Regardless of how many covenants there appears to be in Scripture, which will be determined by your own theological position, there is a tendency to try and think of the different covenants as being distinct and separate from each as each is unfolded in the biblical historical account. There are really only two covenants in Scripture. The covenant of works (Genesis 2:15) which implies “Do this (obey) and live” and the covenant of grace “Live and do this” which is seen in the proto euangelion statement of Genesis 3:15. Man failed to keep the covenant of works by his disobedience and so the covenant of grace is inaugurated in the Noahic covenant and unfolded throughout biblical history in the different administrations of the covenant of grace. Those of a dispensational theological position would call these the different dispensations of covenantal history and in a sense there are different dispensations, but a better way to understand it may be to refer to administrations of the covenant of grace. Each covenant declaration is an unfolding and expanding progression, pointing forward (through the prophets) to a future event that will be the culminative point in history which will dispense with the need for any more covenantal revelation. The incarnation of God the Son (His initial coming) is the fulfillment of the covenant of grace and the second coming of Christ is the consummation or full realization of that covenant.
This may be a rather simplistic explanation and there is much discussion on the subject about how we understand the different “Dispensations” or administrations of covenant theology. Suffice to say in conclusion.
Jesus Christ fulfills the demands of the covenant of works by his active obedience to the law as the second Adam in his sinless perfection, and his passive obedience to the penalty of the law as the propitiationary atonement for sin as the spotless Passover Lamb. All covenantal stipulations are fully met by him. Covenant rewards are won by him because of his obedience. Covenant curses are visited on him as the substitutionary atoning sacrifice in the place of covenant breakers. He is the great covenant keeper; in fact He is the only covenant keeper!
Sometimes simple is good as in this case. This is one of the best, succient explanations I have read.
Two covenants: works and grace. That's all.
Well said. Thank you.