Session IV: Analysis Answers

A Question to Consider:

What is a covenant?

Reread Genesis 9:1-17 and Genesis 15

Discuss the following questions:

1. According to the similarities of these passages, what is a covenant?


According to the similarities of these passages, a covenant is a promise made by both parties. (i.e. I'll do this if you do this). But it seems to me that man always breaks his side of the bargain and God always keeps His promise even if you don't. Or if you don't keep your side of the bargain He will still fulfill if word but maybe in another way that doesn't bless you directly. 

2. One theologian has said that God's covenant is basically a relationship (or bond) of life or death significance ruled over by God. What do you see in these two passages that supports this view?


Well, in the first about Noah, Noah had no choice but to trust God because otherwise he would have drown  There really wasn't a choice here. It was either sink or swim (and then drown). So Noah trusted God and it ended up being the best choice.


Abraham didn't trust God and chose to fulfill Gods words on his own time. That didn't work out, because now he has damaged the life of another family. God said, nope. My time, or no time at all. And it will be My time, I assure you. Without God's covenant with Abraham showed that the whole covenant really relied on Him (God), and not on Abraham at all. 
3. What are the essential parts of a covenant?


Part One: A Promise
Part Two: An Agreement on both sides to keep that promise.
Part Three: The fulfillment of that promise.