The Book of Genesis
Part 1
Throughout the year 1955, we examined the need for, and the different methods of Bible study. It is now time for us to apply what we have learned, and to definitely select some one book in the Word of God for careful analysis. One brother suggested The Book of Genesis. This is the first book in the Divine Library, and it may be longer than some feel that they can handle, but, as we move along slowly, it is certain that much profit will be derived from its scrutiny.
We shall commence by determining the meaning of the name of this book, Genesis. The name is given as “Beginnings.” Our studies will show how apt this title is, for herein we learn of the beginnings of creation, man, sin, punishment, salvation, the nations, and Israel, etc. It would be well for each student, as he daily reads and rereads this portion of God’s Word, to list in a scribbler the many different beginnings recorded.
A word ought here to be written in regard to the authorship of Genesis. It generally has been believed, both by Jewish and Christian scholars, that Moses was the author of the first five books of the Bible. The history of Genesis closes at least three hundred years before the birth of Moses, It is not at all impossible that Moses received some of the facts from traditional records, or even from documents not now existing, but it is more probable that he received these historical accounts directly by revelation of God, and wrote by divine inspiration. “For prophecy came not in old time by the will of man; but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost” (2 Pet. 1:21). “Beginning at Moses and all the prophets, Christ expounded unto them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself” (Luke 24:27).
Genesis is a little long for a busy man to read through at one sitting, but if it is at all possible, do so. An evening at home will provide the necessary time and opportunity. If this plan is followed, it will be noticed that the book divides itself into two general sections:
I. The origin of the nations.
II. The origin of the Nation.
We may more explicitly state it thus:
I. The origin of all peoples.
II. The origin of the chosen people, Israel.
It will now be our endeavour to select the first general section, and by careful examination discover its several component parts; for example,
A. Creation (1:1).
B. Reconstruction (1:2-25).
C. Man (1:26-28).
D. The Fall (3:1-24).
We shall stop now in our analysis, and submit what we have gathered to the principle of comparing spiritual things with spiritual, or, more plainly, compare Scripture with Scripture. As we do this, we shah find our original analysis somewhat expanded. A concordance will be quite a help to some. Through its use, or better, through the aid of a good memory, we shall learn that the Bible deals with:
1. A natural creation: This is of course,
a. A perfect creation (Gen. 1:1; John 1:3; Col. 1:16).
b. A ruined creation (Gen. 1:2; Ezek. 28:11-19).
c. A reconstructed creation (Gen. 1:2-2-3).
d. A marred creation (Gen. 3:17; Rom. 8:20-24).
e. A recovered creation (Isa. 65:17-25; Heb. 2:8).
f. A righteous creation (2 Pet. 3:12-13).
2. A new creation: The natural is the illustration of the new, the spiritual.
a. The Head, Christ (Col. 1:17-19).
b. The component parts (Gal. 3:27-29; Col. 3:10-17).
c. The spiritual affinity (Col. 3;11; Eph. 4:13).
d. The comprehensive equality (Gal. 3:28; Col. 3:11).
e. The character (2 Cor. 5:17; Gal. 6:15).
f. The final expectation (Rev. 21 and 22).
Much detail is given by the Holy Spirit to the reconstruction of the earth, and, since the New Testament contains a number of references to this wonderful process, we should give some thought to it in our future studies.