promise was “life” (Matthew 19:16, 17; Galatians 3:12). (3.) The
condition was perfect obedience to the law, the test in this case being
abstaining from eating the fruit of the “tree of knowledge,” etc. (4.) The
penalty was death (Genesis 2:16, 17).
This covenant is also called a covenant of nature, as made with man in his
natural or unfallen state; a covenant of life, because “life” was the promise
attached to obedience; and a legal covenant, because it demanded perfect
obedience to the law.
The “tree of life” was the outward sign and seal of that life which was
promised in the covenant, and hence it is usually called the seal of that
covenant.
This covenant is abrogated under the gospel, inasmuch as Christ has
fulfilled all its conditions in behalf of his people, and now offers salvation
on the condition of faith. It is still in force, however, as it rests on the
immutable justice of God, and is binding on all who have not fled to Christ
and accepted his righteousness.
CONVENANT OF GRACE, the eternal plan of redemption entered into
by the three persons of the Godhead, and carried out by them in its several
parts. In it the Father represented the Godhead in its indivisible
sovereignty, and the Son his people as their surety (John 17:4, 6, 9; Isaiah
42:6; Psalm 89:3).
The conditions of this covenant were, (1.) On the part of the Father (a) all
needful preparation to the Son for the accomplishment of his work
(Hebrews 10:5; Isaiah 42:1-7); (b) support in the work (Luke 22:43); and
(c) a glorious reward in the exaltation of Christ when his work was done
(Phil. 2:6-11), his investiture with universal dominion (John 5:22; Psalm
110:1), his having the administration of the covenant committed into his
hands (Matthew 28:18; John 1:12; 17:2; Acts 2:33), and in the final
salvation of all his people (Isaiah 35:10; 53:10, 11; Jeremiah 31:33; Titus
1:2). (2.) On the part of the Son the conditions were (a) his becoming
incarnate (Galatians 4:4, 5); and (b) as the second Adam his representing
all his people, assuming their place and undertaking all their obligations
under the violated covenant of works; (c) obeying the law (Psalm 40:8;
Isaiah 42:21; John 9:4, 5), and (d) suffering its penalty (Isaiah 53; 2
Corinthians 5:21; Galatians 3:13), in their stead.