Written by Paul J Bucknell on February, 16, 2024
CCW01 A Brief Introduction to the Covenant of Works
Section 1 here introduces the Covenant of Works, while Section 2 presents evidence against the Covenant of Works. The last section explores alternative biblical themes that provide deeper insights into Genesis 1-3, especially 2:15-17. These models better highlight the dangers and benefits of theological frameworks.
An Introduction to the Covenant of Works
Covenant Theology describes God’s treatment of mankind in two stages. The first brief “age,” known as the Covenant of Works made with Adam and Eve (i.e., Edenic Covenant), promptly ended due to sin. The second stage is the Covenant of Grace, which continues because of God’s gracious dealings with His people despite their disobedience and failures.
This Reformed teaching of the Covenant of Works is a theological construct based on Genesis 2:16-17, the first of numerous covenants. God uses these covenants to display and record His faithful dealings with His people throughout time. The Westminster Confession of Faith summarizes the Covenant of Works:
“The first covenant made with man was a covenant of works, wherein life was promised to Adam; and in him to his posterity, upon condition of perfect and personal obedience” (1).
“In this covenant, God offered the reward of life for Adam and those whom he represented, if Adam rendered perfect obedience to the law.” (2)
The teaching of the Covenant of Works and its doctrine first appeared after the Reformation (though some suggest it was believed earlier).
“The history of the doctrine of the covenant of works is comparatively brief. In the writings of the early Church Fathers the covenant of works idea is seldom found at all…” (Systematic Theology by L. Berkhof, p. 211.)
“Though covenant theology has been around for millennia, it finds its more refined and systematic formulation in the Protestant Reformation.” (3)
Genesis 2:16-17’s message is clear. God’s command forbids them to eat the fruit from The Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. A dire warning of death follows disobedience. However, this theological construct of the Scriptures, the Covenant of Works, lacks solid support. The following section uncovers a large number of its weaknesses.
1. A Brief Introduction to the Covenant of Works
2. Evidence Against the Covenant of Works (1-9) (10/10)
3. Five Alternate Biblical Themes for Genesis 2:15-17 (1-2) (3-5)
