Covenant
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Chapter 2: Law vs. Grace — Reconciling Obedience and Freedom in the New Covenant
Kingdom Ethics and the Ten Commandments Today 1. Introduction One of the most enduring theological tensions within Christianity lies in understanding the relationship between God’s law and God’s grace. For some, the law represents rules and condemnation, while grace signifies freedom and acceptance. Others insist that grace does not abolish…
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11: You Shall Not Commit Adultery – Covenant Fidelity and Sexual Ethics
The Ten Commandments and the Teachings of Jesus: A Theological, Cultural, and Political Exposition 1. Introduction The seventh commandment guards the sanctity of marriage, affirming sexual fidelity as a sacred covenantal duty. In both the Old and New Testaments, sexual ethics are never reduced to private preference or pleasure—they reflect…
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16: From Law to Spirit – The Commandments in the New Covenant
The Ten Commandments and the Teachings of Jesus: A Theological, Cultural, and Political Exposition 1. Introduction The Ten Commandments remain foundational to the biblical vision of righteousness, yet the coming of Christ and the gift of the Holy Spirit usher in a new covenantal context. No longer written merely on…
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2: Covenant and Promise
1. Theme Overview This theme focuses on God’s covenants with humanity and His promises to redeem and bless. It highlights the relational framework through which God unfolds His plan, emphasising faith, obedience, and divine faithfulness. Key Concept: Core Theological Insight:God’s covenants reveal His faithfulness and plan across generations. They are…
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18: The Holy Spirit and New Covenant
1. Theme Overview This theme focuses on the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding, empowering, and sanctifying God’s people, and the establishment of the New Covenant through Jesus Christ. The New Covenant replaces the old Mosaic covenant, fulfilling God’s promise to write His law on hearts and to bring…
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4: Old Testament Warnings – God’s Jealousy and Covenant Loyalty
1. Introduction The Old Testament offers a compelling portrait of God’s covenant relationship with His people—a relationship that is exclusive, intimate, and deeply personal. At the heart of this covenant is a repeated and emphatic warning against idolatry. This warning is not arbitrary, but grounded in the character of God…
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21: The Influence of Biblical Covenants on Ancient Israelite Territorial Claims
1. Introduction Biblical covenants form a foundational framework for understanding ancient Israelite concepts of land, territory, and identity. This article examines how these covenants shaped territorial claims, land ownership, and national consciousness in ancient Israel. 2. Covenantal Foundations of Land Ownership The Abrahamic covenant (Genesis 12, 15, 17) explicitly promises…
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2: Covenant — Berith (OT), Diathēkē (NT), and ITL Usage
1. Hebrew Term: Berith — בְּרִית Pronunciation: beh-REETHMeaning: Covenant; formal agreement between God and His people with promises and obligations. Old Testament Usage: Intertestamental Usage: New Testament Usage: Example Verses: Comparative Summary:
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1: Covenant (Berith) in Ancient Near Eastern Context
1. Term: Berith — בְּרִית (Covenant) Meaning: Formal agreement or treaty between parties, especially between God and Israel. 2. Historical-Cultural Context: 3. Biblical Examples and Notes: 4. Cultural Significance:
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4: Covenant (Berith) Rituals and Symbolism
1. Term: Berith — בְּרִית (Covenant) Meaning: Formal agreement or treaty, especially between God and His people. 2. Historical-Cultural Context: 3. Biblical Examples and Notes: 4. Cultural Significance:
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Genesis: Creation, Covenant, and the Promise of Blessing – A Doctrinal Comparison between Judaism and Christianity
1. Introduction Genesis, the first book of the Torah/Pentateuch, serves as the foundational narrative for both Judaism and Christianity. It details the origins of the cosmos, humanity, sin, and God’s covenant with Abraham—the progenitor of Israel. While both religions revere Genesis as sacred Scripture, their doctrinal emphases diverge, especially concerning…
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Exodus: Deliverance, Covenant, and Divine Presence – A Doctrinal Comparison between Judaism and Christianity
1. Introduction The book of Exodus is pivotal in both Judaism and Christianity, recounting Israel’s deliverance from Egyptian bondage and the establishment of the Sinai covenant. This narrative and legal corpus shapes foundational doctrines about God’s saving acts, lawgiving, and presence among His people. While Judaism emphasises national identity and…
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Numbers: Wilderness Journey, Covenant Faithfulness, and Divine Provision – A Doctrinal Comparison between Judaism and Christianity
1. Introduction Numbers, the fourth book of the Torah/Pentateuch, narrates Israel’s wilderness journey from Sinai to the borders of the Promised Land. It emphasizes God’s faithfulness amid Israel’s testing, the organisation of the community, and covenant obedience. Judaism views Numbers as a testament to God’s steadfast covenantal relationship and disciplinary…
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Deuteronomy: Covenant Renewal, Law, and Love – A Doctrinal Comparison between Judaism and Christianity
1. Introduction Deuteronomy, the fifth and final book of the Torah/Pentateuch, functions as a covenant renewal document. It restates and expands the law originally given at Sinai, emphasising faithfulness, obedience, and the exclusive worship of Yahweh. Judaism regards Deuteronomy as a crucial text for covenant loyalty and ethical monotheism, while…
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8. The New Covenant People: Equality and Freedom in the Church (Galatians)
Introduction In Galatians, Paul presents the church as the new covenant community established through faith in Christ, the Messiah. This article explores how Paul’s Christology shapes an ecclesiology centred on freedom, equality, and the breaking down of ethnic and social barriers. 1. The Church as the People of the Promise…
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Article 5: When the Unbelieving Bless Each Other – Uncovenanted Goodness and Its Real-World Results
1. Introduction The Bible primarily focuses on God’s covenantal relationship with His people—yet it also records remarkable instances where blessing occurs entirely outside of that covenantal framework. In these rare but meaningful episodes, unbelievers bless other unbelievers, and their actions result in real, observable fruit. These moments underscore the existence…
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Article 6: Why God Honours Honour – The Law Written on the Heart of All Peoples
1. Introduction One of the profound insights of biblical theology is that moral truth is not restricted to the religiously informed or the covenantally bound. Even those outside the faith—those who have never read Scripture or heard the name of Christ—can and do act with honour, dignity, justice, and compassion.…
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Article 8: Covenantal Blessing – What Happens When Faith Activates Divine Power
1. Introduction While common grace and natural law offer blessings accessible to all, covenantal blessings represent a deeper, more powerful form of divine favour—one reserved for those in right relationship with God through faith. These blessings are not merely natural outcomes of moral living; they involve the direct intervention and…
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Article 9: Two Streams, One Design – How Universal Law and Covenant Grace Coexist in God’s Economy
1. Introduction Within the biblical worldview, it is possible to distinguish between two major channels through which blessings flow: the universal moral order (natural law) and the covenantal relationship between God and His people. These two streams—common grace through creation and saving grace through Christ—are not in conflict. Rather, they…
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Article 11: How to Walk in Both Realms – Aligning with Creation and Covenant Together
1. Introduction Believers are called to live in a way that honours both the natural moral order (universal law) and the covenantal relationship with God through Christ. These are not opposing spheres, but complementary dimensions of God’s design. Walking in both realms means aligning one’s conduct with divine wisdom observable…
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The Parable of the New Cloth and New Wineskins
1. Title of the Parable The Parable of the New Cloth and New Wineskins 2. Scripture Reference(s) 3. Thematic Category Discipleship and Faith; Renewal; Covenant Transformation; Receptivity to Change 4. Parable Summary Jesus compares His message and ministry to new fabric and new wine. He states that: Luke’s account adds:…
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1.17 Stories of Covenant Faithfulness
🔹 Story 1: God’s Covenant with Noah Main Characters: Noah, GodStory Summary: After the flood, God made a covenant with Noah never to destroy the earth again by water. He placed a rainbow in the sky as a sign of His lasting promise.Key Verses: Genesis 9:8–17Theme Connection: God’s covenant was…
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Chapter 11 – God’s Covenants & The Redemptive Narrative
From Post-Flood Humanity to Divine Election Biblical Basis Throughout Scripture, God unfolds His redemptive plan through a series of covenants, each marking a critical stage in His interaction with humanity. The Noahic Covenant (Genesis 9:8–17) establishes divine commitment to the stability of creation. The Abrahamic Covenant (Genesis 12:1–3; 15; 17)…
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Chapter 15 – Eschatology: Future of Creation
New Heavens and New Earth Biblical Basis: The Promise of Cosmic Renewal The biblical vision of the future culminates in the creation of a new heavens and a new earth—a theme introduced by the prophet Isaiah and consummated in the Book of Revelation. Isaiah 65:17 declares, “Behold, I create new…
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Chapter 16 – Artificial Immortality or Divine Resurrection?
AI, Transhumanism, and the End of Humanity as We Know It (Creation to Nations – Chapter 16) “For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality.”— 1 Corinthians 15:53 Introduction: Humanity at the Crossroads In the unfolding story from Creation to Nations, we have traced…
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Isaac and the Covenant Lineage
Introduction and Genealogical ContextIsaac, the son of Abraham and Sarah, occupies a pivotal position in the covenantal narrative of Israel. As the direct heir of the Abrahamic covenant, Isaac’s role is not defined by conquest or prophetic innovation but by continuity. His life represents the stabilising bridge between the founding…
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Wilderness Journey and Covenant Testing
Introduction to the Wilderness PeriodThe wilderness journey, which spans approximately forty years, constitutes a critical phase in Israel’s formation as a covenant people. It occurs after the dramatic deliverance from Egypt and before the conquest of Canaan. This period, detailed primarily in the books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy,…
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David – Covenant and Kingship
Introduction and Rise to PowerDavid, the youngest son of Jesse from the tribe of Judah, emerges as the most prominent and enduring figure of Israel’s united monarchy. Anointed by Samuel while Saul still reigned (1 Samuel 16), David’s rise to kingship is marked by a complex interplay of divine favour,…