The Adamic Covenant conditions the life of fallen man–conditions which must remain till, in the kingdom age, “the creation also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the sons of God” (Romans 8:21). The elements of the Adamic Covenant are:
(1) The serpent, Satan’s tool, is cursed (Genesis 3:14), and becomes God’s illustration in nature of the effects of sin–from the most beautiful and subtle of creatures to a loathsome reptile! The deepest mystery of the atonement is intimated here. Christ, “made sin for us,” in bearing our judgment, is typified by the brazen serpent (Numbers 21:5-9; John 3:14; 2 Corinthians 5:21). Brass speaks of judgment–in the brazen altar, of God’s judgment, and in the laver, of self-judgment.
(2) The first promise of a Redeemer (Genesis 3:15). Here begins the “Highway of the Seed,” Abel, Seth, Noah Genesis 6:8-10, Shem (Genesis 9:26-27) Abraham (Genesis 12:1-4), Isaac (Genesis 17:19-21) Jacob (Genesis 28:10-14), Judah (Genesis 49:10), David (2 Samuel 7:5-17) Immanuel-Christ (Isaiah 7:9-14; Matthew 1:1,20-23; 1 John 3:8; John 12:31).
(3) The changed state of the woman (Genesis 3:16). In three particulars:
(a) Multiplied conception;
(b) motherhood linked with sorrow;
(c) the headship of the man (Genesis 1:26-27) The entrance of sin, which is disorder, makes necessary a headship, and it is vested in man (1 Timothy 2:11-14; Ephesians 5:22-25; 1 Corinthians 11:7-9).
(4) The earth cursed (Genesis 3:17) for man’s sake. It is better for fallen man to battle with a reluctant earth than to live without toil.
(5) The inevitable sorrow of life (Genesis 3:17).
(6) The light occupation of Eden (Genesis 2:15) changed to burdensome labour (Genesis 3:18-19).
(7) Physical death (Genesis 2:17; 3:19; Romans 5:12-21)
(Scofield)
Image courtesy of Jeff Jacobs
