Introduction to Genesis
A Video Introduction Is Available Here – Genesis Intro
We stand at the door of the Holy Bible, the Christian Scriptures, God’s message to the human race. Genesis means origin. This book, written by Moses some time before 1273BC, tells of the beginning of God’s wonderful plan of redemption. Here we read of the first sin, the first murder, the first war, the first sacrifice… and here we are introduced to all the basic foundational doctrines of the Christian faith.
What then is the first great truth or doctrine we encounter as we enter into Genesis, God’s own introduction to the Bible? Some say it is creation, the foundational truth, the whole universe and everything in it made out of nothing. Others point to the opening words of Genesis 1:1 “In the beginning God…” They point out, rightly, that before anything was made God was there alone and He was sovereign in creating the universe (material and spiritual) and is sovereign in upholding and controlling all that He has made.
These doctrines are true, vital and foundational to our understanding of Biblical truth, but there is one doctrine which logically comes before them, namely revelation. We cannot see God, let alone understand Him by using our physical senses. If we are to know Him and about Him, He must reveal Himself to us. Our Christian faith begins with a belief, a trust, a conviction that there is a God and that He communicates with us. A belief in God, that “He is there and He is not silent” is the beginning of all true religion.
Genesis chapter 1 shows us these things very clearly. The events described here happened before there was anyone to see and record them. We only know about them because the living God caused Moses to give us the precise account He intended us to have. Likewise the rest of Genesis gives us the early history of the human race told from God’s point of view. It tells of His interaction with mankind and the unfolding of His gracious plan of redemption.
Genesis can be divided into two main sections
- Genesis 1-11 gives a general overview and history of the world down to the time of Abraham. Tracing events from the creation (ch 1-2) through to the fall (ch 3). Moses tells of the spread of sin and corruption through all the human race. From the time of Cain’s murder of Abel (ch 4) killing and violence increased rapidly. Even the godly line of Seth became corrupted. Eventually God, in judgement, washes the Earth clean with a world-wide flood (ch 6-9). Noah, who finds God’s favour by grace, is saved along with his family, in the Ark. Humanity’s rebellion against God continues at Babel and the nations are scattered across the face of the Earth (ch 11)
- Genesis 12-50 Moses here relates the history of His own family the Israelites. Starting from the call of Abram (ch 12) he relates how God cared for and guided the Patriarchs Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and their families. He concludes by recording how Joseph became Prime Minister of Egypt and saved the family from the great famine.#
Most importantly Genesis shows the unfolding of God’ s plan of redemption. As early as Genesis ch3:15 there is promise of a Saviour.
Reading Plan
This plan is available to download here (Reading Plan in PDF)
| Date | Passage | Content |
| Tues 1st | Genesis 25:19-34 | Esau and Jacob |
| Wed 2nd | Genesis 26 | God’s promise to Isaac, Isaac and Abimelech |
| Thurs 3rd | Genesis 27 | Jacob steals the blessing |
| Fri 4th | Genesis 28 | Jacob’s flight to Laban and his dream |
| Sat 5th | Genesis 29 | Jacob marries Leah and Rachel |
| Sun 6th | Genesis 30 | Jacob’s prosperity |
| Mon 7th | Genesis 31:1-21 | Jacob flees from Laban |
| Tues 8th | Genesis 31:22-55 | Laban pursues Jacob |
| Wed 9th | Genesis 32 | Jacob fears Esau, Jacob wrestles with God |
| Thurs10th | Genesis 33 | Jacob meets Esau |
| Fri 11th | Genesis 34 | The defiling of Dinah |
| Sat12th | Genesis 35 | God blesses Jacob, Deaths of Rachel & Isaac |
| Sun 13th | Genesis 36 | Esau’s descendants |
| Mon 14th | Genesis 37 | Joseph’s dreams, Joseph sold by his brothers |
| Tues 15th | Genesis 38 | Judah and Tamar |
| Wed 16th | Genesis 39 | Joseph and Potiphar’s wife |
| Thurs 17th | Genesis 40 | Joseph interprets two prisoners’ dreams |
| Fri 18th | Genesis 41:1-36 | Joseph interprets Pharaoh’s dreams |
| Sat 19th | Genesis 41:37-57 | Joseph rises to power |
| Sun 20th | Genesis 42:1-25 | Joseph’s brothers go to Egypt |
| Mon 21st | Genesis 42:26-36 | The brothers return to Jacob |
| Tues 22nd | Genesis 43:1-15 | The brothers return to Egypt |
| Wed 23rd | Genesis 43:16-34 | The brothers meet Joseph |
| Thurs 24th | Genesis 44 | Joseph tests his brothers |
| Fri 25th | Genesis 45 | Joseph provides for his brothers |
| Sat 26th | Genesis 46 | Joseph brings his family to Egypt |
| Sun 27th | Genesis 47:1-12 | Joseph’s family settle in Egypt |
| Mon 28th | Genesis 47:13-31 | Joseph and the famine |
| Tues 29th | Genesis 48 | Jacob blesses Joseph’s son’s |
| Wed 30th | Genesis 49 | Jacob blesses his sons |
| Thurs 31st | Genesis 50 | Jacob’s burial, Joseph’s death |