God's Promises, Then and Now

Introduction

Within the metanarrative (the big story) of the Bible, we find a connecting thread of promise and fulfillment, all initiated and guaranteed by God. This thread is what Scripture and theologians refer to as a covenant. God’s covenants offer a framework for understanding how the Bible holds together as a unified whole, rather than a collection of disconnected stories or moral lessons.

Covenants are one of the most important themes in the Bible, and I believe they should be taught more frequently to students. They help answer questions many of us asked (or still ask):

• “How were people saved in the Old Testament?” (see Genesis 15:6; Romans 4:1–5)

• “Is God different in the Old Testament than in the New?” (Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13:8)

• “What value does the Old Testament have for New Testament Christians?” (Romans 15:4; 2 Timothy 3:16–17)

Understanding the covenants helps answer these and many more—because they reveal God’s unchanging character, His unfolding plan, and His invitation to trust and obey.

What is a Covenant?

So, what is a covenant? How do they all work together to unify the Bible? Whitney Woollard offers a helpful definition: 

A covenant is a relationship between two partners who make binding promises to each other and work together to reach a common goal. They’re often accompanied by oaths, signs, and ceremonies. Covenants define obligations and commitments, but they are different from a contract because they are relational and personal. Think of a marriage—a husband and wife choose to enter into a formal relationship, binding themselves to one another in lifelong faithfulness and devotion. They then work as partners to reach a common goal, like building a life or raising children together (BibleProject, Key Covenants in the Bible).

Covenants are rooted in relationship, not just rules. They are not cold contracts; they are relational partnerships in which God commits Himself to His people and calls for trust and obedience in return.

This idea of covenant starts early. In Genesis 1–2, God creates a good world full of potential and appoints Adam and Eve as His image-bearers, partners in spreading His goodness throughout creation (Genesis 1:26–28; 2:15–17). They enjoyed God’s presence, provision, and purpose, but they were called to remain faithful to His one command: “You shall not eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil…” (Genesis 2:17).

But Adam and Eve failed. When their faithfulness to God’s covenant was tested, they chose autonomy over trust. They ate the fruit, broke God’s command, and fractured the relationship. The result: corruption, exile, and death spread to all humanity (Genesis 3:1–24; Romans 5:12–19).

Without God’s intervention, we’d still be stuck in the fallout of that rebellion. But the beauty of the Bible is that from the moment of sin’s entrance, God begins a plan to restore, a plan carried forward by new covenants that ultimately find their fulfillment in Jesus (Genesis 3:15; Jeremiah 31:31–34; Luke 22:20; 2 Corinthians 1:20).

Quick Comparison: Two Ways Christians View the Story

As we explore how God’s covenants move the Bible’s story forward, it’s helpful to know that not all Christians understand the story in exactly the same way. I bring this up not to spark debate, but to better appreciate the varied yet thoughtful approaches to a complex topic.

Two of the most common ways Christians understand the overall story of the Bible are called Covenant Theology and Dispensationalism. Despite the differences that exist between the two, there is a lot of commonality between them.

Both approaches:

• Trust the Bible as God’s Word

• Affirm salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus

• See Jesus as the promised Savior

• Believe God is working out His redemptive plan

But they organize the Bible’s story a little differently.

Here’s a simple comparison:

Question	Covenant Theology	Dispensationalism
How is the Bible’s story structured?	A unified story of redemption told through covenants.	A series of different time periods (dispensations) where God works in distinct ways with humanity.
What is the relationship between Israel and the Church?	One people of God—believers in Jesus are part of the same covenant family of faith (Gal. 3:7–9, Eph. 2:11–22).	Two distinct peoples—God has one plan for Israel and another plan for the Church.
How are God’s promises fulfilled?	Ultimately and spiritually in Jesus—He is the “Yes” to all of God’s promises (2 Cor. 1:20). Promises like land and kingdom point to the new creation and Jesus’ eternal reign.	Many promises (especially to Israel) will be fulfilled literally in the future (such as a future kingdom in the land of Israel).
What role do the covenants play?	Central—God’s covenants drive the story forward, showing His faithfulness and plan of redemption.	Important—but seen as part of a larger series of dispensations where God works differently in different eras.
How do people get saved?	Always by grace through faith in Christ—Old and New Testaments alike (Romans 4:1–8; Hebrews 11).	Also by grace through faith—but may emphasize different expectations or tests in different dispensations.

Covenant Theology emphasizes that God has always had one people of faith, saved by grace through Jesus, and that the covenants are the structure of the Bible’s story. Dispensationalism tends to see two distinct peoples (Israel and the Church), with God fulfilling promises to each in different ways and stages. Whether you’ve heard these terms or not, what matters most is seeing that the whole Bible points to Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s promises. That is what unites all Christians.

It’s also important to understand that this is not a core belief that separates true Christianity from false teaching. It is a secondary issue—faithful Christians can differ on how they understand the structure of the Bible’s story while remaining united around the essentials of the gospel. The beauty of Scripture is that on topics like this, there is room for humility, learning, and loving fellowship, even when we see things a little differently.

The Major Covenants: God’s Promises Driving the Story Forward

If the Bible’s story is one grand narrative of God’s redemptive plan, the covenants are the backbone that carry that story forward (Williamson, The Biblical Covenants). They show us that God is a promise-making, promise-keeping God (2 Cor. 1:20), and they reveal how His plan to rescue His people unfolds through history, ultimately finding its fulfillment in Jesus Christ.

As BibleProject explains, “The covenants form the key structure of the Bible’s storyline and reveal God’s desire to partner with humanity in restoring the world” (BibleProject, Key Covenants in the Bible). Here are the five major covenants that structure the Bible’s story and lead us to Christ:

The Noahic Covenant — A Promise to Preserve Life

Key passages: Genesis 8:20–9:17; Isaiah 54:9–10

After the flood, God made a covenant with Noah and all creation, promising never again to destroy the earth with a flood (Gen. 9:11). This was an unconditional covenant where God committed Himself to preserving life on earth, even though human sin remained (Gen. 8:21–22). The rainbow served as the covenant sign, a visual reminder of God’s mercy and faithfulness (Gen. 9:12–17).

The BibleProject explains, “God promises to keep working with humanity, despite their brokenness… keeping the stage set for His plan to rescue the world” (BibleProject, The Covenants). The Noahic covenant reminds us that God is patient and merciful, preserving the world while His redemptive plan unfolds (2 Pet. 3:9).

The Abrahamic Covenant — A Promise to Bless the Nations

Key passages: Genesis 12:1–3; 15:1–21; 17:1–14; Galatians 3:6–9, 16, 29

When humanity continued in rebellion after Noah, God chose Abraham and made incredible promises: to make him a great nation, give his descendants a land, and bless all nations through his family (Gen. 12:1–3). This covenant was confirmed with the sign of circumcision (Gen. 17:9–14), marking Abraham’s descendants as God’s people.

The BibleProject notes, “God makes a covenant with Abraham to restore His blessing to all nations… through this family, all the peoples of the earth will be blessed” (BibleProject, The Covenants). The New Testament reveals that this promise ultimately pointed to Jesus: “The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed… meaning one person, who is Christ” (Gal. 3:16).  Through Jesus, a global family of believers is now being gathered: “If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise” (Gal. 3:29).

The Mosaic (Sinai) Covenant — A Promise to Guide a Redeemed People

Key passages: Exodus 19:1–8; 20:1–21; 24:1–8; Deuteronomy 28; Galatians 3:19–24; Hebrews 8:6–13

After delivering Israel from slavery in Egypt, God made a covenant with them at Mount Sinai. He called Israel to be “a kingdom of priests and a holy nation” (Ex. 19:6), giving them the Law to guide their life as His redeemed people. This covenant was a conditional one. Israel’s experience of blessing or curse was based on their continued obedience (Deut. 28). It was confirmed with blood sacrifices (Ex. 24:3–8) and included the Sabbath as a sign (Ex. 31:16–17).

As the BibleProject summarizes, “The Mosaic covenant shows that Israel’s obedience to God’s laws would enable them to show God’s wisdom and justice to the nations… but also highlights the depth of human failure” (BibleProject, Key Covenants in the Bible). The Law prepared the way for Christ by exposing sin and pointing to humanity’s need for a Savior (Gal. 3:19–24). Jesus fulfilled the covenant perfectly (Matt. 5:17) and established a New Covenant in His blood (Luke 22:20).

The Davidic Covenant — A Promise of an Eternal King

Key passages: 2 Samuel 7:8–17; Psalm 89:3–37; Isaiah 9:6–7; Luke 1:30–33

God promised David that one of his descendants would reign on the throne forever (2 Sam. 7:12–16). This promise built upon God’s previous covenants and focused the hope of redemption on a coming King. “God’s promise to David highlights the future hope of a righteous King who will restore God’s kingdom and bring peace to the world,” the BibleProject explains (BibleProject, Key Covenants in the Bible).

This hope finds fulfillment in Jesus, the descendant of David (Matt. 1:1), who will reign forever: “The Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David, and He will reign… forever; His kingdom will never end” (Luke 1:32–33). Through Jesus’ life, death, resurrection, and ascension, the kingdom of God is now advancing, and Jesus reigns as King (Acts 2:29–36).

The New Covenant — A Promise to Renew and Restore

Key passages: Jeremiah 31:31–34; Ezekiel 36:24–28; Luke 22:20; Hebrews 8:6–13; 10:14–18

After centuries of failure under the Mosaic covenant, God promised a New Covenant, one that would transform hearts and bring full forgiveness of sins.

“I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts… for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more” (Jer. 31:33–34). 

“I will give you a new heart… and I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to follow My statutes” (Ezek. 36:26–27).

As the BibleProject explains, “Through Jesus’ death and resurrection, God repairs the broken partnership with humanity and launches the new creation” (BibleProject, The Covenants).

Jesus inaugurated this covenant at the Last Supper: “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, poured out for you” (Luke 22:20). In Him, believers receive complete forgiveness (Heb. 10:14–18) and the transforming power of the Holy Spirit (Rom. 8:1–4). The New Covenant fulfills and surpasses all previous covenants with every promise of God finding its “Yes” in Jesus (2 Cor. 1:20).

One Story, One Savior

At the center of the entire covenant story stands Jesus Christ. Every covenant God made points forward to Him and finds its ultimate fulfillment in Him. As Paul writes, “For all the promises of God find their Yes in him” (2 Corinthians 1:20, ESV).

Let’s trace this:

• Noahic Covenant — Preservation for Redemption Jesus is the one through whom creation itself will be restored (Romans 8:19–21, ESV). God preserved the world after the flood so that His plan of salvation could be completed through Christ.

• Abrahamic Covenant — Blessing to the Nations Jesus is the true offspring of Abraham (Galatians 3:16, ESV). Through His death and resurrection, the blessing promised to Abraham’s family now extends to people of every tribe and language and people and nation (Revelation 7:9–10, ESV). “And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise” (Galatians 3:29, ESV).

• Mosaic Covenant — Perfect Obedience and Atonement Jesus perfectly kept the Law: “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them” (Matthew 5:17, ESV). Where Israel failed, Jesus obeyed fully. He also fulfilled the sacrificial system by offering Himself as the final and perfect sacrifice for sin: “For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified” (Hebrews 10:14, ESV). Now, believers are freed from condemnation: “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1, ESV).

• Davidic Covenant — Eternal King Jesus is the promised Son of David (Matthew 1:1, ESV), the King whose reign will never end. At the angel’s announcement to Mary: “And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end” (Luke 1:32–33, ESV). Through Jesus’ resurrection and ascension, God’s eternal kingdom is inaugurated: “God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified” (Acts 2:36, ESV).

• New Covenant — Forgiveness and New Life Jesus inaugurated the New Covenant through His blood: “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood” (Luke 22:20, ESV). Through Christ, believers receive full forgiveness: “I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more” (Hebrews 10:17, ESV), and a new heart empowered by the Spirit: “And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you” (Ezekiel 36:26, ESV).

Jesus is the covenant-keeper. Where humanity failed again and again, He remained faithful. Through Him, God’s promises are secured for us forever.

Why This Matters

Why should students, or any of us, care about covenants?

Because covenants teach us what kind of God we worship:

• A God who initiates relationship with us

• A God who makes unbreakable promises

• A God who is faithful even when we are faithless

• A God who keeps pursuing His people through grace

The covenants also show us that the Bible is not a random collection of ancient stories. It is one unified story of God’s redeeming love — a story that leads to Jesus and that we are invited into. As Paul writes, “For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope” (Romans 15:4, ESV).

If we read the Bible without understanding the covenants, we’ll miss the big story. But if we trace God’s promises through the covenants, we’ll see that from Genesis to Revelation, the Bible is the story of God bringing His people home through Jesus.

Challenge to Students and Readers

So where do you fit in this story?

The New Covenant is not just an ancient promise, it is a personal invitation. Jesus offers you a place in His family today:

• Forgiveness for your sins

• A new heart and a new way to live

• A relationship with God that can never be broken

• A future hope in His kingdom that will never end

The question is: Have you entered that covenant through faith in Christ? And if you have, are you living as someone in covenant relationship with God, trusting Him, obeying Him, and bearing witness to His faithfulness in your life? God is a promise-making, promise-keeping God. He has written His promises across every page of Scripture. And in Jesus, every promise is “Yes.” Now the question is: how will you respond?

Sources & Further Reading

Articles:

• The Biblical Covenants — Paul R. Williamson, The Gospel Coalition

• Key Covenants in the Bible — BibleProject Article

Videos:

• The Covenants — BibleProject Video

Books (for further study):

• O. Palmer Robertson, The Christ of the Covenants

• Stephen G. Myers, God to Us: Covenant Theology in Scripture

• Jonty Rhodes, Covenants Made Simple: Understanding God's Unfolding Promises

• Peter J. Gentry & Stephen J. Wellum, Kingdom through Covenant: A Biblical-Theological Understanding of the Covenants (Advanced)

• J. H. Varner, What Is Covenant Theology? (Introductory primer)