God's Dealings with Adam and through him with us

The covenant of works is a mystery sadly to many. What was the relationship between God and Adam? What evidence is there as to that relationship? What was its significance? Why does it matter to us?
The reality is that if we fail to grasp the doctrine of the covenant of works we shall be in all kinds of difficulty in understanding sin, guilt, damnation and slavation.
In short, the covenant of works is fundamental to our whole view of redemtion.