5 Covenants in the Old Testament vs. New Covenant

Attribute	5 Covenants in the Old Testament	New Covenant
Parties involved	God and various individuals/groups	God and all believers
Mediator	Prophets, priests, and kings	Jesus Christ
Sign	Circumcision, Sabbath, Passover, etc.	Communion (Lord's Supper)
Scope	Primarily national or specific groups	Universal for all believers
Fulfillment	Pointing towards the coming of the Messiah	Fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ

Introduction

Covenants play a significant role in the Bible, serving as agreements between God and His people. In the Old Testament, there are several covenants that God made with various individuals and groups, each with its own unique attributes. The New Covenant, established through Jesus Christ, is often seen as the culmination of God's covenantal relationship with humanity. In this article, we will compare the attributes of five covenants in the Old Testament with the New Covenant.

Abrahamic Covenant

The Abrahamic Covenant, found in Genesis 12-17, is one of the most well-known covenants in the Old Testament. In this covenant, God promises to make Abraham a great nation, bless him, and make his name great. One of the key attributes of the Abrahamic Covenant is its unconditional nature. God's promises to Abraham were not dependent on any conditions or requirements from Abraham. This covenant also included the promise of land for Abraham's descendants, which was fulfilled when the Israelites entered the Promised Land.

• Unconditional nature
• Promises of descendants and land
• Established with Abraham

Mosaic Covenant

The Mosaic Covenant, given to the Israelites through Moses at Mount Sinai, is another important covenant in the Old Testament. This covenant included the Ten Commandments and other laws that the Israelites were to follow. Unlike the Abrahamic Covenant, the Mosaic Covenant was conditional. The blessings and curses associated with this covenant were dependent on the obedience of the Israelites to God's laws. The Mosaic Covenant also established the sacrificial system for atonement of sins, pointing forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ in the New Covenant.

• Conditional nature
• Included laws and commandments
• Established with the Israelites

Davidic Covenant

The Davidic Covenant, found in 2 Samuel 7, is a covenant that God made with King David. In this covenant, God promises to establish David's throne forever and to raise up a descendant of David who will reign eternally. One of the key attributes of the Davidic Covenant is its messianic promise. This covenant foreshadows the coming of Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate fulfillment of the promise of an eternal king from the line of David. The Davidic Covenant highlights God's faithfulness to His promises and His plan for redemption through a royal lineage.

• Messianic promise
• Promises of eternal kingship
• Established with King David

Sinai Covenant

The Sinai Covenant, also known as the Old Covenant, was established at Mount Sinai with the Israelites after their exodus from Egypt. This covenant included the laws and commandments given to Moses, as well as the establishment of the tabernacle and priesthood. One of the key attributes of the Sinai Covenant is its temporary nature. The laws and sacrifices of this covenant were meant to point to the need for a greater sacrifice and a new covenant. The Sinai Covenant also highlighted the holiness of God and the need for atonement for sin.

• Temporary nature
• Included laws and sacrifices
• Established with the Israelites at Mount Sinai

New Covenant

The New Covenant, prophesied in Jeremiah 31 and established through Jesus Christ, is the final and ultimate covenant between God and His people. One of the key attributes of the New Covenant is its universal scope. This covenant is not limited to a specific group or nation but is open to all who believe in Jesus Christ. The New Covenant also includes the forgiveness of sins, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, and the promise of eternal life. Through the New Covenant, God's redemptive plan for humanity is fully realized in the person of Jesus Christ.

• Universal scope
• Includes forgiveness of sins and eternal life
• Established through Jesus Christ

Conclusion

In conclusion, the covenants in the Old Testament each have their own unique attributes and purposes, pointing forward to the ultimate fulfillment in the New Covenant established through Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament covenants were conditional and temporary, the New Covenant is unconditional and eternal, offering forgiveness of sins and the promise of eternal life to all who believe. Through the comparison of these covenants, we see the unfolding of God's redemptive plan for humanity and His faithfulness to His promises throughout history.