Covenant and Commitment

Genesis 6:18–21 (NASB95) 

18“But I will establish My covenant with you; and you shall enter the ark—you and your sons and your wife, and your sons’ wives with you. 19“And of every living thing of all flesh, you shall bring two of every kind into the ark, to keep them alive with you; they shall be male and female. 20“Of the birds after their kind, and of the animals after their kind, of every creeping thing of the ground after its kind, two of every kind will come to you to keep them alive. 21“As for you, take for yourself some of all food which is edible, and gather it to yourself; and it shall be for food for you and for them.” 

The concept of covenant is one of the most important themes in the Bible. Genesis 6:18-21 introduces the first explicit use of the Hebrew word for covenant, bĕrît. A covenant is a binding relationship between two parties that involves promises and obligations on both sides. God initiates the covenant with Noah, promising to save him and his family from the coming flood. However, Noah must also obey God’s instructions by building the ark and gathering the animals. This mutual responsibility shows that covenant is not a one-sided agreement but a partnership based on trust and obedience. 

The covenant with Noah sets a pattern for all later biblical covenants. It prepares us for the Abrahamic covenant, where God promises to bless a chosen people; the Mosaic covenant, which gives the law; the Davidic covenant, which establishes a royal line; and ultimately the new covenant through Christ, which brings salvation to all who believe. Each covenant builds on the foundation of God’s faithful commitment and human response. 

It is important to note that the Noahic covenant is mentioned here but is not formally ratified until Genesis 9. The initial promise reassures Noah amid the coming judgment, while the later ratification confirms the covenant with clear terms and a visible sign. This unfolding shows how God’s promises are sure and how He involves His people in His redemptive plan.  

Understanding covenant helps the church grasp the nature of our relationship with God. Like Noah, believers are called to respond in faith and obedience to God’s promises. Covenant reminds us that God is faithful and that our commitment matters. The church today must emphasize both God’s grace and the call to live obediently. This balance encourages believers to trust God’s promises while actively participating in His mission. Covenant shapes our identity as God’s people and calls us to live in covenant community, reflecting God’s faithfulness to the world.