiah's resurrection. Interpretive caution The resurrection and exaltation are central to Peter's argument. Identifying Jesus as the promised King does not mean every detail of every kingdom prophecy is declared fulfilled in this sermon. New Testament source URL biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab)
C07	Davidic promise; Isaiah 55:3; Psalm 16	Acts 13:22-39
C07 Link to this entry Connection type Explicit fulfillment and resurrection argument What the New Testament says Paul identifies Jesus as the Savior raised up from David's descendants. He connects the resurrection with the sure mercies of David and announces forgiveness and justification through Christ. Interpretive caution The sermon reaches beyond a genealogical connection. It calls hearers to receive the saving work that the law of Moses could not accomplish for them. New Testament source URL biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab)
C03; C09	Exodus 24:8; Jeremiah 31:31-34	Matthew 26:26-29; Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22:19-20
C03; C09 Link to this entry Connection type Jesus' covenant-blood language What the New Testament says The NKJV accounts in Matthew, Mark, and Luke connect the cup with the new covenant and Jesus' blood. Matthew expressly connects the shedding of that blood with forgiveness. Interpretive caution The original note singled out Luke, but the NKJV also includes new in Matthew and Mark. The revised chart follows its chosen translation rather than silently substituting another textual reading. New Testament source URL biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab)
C09	Jeremiah 31:31-34	1 Corinthians 11:23-26
C09 Link to this entry Connection type Explicit new-covenant remembrance What the New Testament says Paul gives the church the Lord's command to remember Him in the bread and cup. The observance proclaims His death while believers await His coming. Interpretive caution Communion remembers Christ's real sacrifice; it neither repeats His offering nor earns forgiveness. The chart does not teach that the bread and cup become His physical body and blood. New Testament source URL biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab)
C03; C09	Exodus 34; Jeremiah 31:31-34	2 Corinthians 3:4-18
C03; C09 Link to this entry Connection type Explicit old/new covenant ministry contrast What the New Testament says Paul contrasts the ministry associated with the written covenant on stone with the life and transformation given by the Spirit. His confidence is in God, who equips the ministers of the new covenant. Interpretive caution The letter-and-Spirit contrast does not mean that careful study of Scripture is spiritually dead. Paul's argument concerns the covenant ministry and its effects, not a rejection of the Bible's words. New Testament source URL biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab)
C03; C09	Jeremiah 31:31-34	Hebrews 8:6-13
C03; C09 Link to this entry Connection type Extended direct quotation What the New Testament says Hebrews quotes Jeremiah's promise to explain the better covenant mediated by Jesus. The first covenant and the new are genuinely distinguished. Interpretive caution The quotation still names Israel and Judah. The participation of believers through Christ needs explanation alongside those names, not an unnoticed change of audience. New Testament source URL biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab)
C03; C09	Exodus 24:3-8	Hebrews 9:15-22
C03; C09 Link to this entry Connection type Explicit ratification comparison What the New Testament says Hebrews connects mediation, death, inheritance, and blood while recalling the first covenant's inauguration. The comparison leads the reader to Christ's sufficient work. Interpretive caution The NKJV uses both covenant and testament language in this argument. The context should govern the explanation rather than an assumption that it reproduces every feature of a modern will. New Testament source URL biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab)
C09	Jeremiah 31:33-34	Hebrews 10:14-18
C09 Link to this entry Connection type Direct quotation in the sacrifice argument What the New Testament says The writer appeals to the promised forgiveness to explain why no further offering for sin is needed. Christ's one effective offering is contrasted with repeated sacrifices. Interpretive caution The completed sacrifice is not made incomplete by the believer's continuing need for confession and growth. Repeating an atoning offering is not the remedy described in this passage. New Testament source URL biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab)
C04; C05; C08	Genesis 14:18-20; Psalm 110:4; Numbers 18:1-20	Hebrews 7:1-28
C04; C05; C08 Link to this entry Connection type Explicit priesthood contrast What the New Testament says Hebrews distinguishes Christ's priesthood from Aaron's hereditary order and relates it to Melchizedek. I understand Melchizedek as an appearance of the eternal Son before His incarnation, drawing together his kingship and priesthood, his blessing of Abraham, and Hebrews' description of his continuing life. Interpretive caution The identification as a Christophany is the ministry's reasoned conclusion, not an explicit sentence naming Melchizedek as Jesus. Other readers understand the description as a portrayal of a historical priest who foreshadows Christ; the wording made like the Son of God must be considered honestly rather than omitted. New Testament source URL biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab)
C02; C09; C10	Israel's covenants of promise	Ephesians 2:11-22
C02; C09; C10 Link to this entry Connection type Explicit covenant language with reconciliation What the New Testament says Paul explains that Gentiles who were once far away have been brought near through Christ's blood. Jewish and Gentile believers share access to the Father and are built together as God's dwelling. Interpretive caution This shared access is not a separate way of salvation for either group. It also does not expressly cancel Israel's national promises or identify every detail of Ezekiel's covenant of peace as already fulfilled. New Testament source URL biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab)
C09	Covenant blood and divine faithfulness	Hebrews 13:20-21
C09 Link to this entry Connection type Explicit everlasting-covenant language What the New Testament says The closing prayer connects Jesus' resurrection and covenant blood with God's work in His people. The desired result is a life equipped to do His will through Jesus Christ. Interpretive caution The phrase everlasting covenant should be read where it occurs. It does not by itself narrate a distinct covenant ceremony before creation. New Testament source URL biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab)
C02; C09	Isaiah 59:20-21; Jeremiah 31:31-37	Romans 11:25-32
C02; C09 Link to this entry Connection type Explicit covenant quotation within Israel's future and God's faithfulness What the New Testament says Paul joins the turning away of ungodliness from Jacob with covenant forgiveness. He states that God's gifts and calling are irrevocable while explaining mercy toward Jews and Gentiles. Interpretive caution I read this as preserving God's future purpose for Israel rather than replacing Israel with the church. It does not teach salvation apart from Christ or universal salvation regardless of faith. New Testament source URL biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab)

Common covenant labels: text and inference

These entries explain labels readers may encounter; inclusion does not endorse a theological system. The underlying biblical statements remain distinct from later classification.

Common covenant labels: text and inference
Later study / theological label	Passages commonly discussed	What the biblical text explicitly supplies
Edenic covenant	Genesis 1:26-30; Genesis 2:15-17; Hosea 6:7	Genesis gives humanity a calling, provision, a prohibition, and a death warning; it does not explicitly name an Edenic covenant
Edenic covenant Link to this entry What the label adds or organizes The label organizes God's pre-fall relationship with humanity as a covenant How to describe it accurately Genesis plainly records God's command and the warning of death. Edenic covenant is a descriptive classification of that relationship, not a covenant name printed in Genesis 1-2. The NKJV reads like men in Hosea 6:7 and notes Adam as an alternative. Boundary / caution The text does not give a separate sign, a fixed probation period, or a promised date when Adam would have received a changed body. Those details should not be added merely because a system supplies the label. Scripture source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab)
Adamic covenant after the fall	Genesis 3:14-24; Hebrews 2:14; 1 John 3:8; Romans 16:20	God pronounces judgments, promises hostility between the serpent and the woman's offspring, clothes the couple, and excludes them from the garden
Adamic covenant after the fall Link to this entry What the label adds or organizes The label collects these post-fall words into a distinct covenant arrangement How to describe it accurately Genesis 3 records real judgment and the promise concerning the woman's offspring. I understand that promise as pointing ultimately to Christ's defeat of the serpent, read with the wider biblical witness. The chapter does not itself name an Adamic covenant. Boundary / caution The messianic conclusion should be explained, not treated as an explicit covenant title in the verse. God's provision of clothing also does not give enough detail to invent a narrated sacrificial ceremony. Scripture source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab)
Land / Palestinian Covenant	Deuteronomy 29–30	A covenant in Moab is explicitly distinguished from Horeb and includes exile, return, land, and heart transformation
Land / Palestinian Covenant Link to this entry What the label adds or organizes Some study systems classify the land-restoration promises as an independent covenant; others read them as renewal and development within the Mosaic setting How to describe it accurately Deuteronomy 29:1 expressly distinguishes the covenant in Moab from Horeb. Land covenant is a later title for studying the promises and warnings in these chapters; the chart keeps the biblical wording and the later label separate. Boundary / caution The older label Palestinian covenant is used in some study systems. It is not the name of a modern political agreement, and the passage does not provide present-day surveyed boundaries. Scripture source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab)
Covenant of works	Genesis 2:15-17; Romans 5:12-21	Adam receives a command with a death warning; Paul later contrasts Adam and Christ
Covenant of works Link to this entry What the label adds or organizes In Reformed covenant theology, the label describes a pre-fall arrangement involving life upon obedience How to describe it accurately Reformed covenant theology uses this label to explain a pre-fall arrangement concerning obedience and life. Westminster Confession 7 supplies a primary statement of that framework. This workbook describes the framework but does not adopt it as Unforsaken's governing theology. Boundary / caution Genesis gives a real command and death warning without naming a covenant of works. A later doctrinal construction should not be presented as an additional sentence of the Genesis account. Scripture source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab) Historical source opc.org (opens in a new tab)
Covenant of grace	Genesis 3:15; Genesis 12:1-3; Galatians 3; Hebrews 8; John 3:16; 1 John 2:2	Scripture describes God's gracious saving promises, fulfillment in Christ, and multiple named historical covenants
Covenant of grace Link to this entry What the label adds or organizes In Reformed covenant theology, the label organizes saving grace across different historical administrations How to describe it accurately The Westminster framework organizes saving grace across different administrations under this title. Scripture certainly teaches grace and fulfillment in Christ, but it does not explicitly name one covenant of grace over all its named covenants. Unforsaken does not use the Reformed system as the controlling explanation. Boundary / caution God's gracious saving purpose does not erase the distinctions between the covenants actually described. The gospel offer is genuinely for the world and is received through faith, not restricted to a secretly limited provision. Scripture source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab) Historical source opc.org (opens in a new tab)
Covenant of redemption	John 6:37-40; John 17:1-5; Ephesians 1:3-14; 2 Timothy 1:9	The New Testament describes the Father's sending, the Son's willing work, and God's saving purpose before the ages
Covenant of redemption Link to this entry What the label adds or organizes Some theologians organize these passages as an eternal covenant concerning redemption How to describe it accurately The New Testament teaches God's eternal purpose, the Father's sending of the Son, and the Son's willing work. Some theologians organize these truths under the title covenant of redemption, but the cited passages do not use that title or narrate a covenant-making ceremony. Boundary / caution Recognizing God's eternal purpose does not require adopting every later account of an agreement within the Trinity. The chart neither invents such a ceremony nor uses this label to teach limited atonement or the loss of a divine Person's full deity. Scripture source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab) Historical source opc.org (opens in a new tab)

Renewals and other uses of covenant language

Selected representative examples, not an exhaustive concordance of every covenant word. Distinguish divine grants, renewed allegiance, human agreements, and marriage.

Renewals and other uses of covenant language
Occasion / relationship	Scripture references	Parties
At Sinai after the golden calf	Exodus 34:10-28	Moses and Israel
At Sinai after the golden calf Link to this entry What happens God renews covenant commitments after a major breach, and Moses receives the covenant words. How it differs from a new major divine covenant The covenant has been breached by the golden calf, and the renewed commitments belong to the continuing Sinai relationship. The account is not introducing an unrelated universal covenant. Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab)
At Shechem under Joshua	Joshua 24:1-28	Joshua and the assembled tribes
At Shechem under Joshua Link to this entry What happens Israel's history is rehearsed, the people pledge service to the LORD, and a covenant is made with a written record and a witness stone. How it differs from a new major divine covenant Joshua sets up a witness stone for this particular commitment at Shechem. That detail should remain attached to its own setting rather than becoming the assumed sign of every covenant. Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab)
Under Asa	2 Chronicles 15:8-15	Judah, Benjamin, and people joining them
Under Asa Link to this entry What happens The people covenant to seek the LORD, with public oath and worship after prophetic exhortation. How it differs from a new major divine covenant The oath belongs to the historical covenant life of Israel and Judah. Its penalties are not a template for church leaders to coerce belief or punish religious dissent physically. Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab)
At Joash's coronation	2 Kings 11:17-20; 2 Chronicles 23:16-21	Jehoiada, the king, and the people
At Joash's coronation Link to this entry What happens A covenant establishes the people's commitment to the LORD and the king-people relationship as Athaliah's regime ends. How it differs from a new major divine covenant The account includes commitment to the Lord and a relationship between king and people. These are the relationships being renewed, not the announcement of another messianic promise. Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab)
Under Hezekiah	2 Chronicles 29:1-11	Hezekiah and the priests / Levites he addresses
Under Hezekiah Link to this entry What happens Hezekiah announces his intention to covenant with the LORD as he begins restoring temple worship. How it differs from a new major divine covenant Hezekiah states his intention to make a covenant with the Lord and appeals to the priests and Levites. The passage does not narrate an additional ceremony, so none has been added to this entry. Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab)
Under Josiah	2 Kings 23:1-3; 2 Chronicles 34:29-33	The king and the assembled people
Under Josiah Link to this entry What happens The recovered law is read, and the king and people pledge to walk after the LORD and keep His commands. How it differs from a new major divine covenant The pledge expresses renewed obedience to the law that was read. The surrounding account still warns of national judgment, so the renewal should not be described as canceling every announced consequence. Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab)
After the exile	Nehemiah 9:38–10:39	Named leaders and the community
After the exile Link to this entry What happens A written, sealed commitment follows confession and sets out obligations involving marriage, Sabbath, and temple support. How it differs from a new major divine covenant The written commitment responds to God's existing law after the people's confession. Its practical obligations do not make it a replacement for every earlier covenant. Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab)
The broken slave-release pledge	Jeremiah 34:8-22	Zedekiah and Jerusalem's people
The broken slave-release pledge Link to this entry What happens The people covenant to release Hebrew slaves, then reverse the release; God condemns the breach. How it differs from a new major divine covenant The people first release their servants and then force them back into service. Jeremiah recalls their cut-calf ceremony to expose the seriousness of breaking the pledge; the account is not a model for enslaving others. Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab)
Abraham and Abimelech	Genesis 21:22-34	Human parties, with God invoked as witness
Abraham and Abimelech Link to this entry What happens The two men settle a dispute and pledge honest dealings; sheep and oxen and seven ewe lambs feature in the account. How it differs from a new major divine covenant The animals and oath belong to an agreement between Abraham and Abimelech. This should not be confused with the separate covenant God made with Abraham. Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab)
Jacob and Laban	Genesis 31:43-55	Human family parties
Jacob and Laban Link to this entry What happens A covenant establishes boundaries and obligations, with a heap and pillar as witnesses. How it differs from a new major divine covenant The heap and pillar serve as witnesses to boundaries and responsibilities after a bitter dispute. The Mizpah words express accountability before God, not merely a sentimental wish between friends. Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab)
David and Jonathan	1 Samuel 18:1-4; 1 Samuel 20:12-17; 1 Samuel 23:16-18	David and Jonathan
David and Jonathan Link to this entry What happens Their covenants express loyal commitment and concern for the future of their households. How it differs from a new major divine covenant David and Jonathan pledge personal loyalty and concern for their households. This relationship is distinct from God's later covenant promise concerning David's royal line. Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab)
Marriage described as covenant	Malachi 2:13-16	Husband and wife, with the LORD as witness
Marriage described as covenant Link to this entry What happens The prophet condemns betrayal of the wife with whom a man is bound in covenant. How it differs from a new major divine covenant Malachi calls a husband's wife his partner by covenant and condemns betrayal. Marriage therefore belongs among the Bible's covenant relationships without being another covenant era in the history of redemption. Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab)

Sources and editorial method

Primary passage links appear beside the data. This guide identifies background perspectives, scope, and the distinction between textual evidence and editorial organization.

Sources and editorial method
Source type	Source / topic	How it is used
Primary text	Patriarchal covenant texts	Genesis 6–9, 12–17, 22, 26, 28, and 35 supply the Noah and Abraham materials.
Primary text Link to this entry Qualification / limitation The study follows the development of promises rather than counting every reaffirmation as an independent covenant. Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab)
Primary text	Sinai and Moab texts	Exodus 19–24, 31, 34; Leviticus 26; and Deuteronomy 29–30 supply covenant clauses, signs, sanctions, and renewal.
Primary text Link to this entry Qualification / limitation The relationship of Moab to Sinai is described without concealing Deuteronomy 29:1. Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab)
Primary text	Priestly covenant texts	Numbers 18 and 25, Malachi 2, and Nehemiah 13 provide distinct but related priestly covenant language.
Primary text Link to this entry Qualification / limitation The priestly passages are related, but their relationship must be explained rather than counting every reference as an unrelated covenant. Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab)
Primary text	Davidic covenant texts	2 Samuel 7, 1 Chronicles 17, and Psalms 89 and 132 supply royal promise, oath, and responsibility.
Primary text Link to this entry Qualification / limitation Later biblical passages explicitly call the promise a covenant. Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab)
Primary text	New covenant and restoration	Jeremiah 31–33, Ezekiel 34–37, and Isaiah 54 supply prophetic promises.
Primary text Link to this entry Qualification / limitation The chart preserves named recipients and distinguishes explicit covenant wording from related themes. Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab)
Primary text	New Testament interpretation	The supper accounts, Romans 4, Galatians 3–4, 2 Corinthians 3, and Hebrews 7–10,13 supply explicit later biblical interpretation.
Primary text Link to this entry Qualification / limitation Connection types are identified rather than classifying all links as direct prediction and fulfillment. Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab)
Primary statement of a tradition	Westminster Confession, chapters 7 and 8	Used only to explain several later theological labels in Proposed Covenant Labels.
Primary statement of a tradition Link to this entry Qualification / limitation Its inclusion identifies the source tradition; it does not make Reformed covenant theology the editorial position of Unforsaken. Source opc.org (opens in a new tab)
Editorial method	Named, related, and proposed entries	The main table includes explicit major covenants and related covenant language; later system labels have their own sheet.
Editorial method Link to this entry Qualification / limitation The count of 11 is an entry count, not a declaration that the Bible has exactly 11 independent covenants.
Source policy	Promises versus inference	Signs, ratification, parties, obligations, and warnings are reported separately; absent details remain marked as absent.
Source policy Link to this entry Qualification / limitation No invented sign, ceremony, unconditional label, or modern political boundary is supplied to fill a blank.
Ministry source	Unforsaken faith statement	The commentary is written within the ministry's stated beliefs rather than an unnamed denominational consensus.
Ministry source Link to this entry Qualification / limitation A ministry interpretation remains distinguishable from an explicit statement in the biblical passage. Source unforsaken.org (opens in a new tab)
Supplied editorial source	Unforsaken Codex Master Instructions	The supplied doctrinal and voice instructions govern specific conclusions such as Pauline authorship of Hebrews and eternal security.
Supplied editorial source Link to this entry Qualification / limitation This is a supplied editorial document, not an additional biblical source or an independently published historical proof.

Reading Notes: Text, Interpretation, and Context

Passage-specific explanations of the main distinctions used in this reviewed edition.

Reading Notes: Text, Interpretation, and Context
Topic	Related entries	Explanation
Israel, the church, and the new covenant	C02; C06; C07; C09; C10; N24	Jeremiah names Israel and Judah when announcing the new covenant, and Paul describes Gentiles being brought near through Christ's blood. I understand these truths together: believers share in Christ's saving work, and God has not canceled His promises concerning Israel. Neither ancestry nor membership in a religious community supplies another way of salvation apart from faith in Christ.
Israel, the church, and the new covenant Link to this entry Scripture references Jeremiah 31:31-37; Ephesians 2:11-22; Romans 11:25-32 Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab)
The sacrifice and the remembrance	C09; N15-N20	Jesus gave His body and shed His blood in a real, sufficient sacrifice for sinners. The Lord's Supper remembers and proclaims that finished work; it is not a repeated atonement or a ritual that earns forgiveness. Hebrews' teaching about one offering should govern the explanation of the covenant's saving basis.
The sacrifice and the remembrance Link to this entry Scripture references Luke 22:19-20; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26; Hebrews 9:11-15; Hebrews 10:10-18 Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab)
Priestly covenants and Melchizedek	C04; C05; C08; N21	The grants associated with Aaron, Phinehas, and Levi concern related aspects of Israel's priestly life, not three interchangeable descriptions of Jesus' ancestry. Christ belongs to Judah and holds a priesthood distinguished from Aaron's hereditary order. The ministry receives Melchizedek as a pre-incarnate appearance of the Son while recognizing that this is an argued interpretation of Genesis, Psalm 110, and Hebrews.
Priestly covenants and Melchizedek Link to this entry Scripture references Numbers 18:1-20; Numbers 25:10-13; Malachi 2:1-9; Genesis 14:18-20; Psalm 110:4; Hebrews 7:1-28 Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab)
Covenant labels and counts	C01-C11; P01-P06	The eleven main entries include related covenant language and groups of restoration passages. They are not a claim that Scripture divides history into exactly eleven independent covenant eras. Later titles can help organize a study, but they should not be presented as names that Genesis or Deuteronomy actually supplies when the text does not use them.
Covenant labels and counts Link to this entry Scripture references Genesis 2:15-17; Genesis 3:14-24; Deuteronomy 29:1; Hosea 6:7 Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab)
Promises and human response	C01-C03; C09	God's faithfulness and the seriousness of human response should both remain in view. Abraham's faith was counted for righteousness before circumcision, Israel's rescue preceded the Sinai obligations, and Christ's sacrifice is not purchased by obedience. The presence of a sign or an outward profession does not remove the need for genuine faith.
Promises and human response Link to this entry Scripture references Genesis 15:6; Genesis 17:9-14; Exodus 19:3-8; Romans 4:1-12; Ephesians 2:8-10 Source biblegateway.com (opens in a new tab)

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Covenants of the Bible

Covenants: promises, people, and setting

God's covenant with Noah

Promises and Response

Signs and Ratification

Covenant Passages

God's covenant with Abraham

Promises and Response

Signs and Ratification

Covenant Passages

The Sinai / Mosaic covenant

Promises and Response

Signs and Ratification

Covenant Passages

Priestly provision for Aaron's household

Promises and Response

Signs and Ratification

Covenant Passages

God's covenant with Phinehas

Promises and Response

Signs and Ratification

Covenant Passages

The covenant in Moab / Deuteronomic renewal

Promises and Response

Signs and Ratification

Covenant Passages

God's covenant with David

Promises and Response

Signs and Ratification

Covenant Passages

God's covenant with Levi

Promises and Response

Signs and Ratification

Covenant Passages

The new covenant

Promises and Response

Signs and Ratification

Covenant Passages

Restoration covenants and promises of peace

Promises and Response

Signs and Ratification

Covenant Passages

God's covenant with day and night

Promises and Response

Signs and Ratification

Covenant Passages

How the New Testament uses covenant passages

C01

C02

C02

C02

C02; C03

C02; C03

C02; C03

C02

C02

C02

C06

C07

C07

C07

C03; C09

C09

C03; C09

C03; C09

C03; C09

C09

C04; C05; C08

C02; C09; C10

C09

C02; C09

Common covenant labels: text and inference

Edenic covenant

Adamic covenant after the fall

Land / Palestinian Covenant

Covenant of works

Covenant of grace

Covenant of redemption

Renewals and other uses of covenant language

At Sinai after the golden calf