RS 401 LESSON 1

The Biblical Foundation of the Church

UNIT 1: Lesson 1 - God’s Covenant

Opening Prayer

  • Reference: 1 Corinthians 10:13"No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear..."

The Concept of Promise

  • Element of a promise that fulfills its meaning and purpose: Commitment

    • Abraham Lincoln states that commitment is what transforms a promise into reality.

  • "God never forgets a promise He made." - Blair Linne

Overview of God's Covenant

  • The biblical foundation can be traced from the Old Testament to Jesus Christ in the New Testament.

  • Importance of God's relationship with His people and the theological relevance of the Covenant.

  • God's promise of salvation fulfilled through Christ and the Church.

Definition of Covenant

  • Etymology: The word "covenant" derives from the Hebrew word berit, meaning an agreement or legal contract between kins.

  • Biblical Conception:

    • More than a legal agreement; mutual agreement between God and man.

    • A gift of God's love.

    • Creative act of God's love.

Types of Covenants in the Bible

  • Old Testament Covenants:

    • Noahite, Abrahamic, Mosaic

  • New Testament Covenant: Jesus Christ as the new covenant.

Covenant with Noah

  • God promises: "never again shall the world be destroyed by flood."

  • Sign of this promise: Rainbow.

  • Reference: Genesis 9:8-17.

Covenant between God and Abraham

  1. To create a great nation: Fulfilled in Moses and Israel.

  2. To establish a great kingdom: Initial fulfillment in David.

  3. Universal blessing to all nations: Fulfilled in Jesus Christ, restoring the kingdom through the Catholic Church.

  • Reference: Genesis 17:4-8.

The Mosaic Covenant

  • Establishment of Israel as God's people post-Egyptian slavery.

  • Given the law (10 Commandments) through Moses to recognize and serve the one true God.

  • Reference: CCC no. 62.

Consequences of God's Covenant

  • Despite God's goodness, the Israelites often succumbed to failures and unfaithfulness.

  • Pagan worship practices led to God's anger and consequences as described in Judges 2:11-15.

    • Key points: Idolatry, consequences of forsaking God, Divine judgment.

Personal Reflection Activity

  1. Describe a personal event where your faith was tested and its impact on your spirituality.

  2. Compose a personal covenant with God.

  3. For non-believers: Consider ways to rebuild a relationship with God.