The Reformation

Abstract

This chapter surveys the Reformation views by first tracing the patristic and medieval origins of the doctrine of the covenant of works. It shows that the idea of an Adamic covenant was not an invention of the sixteenth century but has origins in inter-testamental Judaism, which Christian theologians such as St. Augustine picked up. It also originated from translations of Hosea 6:7. It also explores the doctrine’s advocates among sixteenth-century Roman Catholic theologians and then key Reformed theologians. The chapter shows that key building blocks of the doctrine were present in first generation reformers that later developed into the covenant of works. The later tradition did not, therefore, deviate from the earlier tradition but built upon ideas that were originally present.