2:8–17 The account of man’s probation begins with his creation (v. 7). The stage for this drama was the paradisal Garden of Eden (vv. 8–14), while the plot consisted of the events during that probation that tested man’s obedience to the covenant obligation (vv. 15–17). In this covenant arrangement God graciously offers life to humankind, but He demands obedience to His command. The first Adam, representing all mankind, failed to obey and brought death upon all. The active obedience of the Last Adam, Christ, representing the elect, satisfies God’s demands and earns for them eternal life (Rom. 5:12–19; 1 Cor. 15:45–49).