The Study Of Genesis: The Book Of Beginnings Series

The Study Of Genesis: The Book Of Beginnings

2 Timothy 3:16 (KJV)

16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

The first book of the Old Testament is called “Genesis.” “Genesis” means “beginning” or “origin.” Thus, the book of Genesis is the book which tells about the beginning of all things. In Genesis we learn that God was “in the beginning” (Genesis 1:1). He existed before all things for He is the Creator of all things.

Some of the “beginnings” recorded in Genesis are:

1. the heavens and the earth;

2. all plant, animal, and human life;

3. all races, nations, and languages;

4. agriculture, music, arts and crafts;

5. marriage and the family.

The beginning of God’s plan to save man is also recorded in Genesis. This plan includes the beginning of

1. sin;

2. sacrifice;

3. prophecies of the coming Savior;

4. the nation through which the Savior would come;

5. the tribe from which the Savior would come.

Genesis is the foundation of the five Books of the Law. It is also the foundation of the entire Old Testament. In fact, it is really the foundation of all the Bible. If the book of Genesis were removed from the Bible, the rest of the Bible would have no meaning. We would not be able to understand the plan of salvation, or the need for it.

Genesis Refutes the Theory of Evolution

Evolution denies that God created all things. It says that man gradually developed from lower forms of life. Genesis, however, teaches that God created man fully formed. Also, it teaches that man was created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). God created man, as well as all animal and plant life, with the ability to bring forth after their own kind (Genesis 1:11,12,21,24,25). Evolution says that everything evolved over thousands of millions of years. Genesis, however, clearly teaches that God created the world and everything in it in six actual days (Genesis 1:31; Genesis 2:1; Exodus 20:11).

The First Eleven Chapters Are the Cornerstone

Just as the cornerstone is essential to the foundation of a building, the first eleven chapters of Genesis are essential to the whole book. The New Testament supports the truthfulness of Genesis, chapters 1-11. If these chapters are not true, then we cannot believe the New Testament. Jesus spoke of the beginning of the creation and the origin of marriage just as they are taught in Genesis (Matthew 19:3-9; Mark 10:6-10). Genesis tells of Eve’s being tempted. Paul confirms this in 2 Corinthians 11:3. Paul said Adam was the first man in 1 Corinthians 15:45 just as Genesis teaches. Peter mentions the account of Noah and the Great Flood which is found in Genesis (1 Peter 3:20,21; 2 Peter 3:5,6).

The fall of man into sin is recorded in the third chapter of Genesis. The very first promise of the coming Savior is given in verse 15 Genesis 3:15. The Savior, who would bruise the head of Satan, would come of the seed of the woman. This is a promise of the virgin birth of Christ. It is also a promise of His victory over Satan by dying on the cross and rising from the dead.

Chapter 4 tells of the murder of righteous Abel by his brother Cain. Chapter 5 records the genealogy (family history) of Seth. Jesus came into the world through this family. Chapters 6-8 tell of the great worldwide flood which was sent as a punishment for man’s sins. Only Noah and his family found grace in the eyes of God. They were saved when they obeyed God by building an ark (ship). Chapter 11 tells of the tower of Babel where the many different human languages began.

The human family history of Christ begins in Genesis. The important links in it are Adam, Seth, Noah, Shem, and Abraham.

Abraham’s History is Recorded in Chapters 12-25

Abraham was selected by God to begin the chosen nation through which the Savior would come into the world. He left his home in Ur at God’s request. He went to the land of Canaan which God promised to give to his seed. He and his nephew Lot separated because they had so many cattle there was not room for them to live together. Later Abraham rescued Lot when he was captured in war. On the way home he was met by Melchizedek, the king of Salem (Jerusalem). Abraham gave gifts to him. Melchizedek blessed Abraham.

God had promised Abraham that in his seed would come the One who would bless all the earth. However, Abraham and Sarah had no children. Sarah suggested Abraham have a son by her maid Hagar. This showed her lack of faith. Ishmael was born to Hagar and Abraham, but God did not accept him as the Promised Seed through whom the nation would come. When Abraham and Sarah were very old, their faith had become stronger. God then gave them a son who was named Isaac. Abraham’s strong faith in God was shown when he was willing to offer Isaac as a sacrifice when God commanded it (Genesis 22; Hebrews 11:17-19).