Genesis is a book about sovreignty - the sovreignty of God. He is sovreign in creation, in all of history, and also in redemption. The book of Genesis is also a book of foundations, and here we can find all of the foundations of the doctrines we follow. Below is breakdown of the book of Genesis with its main ideas. There are many ways to look at the books of the bible but for general study we need to get the main themes clearly seen.
THE DIVINE SOVREIGNTY IN ALL THINGS
D e g e n e r a t i o n | Early History of Creation |
Four main events recorded |
The Creation - Divine sovreignty is seen in the physical creation. God has eternal priority - He was before all things |
The Fall - Divine sovreignty is seen in the design of human probation. He has moral authority. |
The Flood - Divine sovreignty in retribution for sin. God's judicial severity is demonstrated. |
The events of Babel - Gods divine sovreignty in the distribution of mankind on earth. God is supreme in government. |
R e g e n e r a t i o n | The history of the Patriarchs |
Four main persons chosen |
Abraham - the Divine sovreignty in election is seen clearly in a supernatural call |
Isaac - the Divine sovreignty in election is demonstrated in a supernatural birth. |
Jacob - the Divine sovreignty in election is seen through supernatural care |
Joseph - the Divine sovreignty in election is seen in supernatural control of events |
A list of 'types' found in Genesis
A type is something that can be seen to represent something else. In the bible spiritual truths are often shown as types to help us grasp the meaning and remember the truth
PERSONS |
Person | Type of.. | Person | Type of.. |
Adam | Christ | Eve | Church |
Cain and Abel | Carnal v Spiritual | Enoch | Rapture |
Flood survivors | Church | Lot | Worldly Believer |
Melchizedech | Christ | Hagar and Sarah | Law v Grace |
Ishmael and Isaac | Flesh v Spirit | Abraham | The Father |
Isaac | Christ | Abrahams Servant | Holy Spirit |
Rebekah | Church | Joseph | Christ |
Asenath | Church | | |
OBJECTS AND OR EVENTS |
Object/Event | Type of.. | Object/Event | Type of.. |
Sun | Christ | Moon | Church |
Stars | Saints | Sabbath | Spiritual rest |
Coats | Imputed righteousness | Abels lamb | Calvary |
Flood | Judgement | Flood | Regeneration |
Ark | Christ | Raven | Old nature |
Dove | New nature | Sodom/Fire | Final judgement |
Abrahams ram | Christ our substitute | Egypt | World |