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What Are The Biblical Covenants Between God and Man?

Q: Can you please name the covenants (between God and man) noted in the Bible? Can some be placed into subcategories, e.g. major/covenants that lead to Christ, etc?

I know of four (Noah, Abraham, David, new covenant which is Christ’s blood) and arguably not named one, God’s specific instruction to not eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. 

Summary

In this episode, Dr. E responds to a question about the covenants between God and humanity and how they fit into the larger story of redemption. Dr. Easley explains that while Scripture references several covenants—including Edenic, Noahic, Mosaic, Abrahamic, Davidic, and the New Covenant—not all function the same way. Some are bilateral, involving human responsibility, while others are unilateral, resting entirely on God’s faithfulness.

Dr. Easley walks through each covenant, clarifying their purpose and biblical context. The Edenic covenant reveals humanity’s inability to obey even a single command. The Noahic covenant demonstrates God’s mercy toward all creation. The Mosaic covenant highlights blessing and curse, showing Israel’s failure under the law. Yet it is the Abrahamic, Davidic, and New Covenants that stand at the center of God’s redemptive plan.

These three covenants, Dr. Easley explains, directly point to the coming Messiah. God alone guarantees their fulfillment, underscoring a central truth of Scripture: humanity cannot keep the covenant, but God can—and does. The New Covenant, sealed by Christ’s blood, completes the story, revealing God as the ultimate covenant-keeper and Savior.

Takeaways:

• A biblical covenant is a binding promise initiated by God between Himself and humanity.
• Some covenants are bilateral, revealing human responsibility and failure.
• Unilateral covenants highlight God’s faithfulness despite human weakness.
• The Abrahamic covenant establishes God’s promise to bless the nations.
• The Davidic covenant guarantees a coming Messiah from David’s line.
• The New Covenant fulfills all others through Christ’s shed blood.

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If you’ve got a question for Dr. Easley, call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at question@michaelincontext.com.