By: Noah Carter | Seminarian/Philosophy Major

Importance of this topic
In order to understand our own role in the economy of salvation, it is important to understand the Covenant History of the Old Testament.

One Line Summary
Christ is the all-encompassing fulfillment of all previous covenants, extending salvation to all the world.

Important Scripture Passages
Jeremiah 7:23
Exodus 19:5-8
Matthew 5:17-20

Catechism of the Catholic Church

53 – God communicates himself to man gradually. He prepares man to welcome, by stages, the supernatural Revelation that is to culminate in the person and mission of the incarnate Word, Jesus Christ.
56 – After the unity [with God] of the human race was shattered by sin, God at once sought to save humanity, part by part.
64 – Through the prophets, God forms his people [Israel] in the hope of salvation, in the expectation of a new and everlasting Covenant intended for all….

Discussion Points

This discussion stems from a class on Man, Revelation, and the Bible taught at the Pontifical College Josephinum.

The six covenants are expansive: Adam and Eve (couple), Noah (family), Abram [Abraham] (tribes), Moses (nation), David (kingdom), Messiah [or Jesus Christ] (all peoples).

A covenant is different from a contract because in a contract, it is dissolved if one party breaks it. With a covenant, as long as one party is consistent with the covenant, it remains intact. Because God is nothing but consistent, the covenant is never void, even when Israel fails Him.

The Old Testament’s content demonstrates Israel coming to know God and being prepared to receive Him.

Israel’s hope for a fulfilled covenant evolved into the hope for a person during the Davidic kingdom with God’s promise that his descendants would sit on the thrown forever. Christ is the son of David.

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