Study Reformed

Q12. What are the decrees of God?

God's decrees are the wise, free, and holy acts of the counsel of his will, whereby, from all eternity, he hath, for his own glory, unchangeably foreordained: Whatsoever comes to pass in time, especially concerning angels and men.

Proof texts

Eph. 1:11 — [11] In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will,
Rom. 9:14-15,18 — [14] What shall we say then? Is there injustice on God's part? By no means! [15] For he says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” [18] So then he has mercy on whomever he wills, and he hardens whomever he wills.
Rom. 11:33 — [33] Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!
Eph. 1:4,11 — [4] even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love [11] In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will,
Rom. 9:22-23 — [22] What if God, desiring to show his wrath and to make known his power, has endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction, [23] in order to make known the riches of his glory for vessels of mercy, which he has prepared beforehand for glory —
Ps. 33:11 — [11] The counsel of the LORD stands forever, the plans of his heart to all generations.

For discussion

The Assembly cited Eph. 1:11 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
6 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
WSC Q8 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
BC 5.1 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

Read alongside

WSC Q8 · BC 5.1 · CD 1.1

Leader's notes

A Body of Divinity (Thomas Ridgley): Quest. XII., XIII. QUEST. XII. What are the decrees of God? ANSW. God’s decrees are the wise, free, and holy acts of the counsel of his will; whereby, from all eternity, he hath, for his own glory, unchangeably fore-ordained whatsoever comes to pass in time; especially concerning angels and men. QUEST. XIII. What hath God especially decreed concerning angels and men? ANSW. God, by an eternal and immutable decree out of his mere love, for the praise of his glorious grace, to be manifested in due time, hath elected some angels to glory, and, in Christ, hath chosen some men to eternal life, and the means thereof; and also, according to his sovereign power, and the unsearchable counsel of his…

Q13. What hath God especially decreed concerning angels and men?

God, by an eternal and immutable decree, out of his mere love, for the praise of his glorious grace, to be manifested in due time, hath elected some angels to glory; and in Christ hath chosen some men to eternal life, and the means thereof: and also, according to his sovereign power, and the unsearchable counsel of his own will (whereby he extendeth or withholdeth favor as he pleases), hath passed by and foreordained the rest to dishonor and wrath, to be for their sin inflicted, to the praise of the glory of his justice.

Proof texts

1 Tim. 5:21 — [21] In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of the elect angels I charge you to keep these rules without prejudging, doing nothing from partiality.
Eph. 1:4-6 — [4] even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love [5] he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, [6] to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.
2 Thess. 2:13-14 — [13] But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the firstfruits to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth. [14] To this he called you through our gospel, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Rom. 9:17-18,21-22 — [17] For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, “For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I might show my power in you, and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.” [18] So then he has mercy on whomever he wills, and he hardens whomever he wills. [21] Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for dishonorable use? [22] What if God, desiring to show his wrath and to make known his power, has endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction,
Matt. 11:25-26 — [25] At that time Jesus declared, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; [26] yes, Father, for such was your gracious will.
2 Tim. 2:20 — [20] Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable.
Jude 1:4 — [4] For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.
1 Pet. 2:8 — [8] and “A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense.” They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do.

For discussion

The Assembly cited 1 Tim. 5:21 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
8 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
WSC Q7 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
WSC Q8 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

Read alongside

WSC Q7 · WSC Q8 · BC 5.1 · CD 1.1

Leader's notes

A Body of Divinity (Thomas Ridgley): Quest. XII., XIII. QUEST. XII. What are the decrees of God? ANSW. God’s decrees are the wise, free, and holy acts of the counsel of his will; whereby, from all eternity, he hath, for his own glory, unchangeably fore-ordained whatsoever comes to pass in time; especially concerning angels and men. QUEST. XIII. What hath God especially decreed concerning angels and men? ANSW. God, by an eternal and immutable decree out of his mere love, for the praise of his glorious grace, to be manifested in due time, hath elected some angels to glory, and, in Christ, hath chosen some men to eternal life, and the means thereof; and also, according to his sovereign power, and the unsearchable counsel of his…

Q14. How doth God execute his decrees?

God executeth his decrees in the works of creation and providence, according to his infallible foreknowledge, and the free and immutable counsel of his own will.

Proof texts

Eph. 1:11 — [11] In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will,

For discussion

The Assembly cited Eph. 1:11 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
WSC Q7 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
BC 5.1 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
The Assembly divided over this: The Order of the Decrees. Did God decree the election of particular persons before or after the fall? What turns on the answer?

Read alongside

WSC Q7 · BC 5.1 · CD 1.1

Leader's notes

A Body of Divinity (Thomas Ridgley): Quest. XIV., XV. QUEST. XIV. How doth God execute his decrees? ANSW. God executeth his decrees in the works of creation and providence, according to his infallible fore-knowledge, and the free and immutable counsel of his own will. QUEST. XV. What is the work of creation? ANSW. The work of creation is that, wherein God did, in the beginning, by the word of his power, make, of nothing, the world, and all things therein, for himself, within the space of six days, and all very good. Having considered God’s eternal purpose, as respecting whatever shall come to pass, which is generally called an internal, or immanent act of the divine will, we are now to consider those works which are…

Q15. What is the work of creation?

The work of creation is that wherein God did in the beginning, by the word of his power, make of nothing the world, and all things therein, for himself, within the space of six days, and all very good.

Proof texts

Gen. 1 — [1] In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. [2] The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. [3] And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. [4] And God saw that the light was good. And God separated the light from the darkness. [5] God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day. [6] And God said, “Let there be an expanse in the midst of the waters, and let it separate the waters from the waters.” [7] And God made the expanse and separated the waters that were under the expanse from the waters that were above the expanse. And it was so. [8] And God called the expanse Heaven. And there was evening and there was morning, the second day. [9] And God said, “Let the waters under the heavens be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear.” And it was so. [10] God called the dry land Earth, and the waters that were gathered together he called Seas. And God saw that it was good. [11] And God said, “Let the earth sprout vegetation, plants yielding seed, and fruit trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind, on the earth.” And it was so. [12] The earth brought forth vegetation, plants yielding seed according to their own kinds, and trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. [13] And there was evening and there was morning, the third day. [14] And God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night. And let them be for signs and for seasons, and for days and years, [15] and let them be lights in the expanse of the heavens to give light upon the earth.” And it was so. [16] And God made the two great lights — the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night — and the stars. [17] And God set them in the expanse of the heavens to give light on the earth, [18] to rule over the day and over the night, and to separate the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good. [19] And there was evening and there was morning, the fourth day. [20] And God said, “Let the waters swarm with swarms of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the expanse of the heavens.” [21] So God created the great sea creatures and every living creature that moves, with which the waters swarm, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. [22] And God blessed them, saying, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth.” [23] And there was evening and there was morning, the fifth day. [24] And God said, “Let the earth bring forth living creatures according to their kinds — livestock and creeping things and beasts of the earth according to their kinds.” And it was so. [25] And God made the beasts of the earth according to their kinds and the livestock according to their kinds, and everything that creeps on the ground according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. [26] Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” [27] So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. [28] And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” [29] And God said, “Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food. [30] And to every beast of the earth and to every bird of the heavens and to everything that creeps on the earth, everything that has the breath of life, I have given every green plant for food.” And it was so. [31] And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.
Heb. 11:8 — [8] By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going.
Prov. 16:4 — [4] The LORD has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble.

For discussion

The Assembly cited Gen. 1 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
3 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
WSC Q10 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
HC Q26 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

Read alongside

WSC Q10 · HC Q26 · HC Q27 · HC Q28 · BC 3.1 · BC 3.2

Leader's notes

A Body of Divinity (Thomas Ridgley): Quest. XIV., XV. QUEST. XIV. How doth God execute his decrees? ANSW. God executeth his decrees in the works of creation and providence, according to his infallible fore-knowledge, and the free and immutable counsel of his own will. QUEST. XV. What is the work of creation? ANSW. The work of creation is that, wherein God did, in the beginning, by the word of his power, make, of nothing, the world, and all things therein, for himself, within the space of six days, and all very good. Having considered God’s eternal purpose, as respecting whatever shall come to pass, which is generally called an internal, or immanent act of the divine will, we are now to consider those works which are…

Q16. How did God create angels?

God created all the angels spirits, immortal, holy, excelling in knowledge, mighty in power, to execute his commandments, and to praise his name, yet subject to change.

Proof texts

Col. 1:16 — [16] For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities — all things were created through him and for him.
Ps. 104:4 — [4] he makes his messengers winds, his ministers a flaming fire.
Matt. 22:30 — [30] For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven.
Matt. 25:31 — [31] “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne.
2 Sam. 14:17 — [17] And your servant thought, ‘The word of my lord the king will set me at rest,’ for my lord the king is like the angel of God to discern good and evil. The LORD your God be with you!”
Matt. 24:36 — [36] “But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only.
2 Thess. 1:7 — [7] and to grant relief to you who are afflicted as well as to us, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels
Ps. 103:20-21 — [20] Bless the LORD, O you his angels, you mighty ones who do his word, obeying the voice of his word! [21] Bless the LORD, all his hosts, his ministers, who do his will!
2 Pet. 2:4 — [4] For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell and committed them to chains of gloomy darkness to be kept until the judgment;

For discussion

The Assembly cited Col. 1:16 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
9 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
WSC Q10 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
HC Q26 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

Read alongside

WSC Q10 · HC Q26 · HC Q27 · HC Q28 · BC 3.1 · BC 3.2

Leader's notes

A Body of Divinity (Thomas Ridgley): Quest. XVI. QUEST. XVI. How did God create angels? ANSW. God created all the angels, spirits, immortal, holy, excelling in knowledge, mighty in power, to execute his commandments, and to praise his name, yet subject to change. There are two species of intelligent creatures, to wit, angels and men. The former of these are more excellent; and we are in this answer, led to speak concerning their nature, and the glorious works which they are engaged in: But let it be premised, that this is a doctrine that we could have known little or nothing of, by the light of nature. We might, indeed, from thence, have learned, that God has created some spiritual substances, such as the souls of…

Q17. How did God create man?

After God had made all other creatures, he created man male and female; formed the body of the man of the dust of the ground, and the woman of the rib of the man, endued them with living, reasonable, and immortal souls; made them after his own image, in knowledge, righteousness,and holiness; having the law of God written in their hearts, and power to fulfil it, and dominion over the creatures; yet subject to fall.

Proof texts

Gen. 1:27 — [27] So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.
Gen. 2:7 — [7] then the LORD God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature.
Gen. 2:22 — [22] And the rib that the LORD God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man.
Gen. 2:7 — [7] then the LORD God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature.
Job 35:11 — [11] who teaches us more than the beasts of the earth and makes us wiser than the birds of the heavens?’
Eccl. 12:7 — [7] and the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it.
Matt. 10:28 — [28] And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
Luke 23:43 — [43] And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
Gen. 1:27 — [27] So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.
Col. 3:10 — [10] and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.
Eph. 4:24 — [24] and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.
Rom. 2:14-15 — [14] For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law. [15] They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them
Eccl. 7:29 — [29] See, this alone I found, that God made man upright, but they have sought out many schemes.
Gen. 1:28 — [28] And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”
Gen. 3:6 — [6] So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate.
Eccl. 7:29 — [29] See, this alone I found, that God made man upright, but they have sought out many schemes.

For discussion

The Assembly cited Gen. 1:27 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
16 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
WSC Q9 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
HC Q26 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

Read alongside

WSC Q9 · HC Q26 · HC Q27 · HC Q28 · BC 3.1 · BC 3.2

Leader's notes

A Body of Divinity (Thomas Ridgley): Quest. XVII. QUEST. XVII. How did God create man? ANSW. After God had made all other creatures, he created man, male and female, formed the body of the man of the dust of the ground, and the woman of the rib of the man; endued them with living, reasonable, and immortal souls, made them after his own image, in knowledge, righteousness, and holiness, having the law of God written in their hearts, and power to fulfil it, with dominion over the creatures, yet subject to fall. In this answer it is observed, I. That man was created after all other creatures. There was a sort of climax, or gradation in the work of creation; and that the wisdom and power…

Q18. What are God's works of providence?

God's works of providence are his most holy, wise, and powerful preserving and governing all his creatures; ordering them, and all their actions, to his own glory.

Proof texts

Ps. 145:17 — [17] The LORD is righteous in all his ways and kind in all his works.
Ps. 104:24 — [24] O LORD, how manifold are your works! In wisdom have you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.
Isa. 28:29 — [29] This also comes from the LORD of hosts; he is wonderful in counsel and excellent in wisdom.
Heb. 1:8 — [8] But of the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom.
Ps. 103:19 — [19] The LORD has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all.
Matt. 10:29-31 — [29] Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. [30] But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. [31] Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.
Gen. 45:7 — [7] And God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant on earth, and to keep alive for you many survivors.
Rom. 11:36 — [36] For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.
Isa. 43:14 — [14] Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “For your sake I send to Babylon and bring them all down as fugitives, even the Chaldeans, in the ships in which they rejoice.

For discussion

The Assembly cited Ps. 145:17 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
9 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
WSC Q12 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
HC Q26 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

Read alongside

WSC Q12 · HC Q26 · HC Q27 · HC Q28 · BC 3.1 · BC 3.2

Leader's notes

A Body of Divinity (Thomas Ridgley): Quest. XVIII. QUEST. XVIII. What are God’s works of Providence? ANSW. God’s works of Providence are his most holy, wise, and powerful preserving and governing all his creatures; ordering them, and all their actions, to his own glory. In speaking to this answer, we must consider what we are to understand by providence in general. It supposes a creature brought into being; and consists in God’s doing every thing that is necessary for the continuance thereof, and in his ordering and over-ruling second causes, to produce their respective effects, under the direction of his infinite wisdom, and the influence of his almighty power. It is owing to this that all things do not sink into nothing, or that every thing…

Q19. What is God's providence towards the angels?

God by his providence permitted some of the angels, wilfully and irrecoverably, to fall into sin and damnation, limiting and ordering that, and all their sins, to his own glory; and established the rest in holiness and happiness; employing them all, at his pleasure, in the administrations of his power, mercy, and justice.

Proof texts

Jude 1:6 — [6] And the angels who did not stay within their own position of authority, but left their proper dwelling, he has kept in eternal chains under gloomy darkness until the judgment of the great day —
2 Pet. 2:4 — [4] For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell and committed them to chains of gloomy darkness to be kept until the judgment;
Heb. 2:16 — [16] For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham.
John 8:44 — [44] You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
Job 1:12 — [12] And the LORD said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your hand. Only against him do not stretch out your hand.” So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD.
Matt. 8:31 — [31] And the demons begged him, saying, “If you cast us out, send us away into the herd of pigs.”
1 Tim. 5:21 — [21] In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of the elect angels I charge you to keep these rules without prejudging, doing nothing from partiality.
Mark 8:38 — [38] For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of Man also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”
Heb. 12:22 — [22] But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering,
Ps. 104:4 — [4] he makes his messengers winds, his ministers a flaming fire.
2 Kings 19:35 — [35] And that night the angel of the LORD went out and struck down 185,000 in the camp of the Assyrians. And when people arose early in the morning, behold, these were all dead bodies.
Heb. 1:14 — [14] Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?

For discussion

The Assembly cited Jude 1:6 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
12 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
WSC Q11 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
HC Q26 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

Read alongside

WSC Q11 · HC Q26 · HC Q27 · HC Q28 · BC 3.1 · BC 3.2

Leader's notes

A Body of Divinity (Thomas Ridgley): Quest. XIX. QUEST. XIX. What is God’s providence towards the angels? ANSW. God, by his providence, permitted some of the angels, wilfully and irrecoverably, to fall into sin and damnation, limiting and ordering that, and all their sins to his own glory, and established the rest in holiness and happiness; employing them all at his pleasure, in the administration of his power, mercy, and justice. It was observed, in a foregoing answer, that God created all the angels holy; but, in this, some of them are described as fallen, while the rest retained their first integrity. And the providence of God is considered, as conversant about this matter, in different respects. Accordingly it is said, I. That God, by his…

Q20. What was the providence of God toward man in the estate in which he was created?

The providence of God toward man in the estate in which he was created, was the placing him in paradise, appointing him to dress it, giving him liberty to eat of the fruit of the earth; putting the creatures under his dominion, and ordaining marriage for his help; affording him communion with himself; instituting the sabbath; entering into a covenant of life with him, upon condition of personal, perfect, and perpetual obedience, of which the tree of life was a pledge; and forbidding to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, upon the pain of death.

Proof texts

Gen. 2:8,15-16 — [8] And the LORD God planted a garden in Eden, in the east, and there he put the man whom he had formed. [15] The LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it. [16] And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, “You may surely eat of every tree of the garden,
Gen. 1:28 — [28] And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”
Gen. 2:18 — [18] Then the LORD God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.”
Gen. 1:26-29 — [26] Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” [27] So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. [28] And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” [29] And God said, “Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food.
Gen. 3:8 — [8] And they heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden.
Gen. 2:3 — [3] So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all his work that he had done in creation.
Gal. 3:12 — [12] But the law is not of faith, rather “The one who does them shall live by them.”
Rom. 10:5 — [5] For Moses writes about the righteousness that is based on the law, that the person who does the commandments shall live by them.
Gen. 2:9 — [9] And out of the ground the LORD God made to spring up every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food. The tree of life was in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.
Gen. 2:17 — [17] but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.”

For discussion

The Assembly cited Gen. 2:8,15-16 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
10 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
WSC Q11 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
HC Q26 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

Read alongside

WSC Q11 · HC Q26 · HC Q27 · HC Q28 · BC 3.1 · BC 3.2