The Covenant of Works—Life upon Obedience (Chapter 7, Paragraph 2)

“Moreover, man having brought himself under the curse of the law by his fall…”

This refers back to what was established in Chapter 6: Adam’s disobedience brought guilt and corruption to all his descendants. The “curse of the law” is the just consequence for breaking God’s righteous commands (Gal. 3:10). We are not innocent bystanders. As those in Adam, we stand condemned.

“…it pleased the Lord to make a covenant of grace…”

Here is the contrast: God made a Covenant of Works with Adam, and after the fall, a Covenant of Grace with sinners. But this paragraph focuses first on what came before grace—God’s covenant with Adam in the garden. Though the term “Covenant of Works” is not explicitly used in the confession here, the concept is historically understood and affirmed by Reformed Baptists.

“…wherein He freely offereth unto sinners life and salvation by Jesus Christ…”

This phrase belongs to the next paragraph but hints at the contrast. Before Christ, there was Adam. Before grace, there was law. In Eden, God gave Adam a law and a promise—do this and live; disobey and die.

Now, returning to the original text of Paragraph 2 (focusing only on it, not on paragraph 3 yet):

“The first covenant made with man was a covenant of works…”

Here, the Confession plainly teaches what Scripture reveals: God made a Covenant of Works with Adam. Hosea 6:7 says, “Like Adam, they transgressed the covenant.” His obedience would have secured life; his disobedience brought death.

This covenant was not unjust—it was generous. Adam was created upright (Eccl. 7:29), placed in paradise, given dominion, and only one prohibition. He lacked nothing. God’s demand for obedience was not harsh but righteous.

“…wherein life was promised to Adam; and in him to his posterity…”

Here we see federal headship. Adam was not acting as a private individual, but as a representative. His success or failure would affect all who came after him. Paul affirms this in Romans 5:12–21. “By the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners” (Rom. 5:19a).

The promise of life was real. Had Adam obeyed perfectly, he would have confirmed righteousness, both for himself and for his offspring. But he fell—and in him, we all fell.

“…upon condition of perfect and personal obedience.”

This is the essence of the Covenant of Works: do this and live (cf. Lev. 18:5; Gal. 3:12). The obedience required was:

• Perfect – without flaw or failure

• Personal – not mediated by another

• Perpetual – always ongoing

Adam failed. He sinned. And now the way of law is closed to us for righteousness. “By works of the law no human being will be justified” (Rom. 3:20).

Application for the Believer:

Understanding the Covenant of Works helps us see the greatness of grace. We could never meet its demands—but Christ did. Where Adam failed, Jesus triumphed. He kept the law perfectly, personally, perpetually—and earned life for His people. Trust not in your performance but in Christ’s obedience. Marvel that the Judge became your Substitute. And let this truth move you to reverence: God does not lower His standards—He meets them in His Son. Because of Him, you are no longer in Adam but in Christ. Live now as a citizen of the new covenant—by grace, through faith, unto obedience.