 Restoring our broken relationship with God has been likened to restoring a broken marriage – it’s a difficult process.  The Protoevangelium or the “first gospel” narrates how there is “enmity” between the “woman” and the “serpent”(Gen. 3:15)  It can be interpreted in two ways: the literal sense and the spiritual sense.

“I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will strike your head, and you will strike his heel.”

 In this passage, the literal sense explains why serpents don’t get along with people; in the spiritual sense, it reveals to us God’s plan to send us a savior (See chart on page 75)  From the very beginning, God was already making a promise to rescue humanity from the damage caused by Satan’s deception.

 Unlike other ancient covenants, Israel’s covenants is with God, who is ever- faithful, and not to a stronger king who will protect them.  The covenants with Israel points us to God’s plan for humanity as revealed in the Paschal Mystery.

 Will never again send flood to kill life (Genesis 9:8-17).  It’s universal in nature

 God calls a Chosen People (Hebrews/Israelites/Jews) to be in a unique relationship with Him. They will have a special role in His plan.  God promises three things to Abraham: 1. The promise of descendants 2. Provide a land of their own 3. Abraham and his descendants will be a blessing to the nations.

 God asks Abraham and his descendant to commit to three things: 1. To walk with God 2. To be blameless 3. To practice circumcision as a mark of the covenant

 God reveals Himself (theophany) and summons Moses to the top of Mt. Sinai to renew the covenant He made with Abraham.  God gave Abraham a set of laws that the Israelites must follow as their part of the covenant (Ten Commandments). This is further spelled out in the rest of Exodus and Leviticus.  Covenant and Law became closely linked that breaking the law is equal to breaking the covenant. Eventually the first five books of the Bible became known as the Torah (the Law)

 King David wanted to build a Temple and a permanent dwelling for the Ark of the Covenant. His heir, Solomon will build it.  God promised to David that “your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me; your throne shall be established forever.” (Sam. 7:16) “house” – bloodline or direct line of descendants David’s kingdom will be divided and eventually destroyed. The prophecy was fulfilled, not in a worldly sense but through Jesus who is a descendant of David. Through Christ, God’s kingdom will endure forever.

 These covenants, although they point us to the right direction, does not in and of themselves fulfill God’s plan of salvation.  After the Fall of Jerusalem in 587 BC, people longed for a Messiah. And God revealed through the prophets how this is going to be fulfilled.  Jesus would come to fulfill the all the ancient prophecies.

 See page 82