The Original State Of Adam: Tensions Within Reformed Theology

Abstract

up much of what being Reformed is all about.’ 1 Over against the Lutheran and Radical reformational movements of the sixteenth century the Reformed tradition developed its theological system and methodology in accordance with the biblical doctrine of the covenant. Throughout the course of history, redemptive and pre-redemptive, God sovereignly administered his kingdom by means of the covenants. This study of the original state of Adam considers one aspect of the doctrine of creation, namely, God’s covenant with Adam, what traditionally became known as the Covenant of Works. Implicit in our treatment of the biblical doctrines of creation and covenant is adherence to the historicity of the events recorded in the first three chapters of Genesis. 2 The purpose of this article is to analyse and evaluate Reformed interpretations of Adam’s original state in creation in light of the present-day debate within Calvinism. Special attention will be given to the subject of biblical eschatology, (in its widest meaning, not just end-time events) in relation to the doctrine of creation. We will argue in favour of the so-called ‘organic’ conception of covenant, which takes into consideration the eschatological [p.292] design of Adam’s creation in the image of God. As type of the one to come, Adam would receive the approbation of God upon his successful completion of the probationary test. The ground for covenant blessing was faithful compliance with the legal obligations made known to Adam through natural and supernatural revelation. The reward included confirmation in original righteousness and eventual glorification (upon fulfilment of the historical mandate given to our first parents to propagate the human race and to exercise dominion over all creation).