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Covenant TheologyCovenant Theology is a school of Biblical interpretation that provides one alternative to Dispensationalism and is a form of Supersessionism. Though different flavours of Covenant Theology exist, they generally share the idea that throughout Biblical history, God's various covenants were either one and the same, or subsets of each other. Depending on denomination, theologians will either refer to one all-encompassing covenant (with no clear break between the Israelite nation and the Christian church), or two or more covenants wrapped in a container covenant (with a definite break between Israel and the church). It is interesting to note that widespread adoption of Dispensationalism in theological history is a relatively recent event, in contrast to Covenant Theology, which has roots to various authors immediately following the founding of the Christian church, such as Augustine. Covenant is the customary word used to translate the Hebrew word berith (ברית, Tiberian Hebrew bərṯ, Standard Hebrew bərit) as it is used in the Hebrew Bible. While the word is used to identify treaties or similar solemn pacts between rulers or individuals, the most important covenant in the Bible is the covenant between God and the Israelites (i.e. the Jews). This covenant was the basis for the Torah, and the Israelites' status as God's chosen people. By the covenant, Israelites understand that God had promised to undertake certain things on behalf of the people of Israel, and that the Israelites owed God obedience and worship in return. The Biblical covenants could be subdivided into several sub-headings: The Abrahamic Covenant, found in Genesis 15, granting the Israelites a promised land in the Land of Israel. In this covenant, God promises (see Genesis 12:1-3; 13:14-18; 15:1-21; 17:1-22): - To make of Abraham into a great nation and to multiply his seed exceedingly and to make him a father of great many nations.
- To bless Abraham and make him great.
- To make Abraham a blessing to all the families of the earth.
- To bless those who bless him and curse those who curse him.
- To give Abraham and his seed forever all the land which he could see.
- To give him a sign of the covenant (circumcision).
The Mosaic Covenant, found in Exodus 19 through 24, which contained the foundations of the Torah. In this covenant, God promises: - To make Israel His special possession among the people of the land.
- To make Israel a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. God followed it up with requirements and laws.
The Palestinian Covenant is an unconditional covenant enlarging upon the Abrahamic Covenant promising the seed of Abraham eternal possession in the land (Deuteronomy 30:1-10). This covenant says: - Israel will be dispersed among the nations.
- Israel will repent and turn to the Lord.
- Israel will be regathered from its dispersion.
and in this covenant, God promises: - To bring the Israelites to the land which their fathers possessed.
- To prosper the Israelites above their fathers.
- To restore the Israelites spiritually so that Israel will love the Lord with all their heart and soul.
- To put all the curses upon Israel's enemies.
The Davidic Covenant, found in 2 Samuel 7, establishing David and his lineage as the rightful kings of Israel and Judah and extends the covenant of Abraham to David's lineage. According to Christianity, the Davidic Covenant is an important element of Jesus's claim to be the Messiah. Jesus, by his death and atonement created a New Covenant of faith in which Gentiles as well as Israelites could participate, and under which God promised to grant the faithful eternal life. Covenant theology asserts that these covenants interrelate, with each new covenant having at its foundation a fulfillment of all those that came before it. For example, God's original covenant with Abraham in Genesis 17 is partly fulfilled by the Davidic covenant, which finds its fulfillment in the incarnation of Jesus Christ. God promises Abraham, "I will make nations of you, and kings will come from you." (Gen. 17:6b, NIV). Covenant theology teaches that these kings are the Davidic line, including Jesus, who was descended from David. External links See also
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