What Is Covenant?

The word "covenant" simply means "agreement" or "solemn agreement". We don't hear it much in everyday English - its use is restricted to the Church and to the Law. If you sell a house and there are conditions on its sale then a "covenant" or agreement to this effect will be added to the legal contract. In Church we use the word Covenant to mean the solemn agreement between God and his people. The first such agreement is found in the book of Genesis and was made by God to Noah. We read in Genesis 9:8-18: