The destiny of the human race will be determined and decided on the basis of performance.

In the final analysis, we see that we are saved by works.

The covenant of works refers to the original situation in which Adam and Eve are created,

where they are placed in a probationary state, where God gives them certain commands, stipulations, gives them certain promises.

What is held before Adam and Eve is the promise of everlasting life, and that is indicated

or symbolized by the tree of life in the Garden of Eden.

And yet at the same time, there are stipulations.

And the main stipulation is that they are not to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

And so what we find in that covenant of works is this, that the destiny of the human

race will be determined and decided on the basis of performance, on the basis of the work

of Adam and Eve with respect to their obedience or disobedience to the terms

of the covenant.

If they pass the probation, if they are obedient, if their works are good, then they enter

into their eternal state of blessedness. If they fail

to conform to the terms of that covenant, then they will die and they, along with their descendants,

will be plunged into ruin.

So that the whole basis for the relationship with God and human beings is established here

on the basis of works.

And what we read, of course, in Scripture is that Adam and Eve miserably failed that test, that

probation.

They violated that agreement and the terms and stipulations of the covenant, and as a result

of that, plunge the world into ruin.

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