The Covenants of Scripture, part 1

The covenants made by God are recorded in the Scriptures and specifically identified as being so by God. The first covenant was made with Noah in a promise to Noah and all mankind universally. The sign of this covenant was told to be the rainbow. The next covenant God made with Abraham included three specific elements, land, seed, and blessing. This covenant was unconditional in the promises God made to Abraham and his descendants forever. Critical in understanding the covenant is that Abraham is recorded as having believed God and is then declared righteous by God. Circumcision was given as the sign of the covenant so it is not the actual covenant. Abraham's circumcision is recorded after the fact of his having believed God so the external physical sign is not the cause nor impetus for receiving the benefits of the covenant. God makes clear that the physical sign was but an outward expression of what does and must take place in the heart as spiritual circumcision. Taking God at His word, in context, literally and consistently gives clarity to issues that have often been confused.