Genesis

Genesis is the book of beginnings which traces the history of mankind since creation from the antediluvian period to the re-distribution of human settlements on the post-flood earth. The book is divided into two parts—the initial one-fifth is devoted to four major events in human history, while the rest of the book focuses on four main figures in the Hebrew lineage.

Of all the Old Testament books, Genesis is considered the most important since it has a pivotal role in shaping the theology of the Christian faith. From the literal six-day creation to the fall of man, from the worldwide flood to the formation of nations, and from the call of Abraham to the death of Joseph, we see God's salvific plan unfolding as He lay the groundwork to make good His promise of the Messiah solution:

3:15 And I will put enmity between thee (the serpent) and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it (Messiah) shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.

Taken literally in its historical context, Genesis leaves no room for assumptions on the origin of life such as that purported by atheistic evolution, nor fabrication of facts to support human progression and enlightenment. The inevitable conclusion that can be drawn from reading the Genesis account is this: man is created by God in His image but through rebellion is alienated from his Creator and in desperate need of redemption.

Mankind since Adam has been plagued by the problem of sin that invariably leads to despair and death. Thankfully, God has provided the answer in the second Adam personified through His beloved Son, offering a new and unending beginning to anyone who is willing to exchange his or her old nature for a glorious and incorruptible one.

OUTLINE OF GENESIS

1. Primeval Period: Four Major Events (1:1-11:9)

The Beginning of the Human Race

a. Creation: The Divine Act (1:1-2:25)

The Beginning of All Things

The Beginning of Man

b. Corruption: The Fall of Man (3:1-5:32)

The Beginning of Sin

The Beginning of Sorrows

c. Condemnation: The Deluge (6:1-9:29)

The Beginning of Worldwide Devastation

The Beginning of a Cleansed Earth

d. Confusion: The Great Rebellion (10:1-11:9)

The Beginning of the Noahic Families

The Beginning of Nations

2. Patriarchal Period: Four Life Stories (11:10-50:26)

The Beginning of the Hebrew Race

a. Abraham: A Father of Nations (11:10-25:18)

Calling and Obedience | Faith and Fears

Promise and Patience | Rescue and Reward

Covenant of Circumcision | Testing of Faith

Sodom and Gomorrah | Intercession and Destruction

Birth and Offering | Marriage and Deaths

b. Isaac: The Son of Promise (25:19-26:35)

Family | Failures | Faith

c. Jacob: A Prince with God (27:1-36:43)

Deception and Flight | Life and Labour

Struggle and Salvation | Return and Residence

Defilement | Devotion | Deaths

Esau and Edom

d. Joseph: The Dreamer (37:1-50:26)

Dreams and Betrayal | Trials and Temptations

Glory and Exaltation | Reunion and Reconciliation

Last Words and Death