A BRIEF LOOK AT THE BOOK OF GENESIS

The book of Genesis teaches that what we believe about the subject of origins lays the intellectual foundation concerning our beliefs about everything else. Genesis is the Holy Bible’s first book. The book’s name means “beginning” because it answers many questions about origins. Genesis provides Judaism and Christianity a unique creation story. In addition to God creating the universe, the book includes God’s formation of Adam and Eve, the Cain and Abel conflict, the Noachian Flood tragedy, the Tower of Babel rebellion, and God’s covenant relationship with the famous patriarchs: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph. The book has been traditionally ascribed to Moses by conservative scholars due to their computer analysis and archaeological evidence based on the tablet theory for Mosaic authorship. However, liberal scholarship has identified at least three literary strains in the book, dating from 950 BC to the 5th century BC, which they believe incorporates material from much earlier. It is one of the five books that make up the Pentateuch.

THE SUBJECT OF ORIGINS

God creates by first forming and later filling because the first three days describe God forming the universe, while the last three days show God filling the universe. For example, God formed outer space darkness before day one and began filling it with the sun, moon, and stars on day four; God formed the Earth’s ocean and atmosphere on day two before filling them with fishes and birds on day five; God formed the landmass and clothed it with vegetation before filling it with land animals and man on day six. Today, God is still forming and filling the broken lives of many who seek salvation in Messiah Yeshua.

Genesis teaches that we were created and not evolved and what we believe about the subject of origins lays the intellectual foundation concerning our beliefs about everything else. Our concept of right and wrong and human relationships are inextricably woven together within our understanding of origins. If there never was any creator and designer God for humanity, then we are incapable of determining good from evil because our “primate evolutionary history” means we evolved to pursue pleasure and avoid pain only. Genesis shows us why we seek morality and justice for all humanity.

THE MOMENT OF DECISION

We are always facing great choices that will determine our spiritual destiny. Disobedience occurs when we choose not to follow God’s plan for living. Genesis explains why we miss the mark and why we all choose to disobey God. Even great Bible heroes failed God and disobeyed. Sin ruins our lives. It happens when we disobey God. Living God’s way makes our lives productive and fulfilling.  Furthermore, God makes promises to help and protect us. These promises are called “covenants.” God kept his promises then, and He keeps them today. He promises to love us, accept us, and forgive us. The sin opposite is obedience. Obeying God restores our relationship to him. The only way to enjoy God’s promises is to obey Him. Prosperity is deeper than mere material wealth. True prosperity and fulfillment come by obeying God. When we obey God, we find peace with Creator, with others, and with themselves.

Finally, God created the Israeli nation in order to have a dedicated people who would first keep his ways alive in the world; second, proclaim to the world what he is really like; and third, prepare the world for Messiah Yeshua’s first and second coming. God is looking for people today to follow him. We are to proclaim God’s truth and love to all nations, not just our own. We must be faithful to carry out the mission God has given us.

THE GENESIS GENERATIONS

The Book of Genesis reveals the history of the first generations.  Genesis 1:1 to 2:4 describes the generations of Heavens and Earth, which is a description of God’s work during the creation week. Genesis 2:5 to 6:8 illustrate the generations of Adam or humankind. Adam was created and children born to him. Genesis 6:9 to 9:29 sketches the generations of Noah. Genesis 10:1 to 11:9 portray the generations of sons of Noah. Genesis 11:10 to 26 describe the generations of s

ons of Shem (Gentiles). Genesis 11:27 to 25:11 describe generations of Terah. Genesis 25:12 to 18 discusses the generations of Ishmael. Genesis 25:19 to 35:29 describe the generations of Isaac. Genesis 36:1 to 37:1 describe the generations of Esau. Genesis 37:2 to 50:26 describe the generations of Jacob. The word generations of indicate that Moses compiled the Book of Genesis from ancient stone and clay tablets, according to the Tablet Theory for Mosaic authorship.

RELATED SOURCES

Halley’s Bible Handbook; Henry Halley; 1965. The Bible; Jim Bell and Stan Campbell; 1999. The Bible; Dr. Jeffrey Geoghegan and others; 2003. The Complete Guide to the Bible; Stephen Miller; 2007. The Dead Sea Scrolls; Craig A, Evans; 2010 The Septuagint With Apocrypha: English; Sir Lancelot C.L. Brenton; 1851. Understanding The Bible; Kendell H. Easley; 2000.