The Theology of the Biblical Covenants

Covenant theology holds a central place in biblical and Christian theology, particularly in understanding God's relationship with humanity. It provides the framework through which divine promises, law, grace, and salvation are interpreted and applied across both the Old and New Testaments. For Catholics, the concept of the covenant is deeply woven into the fabric of salvation history, a journey that begins with creation and progresses through the lives of the patriarchs, the law of Moses, and culminates in the person and work of Jesus Christ.
The term "covenant, " or berith in Hebrew and diatheke in Greek, refers to a solemn and binding agreement or contract, often sealed with a promise or oath. In the Old Testament, the covenant concept was a powerful way to express God's intentional relationship with His chosen people, Israel. God's covenant with Adam (the so-called "Covenant of Works"), with Noah (the "Covenant of Grace"), with Abraham (the promise of descendants and land), and with Moses (the giving of the Law) laid the foundation for understanding divine promises and expectations.
These covenants served as both legal agreements and signs of a deeper relationship, where God and His people were bound by mutual commitments.