Refuting The Covenant of Works

The Bible teaches two major covenants regarding God's relation to man: The Old Covenant (also known as the Mosaic Covenant) and the New Covenant in Christ. Covenant Theology, on the other hand, teaches three major covenants (none of which are the two the Bible presents). While Covenant Theology's Covenant of Redemption, Covenant of Works, and Covenant of Grace may have many truthful elements contained in their teaching; they also contain many assumptions forced upon the text. In this message, the idea of a Pre-Fall Covenant of Works made with Adam is refuted. Contrary to the teaching of Covenant Theology, Adam was not promised eternal life for perfect obedience. While God did threaten Adam with death if he disobeyed, the promise of eternal life was never presented by God. Salvation for anyone, including Adam, is by God's grace alone. Even in his sinless condition Adam was still dependent on God for all things. And to teach that any man at any time might have obtained eternal life by works is to subtly distort the origins of the doctrines of grace and the gospel of Christ.