Is the Covenant of Works biblical?

Is the covenant of works biblical? For many western Reformed theologians, this is an old question. But for a young thinker like the blogger, I find time to explore this question only just now.

And so I read several articles on the subject written by Dr. J. Faber, R. C. Sproul, Wayne Grudem, Charles Hodge, Robert L. Dabney, Louis Berkhof, John Murray, and Shane Lems. I realized that these Reformed thinkers are divided on the issue particularly wether its continuous use is really consistent to the teaching of the Bible. 

I am done reading Dr. Faber's article. However, I intend to continue my survey of the subject. And so before I proceed to R. C. Sproul's articles, I want to use as an introduction the article from Monergism, which answered this specific question. 

The article does not deny the absence of the term "covenant of works" to describe God's relationship with Adam in the Garden of Eden. However, the anonymous writer believes that the idea is indeed biblical, and this is for five reasons:

"First, creation itself is portrayed in the scriptures as existing in a covenantal relationship with God (Jeremiah 33:20-26); and if creation in general is established in covenant with God, how much more must the climactic figure of creation, the man created in God's own image, necessarily be in covenant with God from his very creation?"

"Second, the account of man's creation in Genesis very clearly displays all the elements that characterize later covenants."

Third, the existence of a sacrament considered as a covenant sign, the Tree of Life.

Fourth, if the translation of Hosea 6:7 is accepted, it is clearly indicated there that a covenant was made with Adam.

Finally, the most weighty arugument is Romans 5:12-21, which the apostle Paul clearly stated that both Adam and Christ are covenant head or representatives.

Concerning the elements of the covenant, the article identifies four. These are the preamble, stipulations, negative sanction for disobedience, and reward for obedience. 

Those who are stumbled by the use of the term "Covenant of Works," the articles states that they prefer to use other terms like “Covenant of Nature,” “Covenant of Life,” “Covenant of Creation,” and “Covenant of Eden”. 

Guide Questions:

1. In what sense can we say that the "covenant of works" is biblical?

2. Based on the Monergism article, what are the basis for the biblicality of the covenant of works?

3. What are the four elements of the covenant?

4. What other terms prefer by those who dislike the use of the term, "covenant of works"? 

The Covenant of Works by Dr. J. Faber Guide Questions

All these years I thought the covenant of works is an established doctrine within Reformed theology. However, as I study the subject, I just recently realized that the Reformed community is actually divided about the subject. Many have been challenging the biblicality of this doctrine. Read Dr. J. Faber's article and see a glimpse of this controversy. 

For those who will spend time to read Dr. Faber's article, I prepared six questions to assist in navigating its content:

1. Based on the Clarion quotation, what was the charge against Prof. Norman Shepherd? 

2. Briefly explain the theological basis of those who oppose the position of Dr. Shepherd.

3. According to Dr. Shepherd's critics, in what way did he reduce the contrast between the two covenants?

4. According to Dr. J. Faber, what is the position of Rev. C. Vonk in this controversy?

5. What is the position of Dr. J. Faber in this contention? 

6. Are you in favor of Prof. Shepherd's position as presented by Dr. J. Faber? How about Dr. J. Faber's position? Why?