Genesis Introduction - Part 1

Genesis

Introduction

Genesis is the first book of the Bible and is absolutely foundational. It is also seen as problematic by many, this is a great pity as it is a most wonderful book, and vital for our having an accurate worldview. Many of the “problems” focus around the first three chapters, should the days in Genesis 1 be taken as “literal twenty four hour” days, or in some other way? How does the theory of evolution match with Genesis? Were Adam and Eve real people, or are they just representative? I had better state the standpoint from which I will be looking at this book, but I don’t want to get into the whole creation debate here, I am much more concerned about what God is actually saying in the book. If you want some opinions of mine you can read Why the Bible does not teach Young Earth Creationism and Theistic Evolution is Unscientific - In my opinion!. Or if you want much more, several years ago I published a small website which considers various questions related to the matter, On Purpose. This was written several years ago, so some of my thoughts may have developed since then. Anyway, what is the standpoint I’ll be writing from?

I am quite happy to accept that the universe is billions of years old, and do not see any contradiction in the Bible to this. I do not believe God’s purpose in giving us chapters 1 and 2 was to tell us He completed the whole job in 6 days flat. In fact, the universe was actually created in no time at all, for God also created time. I do think that Adam and Eve were real people, though they can also be used as representatives. Evolution may have been used as part of the process, but there is no way whatsoever that it can account for all the claims made for it, in reality it is a rather insignificant process in the grand scheme of things.

Given the nature of the debate I am bound to have upset some people, so let’s get to the true majesty of Genesis. 

Genesis 1-3 is absolutely fundamental to our understanding of the world, humanity and Christ. These are fundamental truths that are taught in the Bible, and especially in Genesis

• Everything, seen and unseen, was created by God (Father, Son and Holy Spirit)

• Everything was created good.

• Mankind is unique, we are God’s special creation, made in His image.

• The whole of creation is utterly dependent upon God for its continued existence

• We were created on purpose and for a purpose

• All mankind is corrupted by sin and this is the root of all our problems, and has affected creation.