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Study 09 of 49

The Promise and the Covenant

The everlasting covenant: God's unilateral promise received by faith

Hands-free narration of this study — good for the car.

Synopsis

From Eden to Abraham to Calvary, God's covenant is a promise He makes and He keeps. The 'old covenant' was not a different plan of salvation but Israel's presumptuous promise to do what only God can do. The new covenant restores the original arrangement: God promises, faith receives, obedience follows.

Key points

  • The everlasting covenant is God's promise, not a mutual bargain.
  • The old covenant is the human 'all that the Lord hath said we will do.'
  • The same two covenants exist as two experiences in every generation.

Key texts

  • Genesis 15:6-18
  • Exodus 19:8
  • Jeremiah 31:31-34
  • Galatians 4:22-31
  1. Comprehension

    1. What is the difference between a covenant of promise and a covenant of performance?

  2. Scripture

    2. Read Genesis 15. Who passed between the pieces, and what does it mean?

  3. Scripture

    3. Read Exodus 19:8. What was wrong with Israel's answer?

  4. Doctrinal Clarity

    4. Are the two covenants two ages or two experiences? Defend your answer.

  5. Contrast

    5. Contrast Hagar and Sarah as Paul uses them in Galatians 4.

  6. Doctrinal Clarity

    6. Read Jeremiah 31:33. What does God undertake to do in the new covenant?

  7. Application

    7. Which covenant experience describes your religious life this year?

  8. Application

    8. How does covenant understanding change the way you make resolutions?