A Study in Genesis
The study of Genesis has more fundamental significance than most understand. There are only two world views that impact all of us. The prevailing view is that everything is the result of an accident. This view claims that we came from nothing and have magically, over billions of years, turned into what we are now. This view ultimately leads to horrific acts such as shootings at schools, the mass killing of innocent children in the womb, and subjugating those who might not look exactly like the rest of us. This view claims there is no authority outside of what a person can do right now.
The second view states we are the result of a deliberate design by a Designer. From this view stems one true answer and unfortunately, many false religions. Every world view can be tracked to one of these two suppositions. However, it is Genesis that points man to the answers for the below questions.
This study into Genesis will examine the truth of the following.
1. Who am I?
2. Where did I come from?
3. Why are we here?
4. Where are we going when we die?
It is my opinion that Genesis, Matthew, and Revelation are the three most important books of the Bible. These three books stand at critical junctures in human history, connected through the emphasis of Jesus Christ.
Genesis reveals the emphasis of Jesus creating the universe and all life. In Genesis, we see the Son of God interacting with man according to the outcome of our accepting sin. In Genesis, we see the promise of what Christ will do and His actions being established for a future fruition. The book of Matthew connects to Genesis and envelopes human history into realizing the truth of what Christ had to do to save us. Matthew also builds on the accounts in Genesis, providing greater focus into what Christ did for you and I on the cross; culminating with what He will do at the end of human history. The book of Revelation is the finale of human history as we know it. Here the promises and actions of Jesus Christ are ultimately fulfilled, Jesus finishes what He said in Genesis in the book of Revelation. This is why these three books stand as a testament that only Jesus Christ is capable of creating, saving, and finalizing mankind.
The importance of Genesis cannot be understated. Even the enemy recognizes the importance, thus aims to undermine its authenticity. Especially the first eleven chapters, which we will get into shortly.
These attempts to undermine Genesis can be refuted when we review archaeological evidence, documentary discoveries, and apply competent analysis. Arguments by skeptics are mercilessly shredded by the facts when we analyze and use our God given intellect. However, we need to recognize Genesis does not stand alone, it was designed to be with the other 65 books of the Bible. While its importance can be argued, for the reader its full understanding can only be seen when examined with all other 65 books.
This is important because unlike other books, the Bible is unique beyond what skeptics will tell you or even fellow Christians for that matter. There are 66 books of the Bible, over 40 authors, and written over 2,000 years. However, all 66 books reveal an integrity of the whole, this is only possible when we realize that the source of the Bible is outside of our time dimension. Thus allowing books like Genesis to have claims and statements that might seem impossible to the viewer. However, when read in context with the entirety of scripture and with the understanding of the source being free of our confines, Genesis is easier to understand. While we study the book of Genesis, it is ok to ask the questions “How” or “Why”, it is not ok to stop there. Questions to God’s Word can be answered by thoughtful study and having a relationship with the Creator. God created us to have a rational and logical brain, 1 Corinthians 14:33, “God is not a God of confusion but of peace”. As we will see, from the very beginning God built up human history for the very purpose of establishing to the creation exactly what they are; something created by Him the Creator.
Thus, as the creation we are obligated to listen and learn from the Creator, for only the God of the Bible can reveal to man what He has done, is doing, and will do. Isaiah 46:10, “Declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times the things that are not yet done.”
Hold until relieved, our Blessed Hope is coming,
JL