Does a student who get 100% right on a test merit an A? Yes, because an A grade is defined so that it includes a grade of 100%.
Likewise, if Adam and Eve had continue to live righteous lives and not fall into sin, they would have merited the verdict from God that they were righteous in his sight. God would have been dishonest and unfaithful to claim that they were not righteous–which is impossible.
So that is a definition of merit that I think everyone can agree with.
FOR FURTHER READING:
Merit may work on a test paper, but could it apply to the Eden situation? Wasn’t it a matter of Adam not being able to pass the test without God’s help? (ie. grace) Wasn’t the crux of the matter that Adam didn’t think he needed God’s help? Do we have any record of Adam eating from the Tree of Life to receive that help? Why did they need a verdict to declare something they already had by default, until they forfeited it?
Merit and grace aren’t quite opposite in the language game you’re playing, then, Sam.
The son merits an A on the test, even though he was given t he grace of a free breakfast from mom that morning, and a lovely home environment in which to study.
So what’s the big deal?
No… i’m wondering what exactly did Adam have to merit? He already had it, didn’t he? where is this idea coming from, that Adam had to pass a test in order to “get something”? and where exactly does “covenant of works” come from?
Sam,
The “covenant of works” comes from way to much speculation by the second generation Reformed thinkers… 😉
Terry