The kingdom of God as it existed in Eden prior to the fall has often been identified as being governed by a covenant, established between the Creator God and Adam, usually known as the covenant of works, or the covenant of creation. (1) Though "covenant" isn't mentioned in the text of Genesis 1 to 3, the Scriptures later use this very language to describe that arrangement. (2) More importantly, the substance of a covenantal arrangement is present in the account. The relationship between God and man was established through divine words and acts of commitment. These include both the creative word itself (1:3ff.), as well as the clear commands to rule the earth, cultivate the Garden, and abstain from eating the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (1:28, 2:15ff.). The sanction of death on the basis of disobedience (2:17) is an explicitly stated curse, with an implied promise of continued life based on obedience. What's more, there is even a strong implication of a greater reward of confirmation unto eternal life. (3)
It is essential to grasp that the covenant of creation was fundamentally informed by the principle of works: "Do this and you shall live!" (Lev. 18:5). Whether it resulted in blessing or curse depended entirely upon Adam's obedience, God promising only to mete out the just reward. This conditionality is the primary hallmark of works covenants.
2 [ Back ] Most notably in Isa. 24:5 and Hos. 6:7: "But like Adam they have transgressed the covenant; there they have dealt treacherously against me." Both of these texts are contested. Also, Jer. 31:35-37 taken in conjunction with 33:20-21 seems to suggest that God's creative fiat was inherently covenantal, implying a pledge to sustain the creation order. It is important to note that the Scriptures give us a precedent for describing such a similarly unnamed arrangement as a covenant in the case of God's promise to David in 2 Sam. 2:7 (referred to as a covenant in 2 Sam. 23:5 and Ps. 89:3).
3 [ Back ] The fact that man is created in the image of God implies that he like his Creator will consummate his works and enter the promised blessing of Sabbath rest (1:26, 2:3). The presence of the Tree of Life further suggests a blessed goal of confirmation in righteousness (2:9, 3:22).
