The Big Idea of the Bible

1. The Big Idea of the Bible A Look at the Covenants

2. The Big Questions What is God�s primary purpose for the world as revealed in Scripture? What main themes tie the entire Bible together?

3. The Big Idea God desires to glorify Himself by establishing His kingdom on earth through human representation.

4. The Big Idea Progressive Revelation: God�s plan (the Big Idea) for the world is revealed in stages throughout the Bible rather than all at one time.

5. The Big Idea Covenant: A formal agreement between two parties (e.g. God and Israel), often ratified by an oath or a contract.

6. The Big Idea Four major biblical covenants: 1. Abrahamic (Genesis 12:1-3; 15:1-21). 2. Mosaic (Exodus 19-24). 3. Davidic (2 Samuel 7:12-16). 4. New (Jeremiah 31:31-40).

7. Abrahamic Covenant God�s Promises to Abraham: 1. Land 2. Descendants (seed) 3. Blessing the nations

8. Abrahamic Covenant This covenant is: -Between Abraham and God. -Unconditional. -Unilateral (fulfillment is God�s responsibility alone). -Eternal (Gen 17:7).

9. Abrahamic Covenant Q: How does the covenant relate to Jesus? A: Jesus is the means by which the covenant becomes a blessing to the nations (Galatians 3:12-14).

10. Mosaic Covenant This covenant is: -Between God and Israel. -Conditional. -Bilateral (God and Israel both have obligations). -Indefinite (no defined ending point).

11. Mosaic Covenant Q: How does this covenant relate to the Abrahamic covenant? A: It gives individual people and generations the means of participating in the Abrahamic covenant.

12. Mosaic Covenant Q: How does this covenant relate to Jesus? A: -It foreshadows His coming by showing the need for a Savior (Gal 3:24). -It foreshadows Christ�s sacrificial death to pay for sin.

13. Mosaic Covenant Weaknesses of this covenant: 1. It does not provide justification, only temporary restoration (Heb 10:1-4). 2. It does not provide enablement for holiness (Gal 3:21).

14. Davidic Covenant This covenant is: -Between God and David. -Unconditional. -Unilateral. -Eternal.

15. Davidic Covenant Promises of the covenant: 1. House (descendants) 2. Throne (right to rule) 3. Kingdom (country or land)

16. Davidic Covenant Q: How does it relate to the Abrahamic covenant? A: Narrows the scope of the �seed� promise to one particular person.

17. Davidic Covenant Q: How does it relate to the Mosaic covenant? A: Individual descendants of David were disqualified because of their disobedience to the Law (2 Chronicles 7:17-22).

18. Davidic Covenant Q: How does it relate to Jesus? A: Jesus is the promised king (�Messiah�) of David�s line. The promises will be fulfilled through Him (Lk. 1:32; Mt. 11:2-6).

19. New Covenant This covenant is: -Between God and Israel. -Unconditional. -Unilateral. -Eternal.

20. New Covenant Covenant Promises -Renewed mind and heart. -Forgiveness of sin. -Indwelling of the Holy Spirit. -Israel will inherit the land.

21. New Covenant Q: How does it relate to previous covenants? A: Provides a way for the nation to participate in the promises of the Abrahamic covenant apart from the Law.

22. New Covenant Q: How does it relate to Jesus? A: Jesus� blood ratified the covenant and was the basis for God�s acceptance of us (Lk 22:20).

23. New Covenant Q: How does it relate to us as Christians? A: -We have a down payment of the promised Spirit (Eph 1:13-14). -We benefit from the covenant through Jesus Christ.

24. Applications 1. Praise God for His wisdom in establishing His plans. 2. Thank God for allowing the Gentiles to receive salvation 3. Share the message of the Bible with those who have not heard.