Major Themes in Genesis

Beginnings

Genesis explains the beginning of many important realities: the universe, the earth, people, sin, and God’s plan of salvation.

Genesis teaches us that the earth is well made and good. People are special to God and unique. God creates and sustains all life.

Disobedience

People are always facing great choices. Disobedience occurs when people choose not to follow God’s plan of living.

Genesis explains why people are evil: They choose to do wrong. Even great Bible heroes failed God and disobeyed.

Sin

Sin ruins people’s lives. It happens when we disobey God.

Living God’s way makes life productive and fulfilling.

Promises

God makes promises to help and protect people. This kind of promise is called a “covenant.”

God kept his promises then, and he keeps them now. He promises to love us, accept us, forgive us.

Obedience

The opposite of sin is obedience. Obeying God restores our relationship to him.

The only way to enjoy the benefits of God’s promises is to obey him.

Prosperity

Prosperity is deeper than mere material wealth. True prosperity and fulfilment come as a result of obeying God.

When people obey God, they find peace with him, with others, and with themselves.

Israel

God started the nation of Israel in order to have a dedicated people who would

(1) keep his ways alive in the world,

(2) proclaim to the world what he is really like, and

(3) prepare the world for the birth of Christ.

God is looking for people today to follow him. We are to proclaim God’s truth and love to all nations, not just our own. We must be faithful to carry out the mission God has given us.