The Covenant of God is God's relationship with His people. His agreement with us.
On what conditions? What part do we play? What does God do?
What difference does it make to the way we worship God and the lives we live?
A covenant is a promise made binding by an oath between two parties.
No oath? Then not binding. It is temporary, it could be conditional.
Oath = a solemn declaration to carry out what is stated.
When God uses an oath, it is permanent without conditions.

God's oath shows that it is true, no doubt, reward faith in Him in trial and prepare for future apparent delay.
Oath / covenant - either is used.
Covenant followed by time before confirmed by oath. We promise, God's response unknown.
New Covenant Jeremiah 31:33 'Write My laws in their hearts'

Types of covenant: Unconditional. Conditional and mutually accepted by both.
Three Types in Middle East
A : Two equal parties Genesis 26:28 'We saw clearly that the Lord was with you, so we said there ought to be a sworn agreement between us and you. Let us make a treaty with you.'
Jonathan and David. Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David. Jonathan made David reaffirm his oath out of love for him. 1 Sam 20:13, 16-17
Marriage = equal parties Malachi 2:14-15
B : Covenant of grace: One promises on oath binding himself to act for the other, unconditional.
God's covenant with Noah and Abraham
C : Covenant of Law : Obligation of the lesser partner bound by an oath. Mosaic covenant.
The people took an oath, not God Exodus 24:3 'Eveything the Lord has said, we will do.'
God is the greater partner, imposed His will to restrain sin and required obedience. On God's side.
Mosaic covenant without oath. Hebrews 7:20-22 Melchizedek: a priest with an oath. Permanent. God did it.
All ancient covenants were ratified by sacrifice or shedding of blood, Old Testament Covenants.

Genesis 6:18 Berith (means: Covenant / Covenant between God and Israel)

Covenant of God before the flood. Universal in scope. Grace, unconditional. God will act. It is eternal.
Post Flood Genesis 9:17 The pre-flood Covenant was confirmed with the sign of the Rainbow.
Genesis 9:14-15 'The rainbow will remind Me of My convenant between Me and you. Never again will a flood destroy all life'
Grace: unconditional, undeserving, universal, unending

God's covenant with ABRAHAM Genesis 15:4-5
Promise from God: 'A son coming from your own body will be your heir. Look up at the heavens and count the stars, so shall your offspring be.'
Abram believed the Lord and He credited it to him as righteousness. It was preceded by sovereign grace.
Genesis 15:7 'I am the Lord who brought you out of Ur of the Chaldeans to give you this land to take possession of it. Chosen by grace.'
Abram needed assurance. Obedience is not mentioned as the basis of the covenant. Abe had failures.
God took an oath after Abraham showed obedience in offering up his promised son Isaac. It was the obedience of faith.
God said 'I swear by Myself that because you have not withheld you son, your only son, I will surely bless you and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed.' Genesis 22:15-18
No obligation from Abraham... Oath of God. Grace to Abraham who received assurance after obedience (because you have obeyed Me...)
Applied to Isaac not Ishmael
The oath and covenant in Abraham's life was over many years. Promise
Genesis 12: Covenant on offer Genesis 15: The Oath Genesis 22: Covenant on offer confirmed.

MOSAIC Covenant - 430 years later Galatians 3:17
Brought in due to sins of the people Galatians 3:19
It motivates holiness out of fear of punishment Exodus 20:20, Deuteronomy 11:28
No oath by God, only by the people Exodus 24:7, 2 Kings 23:3
Covenant of law Exodus 20
Covenants of God to Noah and Abraham. Covenant of generosity. God took the oath.
Mosaic covenant: the people took the oath. Future blessing if they are obedient to the law Deuteronomy 11:26-27
No obedience? They will be cursed Galatians 3:10, Deuteronomy 11:28
Covenant renewed under Josiah 2 Kings 23

DAVIDIC covenant
The Messiah would come through his seed
Psalms 89:3-4 'You said "I have made a covenant with my chosen one, I have said to David my servant, I will establish your line forever and make your throne firm through all generations"'
2 Samuel 7:12-16 Nathan's words.
He had the Melchizedek Oath about him. Psalms 110:4 'The Lord has sworn and will not change His mind. You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek'

Levitical Priesthood has been abolished Hebrews 7:11-14 Now : Christ's priesthood Hebrews 7:20-22
Four Positive oaths from God in Old Testament. Noah, Abraham, David (Psalms 89), Melchizedek (Psalms 110)
Covenants in the New Testament. It is seen in the Covenant with Abraham, Prophesied Jeremiah 31:31
Covenant with Abraham - Gospel in advance Galatians 3:8 Jesus said that Abraham saw His day and was glad.
Election, promise, faith, bloodshed, inheritance, assurance.
Mosaic covenant Added Romans 5:20 'The law was added that the trespass might increase but where sin increased grace increased.'
Abounded: just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness.
Galatians 3:19 Why was the law given? 'It was added because of transgression until the promised seed came.'
Our gospel is linked to the covenant with Abraham Galatians 3:7 Those who have faith are Abraham's kids.
The Law has not removed the promise Galatians 3:17 'The law introduced 430 years later does not set aside the promise'
The Law was temporary Galatians 3:25 The Law was our guardian until Christ came.

Jesus announced the New Covenant at the Last Supper.
Luke 22:20 'This cup is the new covenant in My blood which is poured out for you.'
Jeremiah's prophecy was fulfilled: Jesus blood was shed to bring in the new covenant, resulting in sins forgiven.
Covenant means testament. Left behind by will after death.
Hebrews 9:16-17 'In the case of a will it is necessary to prove the death of one who made it,
because a will is in force only when one has died, it never takes effect while the one who made it is living.'
Hebrews 9:11-12 The blood of Jesus gives us eternal redemption Hebrews 9:13-14 Daily cleansing. The blood of Jesus can get us our inheritance, reward.
Saved? How obedient?

New Covenant:  Covenant of generosity The Greater makes an oath to the weaker.
The Greater, God in Christ, makes a bequest before death.
John 17:24 'Father, I want those You have given Me to be with Me where I am and to see My glory, the glory You have given Me for You loved Me before the creation of the world.'
A testament involved a people who are designated for the bequest.
John 17:20 'My prayer is not for them alone. I also pray for those who will believe in Me through their message.'
On what condition? John 3:16, Romans 3:26 Faith is the condition to receive Christ's legacy.
Hebrews 9:15 'Those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance.'
IF what? Stay open to the Spirit. Harden not your heart, hear God's voice, daily cleansing.
Testament dependent on the death of the benefactor. Christ has died!
Abrahamic Covenant : Faith alone assures the believer of eternal salvation. Reward or inheritance on obedience to God.
To experience fellowship with God, walk in the light.