Theological glossary · FaithLogic

Covenant

A bond God establishes with his people, with promises, obligations, and signs — the framework in which biblical salvation-history unfolds.

Hebrew berith; Greek diathēkē (also 'testament / will'); Latin foedus / testamentum.

Genesis 9; 15; 17; Exodus 19–24; 2 Samuel 7; Jeremiah 31:31–34; Luke 22:20; 1 Corinthians 11:25; Hebrews 8–10.

Reformed 'covenant theology' organises Scripture around the covenants of works and grace and grounds infant baptism in the continuity of the covenant community (circumcision → baptism). Dispensationalism and Baptist covenantalism read the discontinuity between old and new covenants differently.

The 'new covenant' in Christ's blood fulfils and transforms the earlier covenants; who belongs to it, and how its sign is applied, is disputed.

The degree of continuity between the Abrahamic/old covenant and the new — the crux of the infant vs. believers' baptism debate.

Open in the glossary for related terms and the doctrines this concept appears in.