Bible 101: Redemption & Covenant

Our Bible 101 series delves into the fundamental concepts of the Bible, which encompass redemption, covenant, the good news (Gospel), salvation, and numerous others.

Within this concise series, we specifically examine the concepts of redemption and covenant.

Redemption stands as the overarching message of the Bible, as God intends to restore the world to its original order, as depicted in Genesis 1 & 2.

To accomplish this plan, God employs a sequence of covenants. The initial covenant with Adam (representing humanity) was breached, prompting God to commence anew with Noah. Subsequently, He establishes covenants with Abraham, Moses, David, and ultimately, Jesus.

However, what exactly is redemption, and what does covenant signify? Regrettably, these terms have become archaic in our modern vernacular.

Throughout these lessons, we explore the cultural context surrounding these words and how comprehending them within their ancient perspective aids us in envisioning our relationship with God.

Be sure to download the additional handouts on Covenant and the ritual of Cutting a Covenant. Reviewing these handout both prior to and following the lessons will greatly enhance your learning. Enjoy!  

Please click on the image below to access the lesson and video. ​

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Part 1 Intro: Redemption & Covenant 
The Story of the Bible

Join us on a transformative journey as we delve into the profound concepts at the core of the Bible: Redemption and Covenant.

Within the pages of the Bible, God's intricate plan of redemption unfolds through a series of sacred covenants.

Discovering the fundamental principles of redemption and covenant will empower you to unlock the profound wisdom hidden within the pages of your Bible, allowing you to read and understand it on a much deeper level.

​Embrace this opportunity to enrich your spiritual journey and expand your knowledge of God's divine plan.



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For Class Handout, click here

Part 2: Noahic Covenant
God Places His Bow in the Sky 

​The generations that followed Adam and Eve grew increasingly wicked, violent, and murderous. God's heart was grieved, and, in His wisdom, He decided to "start over" through Noah and his family.

Noah's story can be seen as a process of "de-creation" followed by "re-creation," marking a fresh beginning for humanity. Following the flood, God establishes a covenant with humanity, with Noah acting as the covenant mediator.

God promises humanity that He will never again destroy the earth with a flood. God places His "bow" in the clouds as a symbol of this covenant.

In today's lesson, we will delve into the ancient context of the Hebrew word for "bow" and explore its implications for our understanding of this remarkable covenant between God and humanity.

For Class Handout, click here

Part 3: Abrahamic Covenant
Why did Jesus have to die?

In Genesis 15, God establishes His covenant with Abraham. The Bible describes the ancient formal process of making a covenant, known in Hebrew as "cutting a covenant," in which sacrificial animals are divided in half to create a blood path. This ancient blood path ceremony serves as a vivid covenant ratification ceremony, visually reminding the participants that "what happened to these animals may happen to me if I violate this covenant."

However, the most profound aspect of God's covenant with Abraham is that Abraham himself never walks through the blood path. Instead, through ancient symbols of smoke and fire, God moves through the divided animal pieces, signifying that He, God, will bear the penalty for Abraham if he or any of his descendants violate this covenant promise.

For Class Handout, click here

Part 4: Mosaic Covenant
Underlying Structure of the Torah

Moses serves as the covenant mediator for the newly formed nation of Israel.

God employs the ancient Near Eastern Suzerain-Vassal covenant structure to convey this fresh relationship to His people.

By comprehending the elements of an ancient Near Eastern covenant, we gain insight into the fundamental framework embedded in the Biblical text.

Without an understanding of ANE Covenants, we overlook the intricacies that the Bible conveys to us.

We invite you to join us for this lesson as we delve into the foundational structure of the Mosaic Covenant, which in turn enhances our comprehension of our relationship with God.

Ancient Near East Covenant Example Handout, click here

For Class Handout, click here

Part 5 The New Covenant
Jesus, Our Bridegroom

The Hebrew Bible employs a metaphor of marriage to depict the relationship between God and Israel. In this analogy, God assumes the role of the faithful and true husband, while Israel is portrayed as an unfaithful bride.

This symbolic union is initially forged at Mount Sinai, and it's noteworthy that the prophets consistently employ marital language to underscore the profound intimacy of this unique connection.

Furthermore, marriage serves as a metaphor for redemption, illustrating that God's redemptive plan ultimately culminates in humanity dwelling intimately within God's presence.

In the New Testament, this marriage/redemption metaphor is seamlessly continued, with Jesus taking on the role of the bridegroom.

Throughout the New Testament, this marriage/redemption imagery is recurrently employed to convey God's expansive cosmic plan.

We invite you to join us in exploring this intricate metaphor and discovering how Jesus, as the awaited bridegroom, is the one who will lead us to be with Him.

For Class Handout, click here

The Father's House
A  Cultural Metaphor for Redemption

This short lesson is part of our Fig Tree Five series but is useful for understanding the cultural metaphor that the Bible uses for redemption.
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The Bible conveys a message of Redemption, and within its pages, God unfolds His plan to redeem the world.

But how does God communicate this plan of redemption to His people?

He employs straightforward cultural metaphors that resonate with everyone.

One such metaphor is "The Father's House," which serves as a vivid expression of His redemptive plan.

Come, join us, as we delve into this remarkable metaphor and explore its profound significance.