The kingdom of God as it existed in Eden prior to the fall has often been identified as being governed by a covenant, established between the Creator God and Adam, usually known as the covenant of works, or the covenant of creation. (1) Though “covenant” isn’t mentioned in the text of Genesis 1 to 3, the Scriptures later use this very language to describe that arrangement. (2) More importantly, the substance of a covenantal arrangement is present in the account. The relationship between God and man was established through divine words and acts of commitment. These include both the creative word itself (1:3ff.), as well as the clear commands to rule the earth, cultivate the Garden, and abstain from eating the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (1:28, 2:15ff.). The sanction of death on the basis of disobedience (2:17) is an explicitly stated curse, with an implied promise of continued life based on obedience. What’s more, there is even a strong implication of a greater reward of confirmation unto eternal life. (3)
It is essential to grasp that the covenant of creation was fundamentally informed by the principle of works: “Do this and you shall live!” (Lev. 18:5). Whether it resulted in blessing or curse depended entirely upon Adam’s obedience, God promising only to mete out the just reward. This conditionality is the primary hallmark of works covenants.
