The Abrahamic Covenant

The Abrahamic Covenant is found throughout Scripture, but specifically in the following passages:

Genesis 12:1-3

Genesis 13:14-17

• Genesis 15:12-18

Genesis 17:1-8

• The Two-Way Covenant requires each party to commit to and ratify the terms of the covenant. In the Mosaic Covenant, God said, “If you will . . . then you will be blessed” Deuteronomy 28 (ESV). All of the people gave affirmation of their willingness to obey the conditions of the Covenant – “We will do everything the LORD has said” Exodus 19:8 (ESV). However, the people were unfaithful time and again, so God refused to allow anyone from the first generation, other than Joshua and Caleb, to enter the Promised Land (Numbers 14).

The One-Way Covenant involves one individual committing to fulfill the covenant. The Abrahamic Covenant where only God passed through the slain animal parts while Abraham was sound asleep
(Genesis 15:12, 17) is an example of a One-Way Covenant.

• Is that significant? If so, in what way is this covenant significant?

Is there any language that states, “if you do this, then I will do that”?

• Are there any penalties for those who do not keep the covenant?

How long is an “everlasting covenant”?

How long is “everlasting life”?

Is the Abrahamic Covenant conditional or unconditional? 

Reading :G.L. Archer. “Covenant.” in Evangelical Dictionary of Theology. 3rd ed. Grand Rapids: Baker, 2017.Schreiner, Thomas R. “10 Things You Should Know about the Biblical Covenants.” Crossway.org (July 2017). Genesis 9;15;17Exodus 6:4; 24:7-8; 19Deuteronomy 42 Samuel 72 Chronicles 21:7Jeremiah 31:31Luke 22:201 Corinthians 11:252 Corinthians 3:6Hebrews 8:8; 9:15; 12:24