In understanding the Bible, we need to realize that it revolves around a two covenant structure. The Covenant of Works (as the Westminster Confession puts it) or the Covenant of Life (as in the Larger Catechism terms it) highlights the potential for man to have had greater communion with God, had the covenant head, Adam been faithful to God. His failure to do so cast all mankind into misery, but opened the door to God's redemptive plan.