On this Black Friday, I hope you are finding a few good deals and remembering God’s good news—that we who live in the land of ephemeral abundance are promised a great abundant life in Christ.

On Sunday, we will begin this season of Advent by seeing the way Genesis 2:15–17 explains the gospel to us. While salvation is promised to all those who truly believe on Christ, the Word of God says more. It explains to us how God the Son Incarnate can take the place of another in death, so that by union with him we have assurance of eternal life. Yet, understanding the logic gospel requires a basic knowledge of biblical covenants. And that is what Genesis 2 gives.

So far in Genesis 1–2, our focus has been on creation. Yet, this Sunday we will turn to the idea of covenant. Indeed, our salvation comes by way of Christ’s new covenant. But we can only understand how this covenant of grace “works” if we go back to the beginning to God’s covenant of works with Adam. To that end, we will begin this season of Advent in Genesis 2.

This Sunday we will look at Genesis 2:15–17. Next Sunday we will consider Genesis 2:18–25 before turning to Luke 1 for the rest of December.

To prepare for Sunday, pray for our gathering and read Genesis 2, as well as Romans 5. You may also find reading Numbers 3:1–13 helpful, as it provides the key to understanding the commands to Adam—"to work and keep" or “to serve and guard.” In all, we have much to celebrate this holiday season, and this begins by marveling at the way God makes and keeps covenants with sinners like us.

As the Lord allows, I look forward to seeing you Sunday.

For His Glory and your joy in Christ,

Pastor David

Discussion & Response Questions (Genesis 2:15–17)

What is the main point of Genesis 2:15–17?

How do we know that Adam is a priest? That Eden is a Sacred Garden? That these verses a covenant?

What is a covenant?

Do you need to *understand* covenants to be saved? (Hint: no) Then why does understanding covenants matter?

What is the covenant of works? (Also called the covenant with creation, or covenant with Adam)

What is the relationship between creation and covenant?

What is the relationship between covenant of works and the new covenant (covenant of grace)?

How does understanding Genesis 1–2 in covenant terms help us understand the gospel?

What else do we learn in Genesis 2:15–17 about God? Mankind? And God’s relationship with humanity?

Has your reading of the Bible changed since beginning this series in Genesis? If so, how? What do you see now that, perhaps, you didn’t before?

How do “new eyes” help you walk more carefully before the Lord?