Five Great Covenants vs. Two Great Covenants

Attribute	Five Great Covenants	Two Great Covenants
Number of Covenants	Five	Two
Significance	Considered foundational in Judaism	Significant in Christianity
Parties Involved	God and various individuals/groups	God and humanity
Content	Includes promises, laws, and obligations	Focuses on salvation and grace
Duration	Varies for each covenant	Believed to be eternal

Five Great Covenants

When discussing the Five Great Covenants, it is important to note that these covenants are foundational agreements between God and humanity in the Bible. The Five Great Covenants include the Adamic Covenant, Noahic Covenant, Abrahamic Covenant, Mosaic Covenant, and Davidic Covenant. Each of these covenants has unique attributes that set them apart from one another.

Adamic Covenant

The Adamic Covenant, also known as the Edenic Covenant, was made between God and Adam in the Garden of Eden. This covenant established the relationship between God and humanity, setting the stage for all future covenants. One of the key attributes of the Adamic Covenant is the promise of a Savior who would ultimately redeem humanity from sin and restore the broken relationship between God and man.

Noahic Covenant

The Noahic Covenant was made between God and Noah after the Great Flood. This covenant promised that God would never again destroy the earth with a flood and established the rainbow as a sign of this promise. One of the unique attributes of the Noahic Covenant is its universal scope, as it applies to all of humanity, not just a specific group or nation.

Abrahamic Covenant

The Abrahamic Covenant was made between God and Abraham and his descendants. This covenant included promises of land, descendants, and blessings. One of the key attributes of the Abrahamic Covenant is its unconditional nature, meaning that God's promises to Abraham were not dependent on his actions or obedience, but on God's faithfulness.

Mosaic Covenant

The Mosaic Covenant was made between God and the nation of Israel through Moses. This covenant included the Ten Commandments and other laws that governed the relationship between God and His chosen people. One of the unique attributes of the Mosaic Covenant is its emphasis on obedience to the law as a means of maintaining the covenant relationship with God.

Davidic Covenant

The Davidic Covenant was made between God and King David, promising that his descendants would rule over Israel forever. This covenant established the lineage of the Messiah, who would come from the house of David. One of the key attributes of the Davidic Covenant is its messianic significance, as it points forward to the coming of Jesus Christ as the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises.

Two Great Covenants

Turning our attention to the Two Great Covenants, we find that these covenants are central to the Christian faith and have profound implications for believers. The Two Great Covenants include the New Covenant and the Covenant of Grace. Each of these covenants has distinct attributes that shape the way Christians understand their relationship with God.

New Covenant

The New Covenant is a covenant of grace established by Jesus Christ through His death and resurrection. This covenant is foretold in the Old Testament and fulfilled in the New Testament, offering forgiveness of sins and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit to all who believe in Jesus. One of the key attributes of the New Covenant is its universality, as it is available to all people, Jew and Gentile alike.

Covenant of Grace

The Covenant of Grace is a covenant that encompasses all of God's dealings with humanity throughout history. This covenant is based on God's grace and mercy, offering salvation to sinners through faith in Jesus Christ. One of the unique attributes of the Covenant of Grace is its eternal nature, as it extends from before the foundation of the world to the end of time, encompassing all of God's redemptive work.

Comparing Attributes

When comparing the attributes of the Five Great Covenants and the Two Great Covenants, we can see both similarities and differences that highlight the progressive nature of God's redemptive plan. One similarity is the overarching theme of God's faithfulness and grace in establishing and maintaining these covenants. Whether in the promises made to Adam, Noah, Abraham, or David, or in the fulfillment of those promises through Jesus Christ in the New Covenant and Covenant of Grace, God's faithfulness is evident throughout.

However, there are also significant differences in the attributes of these covenants that reflect the changing relationship between God and humanity over time. The Five Great Covenants are largely conditional in nature, with blessings and curses dependent on human obedience to God's commands. In contrast, the Two Great Covenants are characterized by God's unconditional grace and mercy, offering salvation as a free gift to all who believe.

Another key difference is the scope of these covenants. While the Five Great Covenants are primarily focused on specific individuals or nations, such as Adam, Noah, Abraham, Israel, and David, the Two Great Covenants have a universal scope, extending to all people regardless of their background or ethnicity. This universal aspect of the New Covenant and Covenant of Grace reflects God's desire for all people to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth.

In conclusion, the attributes of the Five Great Covenants and the Two Great Covenants reveal the depth and complexity of God's redemptive plan for humanity. From the promises made to Adam in the Garden of Eden to the fulfillment of those promises in Jesus Christ, God's faithfulness and grace are evident throughout. Whether in the conditional nature of the Old Testament covenants or the unconditional nature of the New Testament covenants, God's love for His people shines through, offering hope and salvation to all who believe.