| Covenant | Definition | Parties | Conditions | Outcome | Scripture References |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Covenant of Redemption | An eternal agreement within the Trinity to redeem a people through Christ's work as the mediator. | The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit | The Son's perfect obedience and sacrifice in fulfilling the Father's will. | Securing the salvation of the elect and glorifying God. | Ephesians 1:4-6, 2 Timothy 1:9, Titus 1:2 |
| Covenant of Works | God's arrangement with Adam as the federal head of humanity, requiring perfect obedience for eternal life. | God and Adam (and all humanity represented in him) | Perfect obedience to God's law (which Adam failed). | Condemnation upon Adam's disobedience, resulting in original sin. | Genesis 2:16-17, Romans 2:6-16, Romans 5:12-21 |
| Covenant of Grace | God's arrangement to redeem sinners through grace, mediated by Christ, administered through various dispensations. | God and the elect (through Christ as the mediator) | Faith in Christ and repentance, administered through covenants (e.g., Noahic, Abrahamic, Mosaic, Davidic, New Covenant). | Eternal life for believers through Christ's atoning work, culminating in the New Creation. | Genesis 3:15, Hebrews 8, Romans 4:13-25, Galatians 3 |
The chart outlines the three central covenants in Reformed theology, highlighting their distinct roles in God’s redemptive plan. The Covenant of Redemption is an eternal agreement within the Trinity, where the Father sends the Son to accomplish salvation for the elect. This covenant emphasizes Christ's perfect obedience to God's Law and atoning sacrifice as the foundation for the redemption of sinners, glorifying God in the process. It reflects passages such as Ephesians 1:4-6 and Titus 1:2, which underscore God's eternal purposes.
The Covenant of Works describes God’s initial arrangement with Adam, representing all humanity, which required perfect obedience to God's law for eternal life. Adam's disobedience brought sin and condemnation upon humanity (Genesis 2:16-17, Romans 5:12-21).
Following Adam's fall, the Covenant of Grace was established to redeem sinners. It is administered through various dispensations, from the protoevangelium in Genesis 3:15 to the New Covenant in Christ's blood, emphasizing salvation by faith and repentance through Christ’s atoning work. This covenant assures eternal life for believers, culminating in the restoration of creation and God’s glorification (Romans 4:13-25, Hebrews 8). Together, these covenants demonstrate God's justice, mercy, and faithfulness in fulfilling His redemptive purposes.
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