How many major covenants are there in the Bible?+
There are typically five major biblical covenants: the Noahic covenant (Genesis 9), the Abrahamic covenant (Genesis 17), the Mosaic covenant (Exodus 19-20), the Davidic covenant (2 Samuel 7), and the new covenant (Jeremiah 31 and fulfilled in Christ). Some scholars also include the Edenic covenant (Genesis 2) as a sixth, depending on their theological framework.
What is the difference between a conditional and unconditional covenant?+
A conditional covenant has requirements that must be fulfilled for the covenant to remain in effect—such as the Mosaic covenant, which depended on Israel's obedience to God's law. An unconditional covenant is not dependent on human performance, such as God's promise to Abraham that his descendants would inherit the land, or God's promise to David that his line would continue forever. The new covenant in Christ is also unconditional in terms of its provision, though it requires faith to receive its benefits.
How does the new covenant relate to the old covenant?+
The new covenant fulfills and supersedes the old covenant while perfecting God's plan of redemption. Rather than replacing Scripture, Jesus Christ as the Mediator of the new covenant fulfills the law's requirements (which pointed to Him through sacrifices and prophecies) and offers salvation through grace rather than works. The old covenant's ceremonial and judicial laws were fulfilled in Christ, while the moral law reflects God's eternal character and principles for righteous living.