Podcast Summary: Renewing Your Mind – Episode: The Covenant of Works
Introduction
In the March 11, 2025 episode of Renewing Your Mind, hosted by Ligonier Ministries, listeners are guided through an in-depth exploration of the Covenant of Works as part of a three-day study on Covenant Theology. The episode features insightful teachings by Dr. J.V. Fesco and contributions from Nathan W. Bingham, aiming to deepen Christians' understanding of biblical covenants and their implications for faith and salvation.
Historical Origins of the Covenant of Works
Dr. J.V. Fesco begins by addressing the historical context of the Covenant of Works, highlighting its absence in the initial chapters of Genesis. He explains that while the term "covenant" doesn't appear in Genesis 1-3, the elements of a covenant are present implicitly. Drawing parallels from early theological writings, Dr. Fesco references the Wisdom of Ben Sirach (14:17), which interprets Genesis 2:16-17 as establishing a covenant:
“The covenant from the beginning is, you shall die the death.”
(00:42)
He notes that early church theologians like St. Augustine interpreted these passages as indicative of a covenant between God and Adam. Furthermore, Dr. Fesco points out that 17th-century confessional documents, including the Westminster Confession of Faith (1647) and the Savoy Declaration (1658), affirm the existence of this covenant, underscoring its foundational role in Reformed theology.
Scriptural Evidence for the Covenant of Works
Transitioning to the biblical evidence, Dr. Fesco emphasizes a dual-focused approach, examining both the immediate context of Genesis 1:3 and the broader scriptural narrative. He elaborates on how various elements within Genesis hint at a covenantal framework:
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Commands and Blessings: God’s directives to Adam and Eve, such as “Be fruitful and multiply” (Genesis 1:28) and the prohibition against eating from the Tree of Knowledge (Genesis 2:16-17), mirror the stipulations of a covenant, incorporating both blessings and curses.
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Covenantal Language: The repetitive use of commands starting with “you shall not” echoes the Mosaic Law, familiar to Israelites. Dr. Fesco notes, “They sound like the commands of the Mosaic covenant...” (10:30)
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Covenant Signs: The Tree of Life and the Tree of Knowledge serve as physical signs or sacraments of the covenant, symbolizing God’s promises and the consequences of disobedience.
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Invocation of God’s Name: The frequent mention of God’s covenantal name in Genesis 2-3 further reinforces the presence of a covenantal relationship, akin to later covenants established with figures like Moses.
Dr. Fesco also references Hosea 6:7 and Romans 5:19 to illustrate how scripture consistently views Adam’s actions as a covenantal transgression:
“For as by the one man's disobedience, the many were made sinners...”
(00:42)
Doctrine of the Covenant of Works
Delving deeper, Dr. Fesco outlines the doctrine of the Covenant of Works, structured around key doctrinal points:
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Parties of the Covenant:
- The covenant was established between the triune God and Adam, who acted as the federal head representing humanity.
“God and Adam are the two parties of this covenant.”
(17:15) -
Conditions of the Covenant:
- Obedience: Adam was required to obey God’s commands perfectly and perpetually. This included duties like tending the garden and refraining from eating the forbidden fruit.
- Penalty for Disobedience: Failure to uphold these conditions resulted in death, both physical and spiritual.
“Upon rendering perfect obedience to God's commands, he would give to him and to his offspring eternal life.”
(08:30) -
Blessings and Curses:
- Blessing: Eternity-long life was promised upon perfect obedience.
- Curse: Disobedience led to death and exile from God's presence.
Dr. Fesco summarizes this succinctly with a biblical quote:
“You have done foolishly. You have not kept the command of the Lord your God... your kingdom shall not continue.”
(24:19) -
Covenant Signs:
- The Tree of Life and the Tree of Knowledge are identified as the covenant’s visual signs, representing God’s promises and the dire consequences of breaking the covenant.
Notable Quotes
Throughout the episode, both Dr. Fesco and Nathan W. Bingham provide memorable insights, supported by scripture and theological reflection. Here are some key quotes:
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Dr. J.V. Fesco:
“The covenant from the beginning is, you shall die the death.”
(00:42)“An Israelite would hear, you shall not eat. And it would ring familiar to them. They would say, I've heard this kind of prohibition... It sounds like the law of the covenant.”
(15:45)“Romans 5:18...one man's disobedience, the many were constituted sinners...”
(20:10) -
Nathan W. Bingham:
“When we understand what took place in the Garden of Eden and the covenant that Adam broke, it helps us understand our need for a savior and what Jesus did to secure salvation.”
(01:49)“Stretches his arms and bleeds and dies. What a great line from Isaac Watts.”
(24:19)
Conclusion
Dr. Fesco concludes the episode by summarizing the Covenant of Works, drawing parallels to Samuel’s rebuke of Saul and referencing Isaac Watts’s hymn:
“Adam our father and our head transgressed and justice doomed us dead... The Son of God takes Adam's place down to our world.”
(24:19)
He sets the stage for the next lecture, which will focus on the Covenant of Grace and Jesus’s role as the "last Adam." Nathan W. Bingham wraps up by encouraging listeners to engage with the full series and supporting materials offered by Ligonier Ministries.
Final Thoughts
This episode of Renewing Your Mind offers a thorough examination of the Covenant of Works, blending historical theology with scriptural exegesis. By understanding Adam’s covenantal role and its implications for humanity’s need for redemption, listeners gain a clearer perspective on the foundational aspects of Christian doctrine and the transformative work of Christ.
For those seeking to deepen their theological knowledge, this episode provides a comprehensive and accessible exploration of complex theological concepts, enriched by authoritative sources and thoughtful analysis.