Genesis
Lesson 1Introduction
This is a study of the book of "beginnings", i.e., Genesis. It is also a book of answers to questions such as: What did God intend when He created man? What is man purpose? What is the meaning behind creation? And how did we get from there to here, now that we know where we’re going?
As we study Genesis, many questions about our origins and the world around us will be answered through this book. Our purpose, creation itself, and God in three persons, can all be understood more deeply by studying Genesis. What exactly is "the fall of man"? Why is it that simply because Adam ate something that he shouldn’t have, that all of creation, including man, has suffered ever since? And how can we know that all of this is actually true? No one was present when God did all these things. All of this and much, much, more will come to light as we study this exciting book.
Along the way, we will look at some fascinating facts that you may not be aware if. How long did Isaac pray for his wife to have a child? How old were Jacob and Esau when Jacob tricked Isaac and stole Esau’s birthright? What do Judaism, Christianity and Islam all have in common? Did Christ exist before anything was created, and why is this important to know?
As we prepare to study this important book, there are many good resources available to help you, many good websites on creationism, and numerous books. Above all of them my personal favorite is Henry M. Morris’ The Genesis Record. The very first time that I read it I couldn’t put it down. It is exceptional in its scholarship, and in the straightforward way in which he takes you through the book. Henry Morris, as a scientist by trade, provides the reader with a scientific perspective that supports Genesis and the creation, and in language that is easy to understand. I highly recommend the book to you.
I would also be remiss at the beginning of this study if I did not point out some of the many ways in which Genesis is, or has been, interpreted. Two of these ways in particular are (1) theistic evolution and (2) literal creation. There are many others, some of which we will touch on during our study. But at the outset, I want you to know that I take a purely literal approach to studying and applying the text found in Genesis. I actually believe that when God’s word says that it took six days for the creation, and on the seventh God rested, that is literally and factually what took place. To my complete surprise, years ago when I first read Henry Morris, I was pleased to learn that he had begun as a theistic evolutionist; but following his research on the science behind the creation, he too now applies a literal translation, and supports that view with science in his book.
Henry Morris cites at least 14 things that have their origin in the book of Genesis. It is a fascinating list, which I quote for you here as a way of giving you an idea of the breadth and scope of the material that we will cover as we study the Book of Genesis. He lists the following:
- Origin of the universe
- Origin of order and complexity
- Origin of the solar system
- Origin of the atmosphere and hydrosphere
- Origin of life
- Origin of man
- Origin of marriage
- Origin of evil
- Origin of language
- Origin of government
- Origin of culture
- Origin of nations
- Origin of religion
- Origin of the chosen people
Before we begin our study, read what Genesis 1:1 says, then consider the following questions:
- What was created and who did it?
- Was Christ present at creation? What do John 1:1-5, and verse 14; and Colossians 1:15-17 tell us?
- On the first day of creation, something is created that is not specifically addressed in Genesis 1:1. What do the following verses indicate to us that must have been created on the first day? Genesis 3:1, Isaiah 14:12-15 and Ezekiel 28:11-19.
- Henry Morris points out that Genesis 1:1 is the "foundational verse of the Bible". As he points out, if a person believes Genesis 1:1, he or she will not find it difficult to believe everything else in the Bible. Therefore, think about this: if a person believes Genesis 1:1, what do they NOT believe in?
- Understanding the chronology of Creation and the chronology of the Old Testament will help us better understand the likely date of creation. For starters, name one or more examples of archaeological finds that have disproven some aspect of the Biblical chronology of events.
- As we have seen in previous studies, a thorough understanding of the Old Testament provides us an excellent chronology of events from the creation through the flood, then to Abraham, from there to David, and finally to the birth of Christ. However, when did it all start? This is a question that scholars have tried to answer. See what you can find on Archbishop James Usher. What date for the creation of the earth did he believe was correct? What are some of the other dates of creation offered by other biblical scholars?
In our next lesson, we will begin to examine the order of the creation, as we begin a verse-by-verse study of Chapter 1 of Genesis.
As we close this lesson, let’s remember one important fact: not only did God create everything, He did it with a plan, in a specific order. We were not created out of chaos. We did not suddenly emerge from ooze. We were created by the God of the universe, and for a specific purpose, a purpose which will become crystal clear as we continue our study of this important and powerful book.
Thanks for studying with us.
Yours in Christ,
Wes
[2010]