Covenants and Salvation
This material was taught by Dr. John Bergsma, professor of theology, during Principles of Biblical Studies (THE 211/2) at Franciscan University of Steubenville. Him and his wife are converts to the Catholic Church. The introduction was written by the catechetics online webmaster. Material used by permission.
Introduction
"And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying 'drink of it all of you; for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.'" - Matthew 26:27-28 (RSV)
Many bible scholars, especially Protestant scholars, ignore the organic unity of scripture in regards to covenants. They know of covenants, but think of covenants only in Old Testament terms. Below is a chart that shows the progressive nature of covenants between God and man in the Bible. Notice especially how the New Covenant is established between an new and better mediator. Not Moses, not Abraham, not David, but Jesus - God himself becomes the only mediator of the New Covenant. This chart is also a brief view of what is known as "salvation history."
Covenants
Covenant Name: Adamic
Covenant Mediator: Adam
Covenant Mountain: Eden (Ez 28)
Covenant Establishment: Between God and Man
Covenant Scripture: Genesis 1-2
Covenant with: Family (Marriage)
Covenant Name: Noahic
Covenant Mediator: Noah
Covenant Mountain: Ararat
Covenant Establishment: Between God and Man
Covenant Scripture: Genesis 9
Covenant with: More than one family
Covenant Name: Abrahamic
Covenant Mediator: Abraham
Covenant Mountain: Moriah
Covenant Establishment: Between God and Man
Covenant Scripture Genesis 12-22:18
Covenant with: Tribes
Covenant Name: Mosaic
Covenant Mediator: Moses
Covenant Mountain: Sinai
Covenant Establishment: Between God and Man
Covenant Scripture: Exodus 19-24
Covenant with: Nation
Covenant Name: Davidic
Covenant Mediator: David
Covenant Mountain: Zion
Covenant Establishment: Between God and Man
Covenant Scripture: 2 Samuel 7
Covenant with: Kingdom
Covenant Name: "new" covenant
Covenant Mediator: The Prophets
Covenant Mountain: A prophecy of a new covenant to come.
Covenant Establishment: A forth telling of what is to come. Not a true covenant.
Covenant Scripture: Jer 31, Ezek 34-37, Isa 55:3
Covenant with: N/A
Covenant Name: Eucharistic (New Covenant)
Covenant Mediator:
Covenant Establishment: Between the Father and the Son.
Covenant Scripture: Matthew 26
Covenant with: Jews and Gentiles