Question 12

When God had Created Man, how did he deal with him?

He entred into a Covenant of life with him.

Wherein lies the nature of a Covenant?

It is a federal transaction, or a mutual stipulation or agreement between party and party, upon such and such terms, with reciprocal or mutual obligations each of the other.

What mean you by a Covenant of life?

A Covenant that contains such terms and conditions, by performance whereof mans life should be continued and preserved.

How many Covenants hath God made with man?

Two, the Covenant of Works, and the Covenant of Grace.

What is the tenor of the Covenant of works?

Obey and live.^a

What is the tenor of the Covenant of Grace?

Believe on the Lord Iesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.^b

By what other names are these two Covenants called?

The Old and the New.

Why was the first Covenant called the Covenant of works?

Because works (or perfect obedience) were the only condition of it.

Why the Old?

Because it was made of old with the first Adam, and doth not now remain in full force and vertue.

Could the first man have kept Gods Laws perfectly?

Yes, for God made him perfect with the Image of God shining gloriously in him.^c

What special command did God give him for the trial of his obedience?

He forbade him to eat of the Tree of the Knowledge of good and evil.

Why was the forbidden Tree called the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil?

From the effect of eating it, because thereby man came to know good and evil: Good by the loss of it, and Evil by the sense and smart of it.

Under what penalty was he forbidden this Tree?

Vpon pain of Death.^d