An Introduction to the Book of Genesis
The first book of the Bible begins in a well-known way - "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth" (Gen. 1:1). The great book of Genesis (which means "origin" or "beginning") is a book of beginnings. In its pages we read of the creation (beginning) of the Universe and all living things (particularly mankind). Our material Universe is not eternal but had an origin. Genesis tells us how sin and death entered this domain, and it also foreshadows the beginning of a divine plan of redemption. This book informs us how languages began and how peoples were scattered around the globe. Genesis details the origin of God's promise to Abraham and its three elements: (1) A nation would arise from his seed, (2) a land would be given to his seed, and (3) a blessing would be given through his seed.

Genesis is an amazing book written by a remarkable man, Moses. Of course, let it be understood that although Moses, in the Hebrew language, was the human writer, the true author of all Scripture is the Holy Spirit via inspiration (cf. II Pet. 1:20,21; II Tim. 3:16,17). The book is believed to have been written around 1400 B.C., although it covers a span of over 2000 years. The entire Old Testament period only covers approximately 4000 years of history (from Adam to Christ). So, the book of Genesis spans over 50% of the total years from the first man to the coming of the Messiah. Obviously, to cover so many centuries in only 50 chapters requires skipping over many events and people of antiquity. But, rest assured, Moses has recorded in Genesis precisely what God wanted preserved for all-time.

As it provides a chronological record from Adam to the migration to Egypt, some important messages are communicated along the way in this historical narrative called Genesis:

Genesis has always been considered a great book in the literary world. But, the supreme value of this great book is not literary nor historical, but religious. In it we discover the revelation of the only God who is infinitely wise, good, and powerful and His relationship with mankind. Genesis does not deal with imaginary heroes but with actual men and women with whom God had real communications and dealings. God not only showed them His grace and mercy but revealed to them that He would bring a Redeemer who would be one of their descendants and He would be a blessing to all the world.

Today we are launching into a textual study of this great book of Genesis. It is our aim that you would study along with us as we all endeavor to grow in grace and knowledge before the Lord (cf. II Pet. 3:18).