Biblical Covenants, Prophets, and Salvation History

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering the biblical covenants, their symbols and conditions, prophetic traditions, salvation history, and the Babylonian Exile.

Covenant

An everlasting, sacred promise or agreement between God and God's people that creates a relationship with rights and responsibilities.

Conditional Covenant

A two-way agreement that includes terms and rules that must be followed.

Unconditional Covenant

A one-way agreement that has no rules, made by God regardless of what humans do.

Covenant with Noah

An unconditional covenant between God, Noah, and all living creatures in which God promises never again to destroy the earth by global floods, showing God's care for all of creation.

Rainbow

The symbol of God's covenant with Noah and all living creatures.

Covenant with Abraham

A mostly unconditional covenant where God promises land, descendants, a "great nation" blessing, and that all nations will be blessed; in response, Abraham leaves his home and trusts God.

Circumcision

The physical symbol of the covenant established between God and Abraham.

Covenant with Moses

A conditional covenant between God and the Israelites where God promises to be their God and make Israel His chosen people, under the condition that they obey His commands and laws ("If you obey my commands, you will be my people").

The Law

The symbol of the conditional covenant between God and the Israelites through Moses.

Covenant with David

An unconditional covenant between God and King David promising that David's kingdom and dynasty will last forever, and a future king from his line will reign eternally; Christians believe this is fulfilled in Jesus.

The Davidic Throne

The symbol associated with God's unconditional covenant with King David.

New Covenant (Jeremiah)

A covenant promising that God will write His laws on people's hearts, forgive sins, and establish a personal, closer relationship with His people; Christians believe this is fulfilled through Jesus.

NAM DJ

A mnemonic representing the chronological order of the covenants: Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, and Jesus.

Expanding Covenants

The theological framework showing the expanding scope of God's covenants over time: Noah (all creation), Abraham (family/descendants), Moses (Nation of Israel), David (Kingdom of Israel), and Jesus (all humanity).

Salvation History

The overarching story of God's relationship with humanity that explains how God guides, protects, and reveals His promises and plan to save humanity through covenants and prophets.

Prophet

Someone who spreads the word and will of God in their specific situation by delivering God's message, warning people when they turn away, encouraging faith in God's plans, and reminding people of God's covenants.

Biblical Prophets

Important Old Testament messengers named in the notes, including Elijah, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Moses.

Modern Prophets

Figures who perform the role of regular prophets by speaking truth and justice (such as Martin Luther King Jr., Mother Teressa, and Malala Yousafzai) but do not directly receive messages from God like biblical prophets.

Babylonian Exile

The historical event occurring around 586 BCE when Babylon conquered Jerusalem, destroyed the temple, and forced many Israelites into Babylon after they broke their covenant by turning away from God.