JAMB CRS Note- The Covenant
Concept of Covenant
A covenant is a solemn agreement or promise between two parties, often involving commitments and obligations. In the biblical context, it is a sacred agreement between God and His people, where God establishes specific terms and promises blessings for obedience and faithfulness, while warning of consequences for disobedience.
Topics
(a) The Flood and God’s Covenant with Noah
References: Genesis 6:1-22; 7:1-24; 9:1-17
Summary:
- The Flood:
Humanity became exceedingly wicked, and God decided to destroy all living creatures except Noah, who found favor with Him (Genesis 6:5-8).
God commanded Noah to build an ark to save his family and pairs of all animals (Genesis 6:14-21).
The flood lasted 40 days and nights, covering the earth and destroying all living beings except those in the ark (Genesis 7:17-24).
- God’s Covenant with Noah:
After the flood, Noah built an altar and offered sacrifices to God, who was pleased and promised never to destroy the earth with a flood again (Genesis 8:20-22).
God established a covenant with Noah, symbolized by a rainbow, assuring that all living creatures would not perish in a flood again (Genesis 9:8-17).
Importance:
Demonstrates God’s justice and mercy.
Establishes the principle of divine protection and blessings for obedience.
(b) God’s Covenant with Abraham
References: Genesis 11:31-32; 12:1-9; 17:1-21; 21:1-13; 25:19-26
Summary:
- Call of Abraham:
God called Abraham to leave his homeland and go to a land He would show him, promising to make him a great nation, bless him, and bless the world through him (Genesis 12:1-3).
- Covenant Details:
God promised Abraham descendants as numerous as the stars and land for his descendants (Genesis 15:1-6).
The covenant was formalized through circumcision as a sign (Genesis 17:9-14).
God assured Abraham that his wife, Sarah, would bear a son, Isaac, through whom the covenant would continue (Genesis 17:15-21).
- Fulfillment:
Isaac was born to Abraham and Sarah, fulfilling God’s promise (Genesis 21:1-7).
Importance:
Emphasizes faith and obedience to God.
Highlights God’s plan to bless all nations through Abraham’s lineage.
(c) God’s Covenant with Israel
References: Exodus 19; 20; 24:1-11; Deuteronomy 28:1-19
Summary:
- At Mount Sinai:
God called Moses to lead the Israelites to Mount Sinai, where He established a covenant with them.
The people agreed to obey God’s commandments (Exodus 19:5-8).
- The Ten Commandments:
God gave the Israelites the Ten Commandments, outlining their responsibilities to God and one another (Exodus 20:1-17).
- Covenant Ceremony:
Moses read the Book of the Covenant, and the people affirmed their obedience (Exodus 24:3-8).
The covenant was sealed with the blood of sacrifices.
- Blessings and Curses:
Obedience would lead to blessings, while disobedience would bring curses (Deuteronomy 28:1-19).
Importance:
Establishes Israel as God’s chosen people.
Provides a moral and legal framework for the Israelites.
(d) The New Covenant
References: Jeremiah 31:31-34; Ezekiel 36:25-28
Summary:
- Promise of a New Covenant:
The old covenant was broken by the Israelites’ disobedience (Jeremiah 31:32).
God promised a new covenant where He would write His laws on their hearts, ensuring a personal relationship with Him (Jeremiah 31:31-34).
- Ezekiel’s Vision:
God promised to cleanse His people from their sins, give them a new heart, and place His Spirit within them (Ezekiel 36:25-28).
- Fulfillment in Christ:
The new covenant was fulfilled through Jesus Christ, who offered Himself as a perfect sacrifice (Luke 22:20; Hebrews 9:15).
Importance:
Emphasizes internal transformation and personal relationship with God.
Highlights God’s grace and the promise of salvation.
