The God of Israel entered into a formal covenant with His people. The Bible is, besides a doctrinal, historical, and prophetic text is also a legal one. The Blessings and Cursings of Deuteronomy 28 show the dual-sided covenant: if Israel does this, God will fulfill such and such. And in Christianity, God gives the Holy Spirit to those who obey Him as well as eternal life. Baptism is a formal covenant agreement.
As I thought on these things, I began to wonder if any other religion has a legal covenant-based relationship with their God (based on grace and/or obedience). In end-times we see Judgment Day - a legal, court-room like situation.
I suppose one can make a Deal with the Devil, but repentance is the fine print which breaks the contract with the devil and puts one back into God's graces and is thus non-binding.
Is there any religion that has a similar legal and formal covenant relation written in stone i.e. sacred text with their God as Christianity has with its God? Or is the covenant with the God of Israel both in Old Testament and New Testament a unique thing in religion.
Asked by Katie Rose Müller
(209 rep)
Feb 18, 2025, 06:35 PM