Covenant: Definition

Fundamental Theological Statements

1) god is present and involved in human history 2) god cares about human beings and their spiritual and ethical conduct 3) god is trustworthy and faithful to fulfill promises 4) god believes in the human capacity to become responsible and be god's "partner"

Later Covenants

Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob -- and eventually the entire Israelite population -- enter into more detailed and demanding covenants with god

God's Covenant Examples

After the Flood, God enters a covenant with the men and women: - god takes on the duty to protect, sustain, and bless human beings - humans are required to uphold certain divine standards, expressed as laws and commandments

Covenant in Hebrew:

Brit -- ברית

Covenant in Genesis 9

God makes covenant with Noah: - laws for humanity are set down (avoiding bloodshed and violence) - god promises to never wipe out the earth again

Covenant Definition:

a covenant is a formal, binding, permanent agreement or pact between two parties