Covenant

A covenant is a solemn, binding agreement between God and human beings involving mutual commitments and guarantees. The Bible traces a progressive series of divine covenants — with Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, and finally the New and eternal Covenant in Jesus Christ (CCC 56–66).

The Major Biblical Covenants

Noahic — God's promise never again to destroy the earth by flood, sealed with the rainbow (Genesis 9). Abrahamic — God's promise of land, descendants, and universal blessing to Abraham (Genesis 12, 15, 17). Mosaic — the covenant at Sinai giving Israel the Law through Moses (Exodus 19–24). Davidic — God's promise that David's line would endure forever (2 Samuel 7). New Covenant — established by Jesus at the Last Supper and sealed in his blood on the cross — the definitive, eternal covenant between God and all humanity (CCC 66).

The New Covenant Fulfills All

The New Covenant does not abolish the earlier covenants — it fulfills and surpasses them all. Jesus is the offspring of Abraham, the new Moses, the Son of David whose kingdom is eternal. In his blood, all covenants find their ultimate meaning (CCC 577–582).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Old Covenant still valid? God's covenant with Israel has not been revoked — his gifts and call are irrevocable (Romans 11:29). But the Old Covenant finds its fulfillment in the New, not as an alternative path to salvation but as the root from which Christ came (CCC 839).