For those participating in the SOAP Bible Reading schedule, here is an introduction to the readings from Genesis that begin today (Taken from GotQuestions.org).
Author: The Book of Genesis does not specifically name its author. Traditionally, the author has always assumed to have been Moses. There is no conclusive reason to deny the Mosaic authorship of Genesis.
Date of Writing: The Book of Genesis does not state when it was written. The date of authorship is likely between 1440 and 1400 B.C. after Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt.
Purpose of Writing: The Book of Genesis has sometimes been called the “seed-plot” of the entire Bible. Most of the major doctrines in the Bible are introduced in “seed” form in the Book of Genesis. Along with the fall of man, God’s promise of salvation or redemption is recorded (Genesis 3:15). The doctrines of creation, imputation of sin, justification, atonement, depravity, wrath, grace, sovereignty, responsibility, and many more are all addressed in this “seed” Book called Genesis.
Many of the great questions of life are answered in Genesis. (1) Where have I come from? (answered in Genesis 1:1 – God created us for a purpose) (2) Why am I here? (answered in Genesis 15:6 – we are here to have a relationship with God) (3) Where am I going? (answered in Genesis 25:8 – we have a destination after death). Genesis has appeal to the scientist, the historian, the theologian, the housewife, the farmer, the traveler, and the man or woman of God. It is a fitting beginning for God’s story of His love for mankind, the Bible.
Brief Summary: One can divide the Book of Genesis into two sections: Primitive and Patriarchal History. Primitive history records (1) Creation (Genesis chapters 1-2); (2) the Fall of man (Genesis chapters 3-5); (3) the Flood (Genesis chapters 6-9); and (4) the dispersion (Genesis chapters 10-11). Patriarchal history records the lives of four great men: (1) Abraham (Genesis 12-25:8); (2) Isaac (Genesis 21:1-35-29); (3) Jacob (Genesis 25:21-50:14); and (4) Joseph (Genesis 30:22-50:26).
God created a universe that was good and free from sin. God created humanity to have a personal relationship with. Adam and Eve sinned and thereby brought evil and death into the world. Evil increased steadily in the world until there was only one family in which God found anything good. God sent the Flood to wipe out evil, but delivered Noah and his family along with the animals in the Ark. After the Flood, humanity began again to multiply and spread throughout the world.
God chose Abraham through whom He would create a chosen people and eventually the promised Messiah. The chosen line was passed on to Abraham’s son Isaac, and then Isaac’s son Jacob. God changed Jacob’s name to Israel, and his twelve sons became the ancestors of the twelve tribes of Israel. In His sovereignty, God had Jacob’s son Joseph sent to Egypt by the despicable actions of Joseph’s brothers. This intended evil act eventually resulted in Jacob and his family being saved from a devastating famine by Joseph, who had risen to great power in Egypt.
Practical Application: God created the universe, the earth, and every living being. We can trust Him to handle the concerns in our life. God allows us to make our own decisions, and then allows us to live with the consequences of our decisions – but God never abandons us and promises deliverance to those who will trust in Him.
God can take a hopeless situation, i.e. Abraham and Sarah being childless, and do amazing things if we will simply trust and obey. Terrible and unjust things may happen in your life, i.e. Joseph, but God will bring about a greater good if we have faith in Him and His sovereign plan.