Genesis: A Review, How It All Began

Genesis: A Review, How It All Began

By: Walks With the Lord

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth...

With those profound words, the Bible begins its sweeping story of creation, covenant, fall, redemption, and divine purpose. The Book of Genesis is more than just the first book of the Bible—it's the foundation upon which the entire biblical narrative stands. In its pages, we find the beginnings of everything: the universe, mankind, sin, salvation, and God's eternal relationship with humanity.

Let’s take a journey through this extraordinary book and explore how it all began.

What is Genesis?

The word Genesis means “origin” or “beginning,” and the book certainly lives up to its name. As the opening book of the Bible and the first of the five books of Moses (known collectively as the Pentateuch or the Torah), Genesis lays the groundwork for all that follows.

Traditionally attributed to Moses, Genesis was written to reveal God’s divine plan and show His faithfulness to His creation. It’s a narrative rich in symbolism, family drama, divine encounters, and eternal promises.

The Structure of Genesis

Genesis divides neatly into two main parts:

  1. Chapters 1–11: Primeval History
    These chapters cover the creation of the world, the fall of man, the flood, and the Tower of Babel. It's a sweeping, global view of humanity and God’s interaction with His creation.

  2. Chapters 12–50: Patriarchal History
    This portion zooms in on the patriarchs—Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph—and God’s covenant with their families. These stories move from universal history to a specific chosen people through whom God will bless all nations.

Major Themes in Genesis

Let’s explore the key themes that make Genesis such a foundational and inspiring book:

1. Creation and the Creator

Genesis begins with the majestic account of God creating the world in six days. Each element—light, land, seas, animals, and finally humans—is spoken into existence with purpose and order.

“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1)

The narrative emphasizes that God is not distant or chaotic. He is personal, intentional, and sovereign. Humans are created in His image (imago Dei), meant for relationship with Him, and entrusted with stewardship over creation.

2. The Fall and the Human Condition

Genesis 3 presents the tragic account of Adam and Eve’s disobedience in the Garden of Eden. With a bite of forbidden fruit, sin enters the world, separating humanity from God.

Yet even in this moment of rebellion, God’s mercy shines:

“And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.” (Genesis 3:15)

This verse is seen by many theologians as the first prophetic glimpse of Christ—the one who would ultimately crush the power of sin and death.

3. Judgment and Grace

The early chapters reveal humanity’s growing wickedness—Cain and Abel, the flood, the Tower of Babel. But God’s grace continually pierces the darkness.

In the flood narrative (Genesis 6–9), God judges the world but preserves Noah and his family. Afterward, He makes a covenant with all living creatures, placing a rainbow in the sky as a sign of His promise.

“Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life.” (Genesis 9:15)

Grace, not wrath, defines God’s heart.

4. Covenant and Promise

From Genesis 12 onward, the focus narrows to one man—Abram (later Abraham). God calls him to leave his homeland and promises to make his descendants into a great nation.

“I will bless you…and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” (Genesis 12:2–3)

This covenant is renewed with Isaac and Jacob, establishing the nation of Israel and pointing forward to Jesus, the ultimate descendant through whom the world would be blessed.

5. Faith and Obedience

The patriarchs are not perfect men. Abraham lies about his wife. Isaac plays favorites. Jacob deceives his way through life. But what marks them is their eventual surrender and obedience to God.

Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice Isaac, his beloved son, is a profound act of trust:

“God himself will provide the lamb…” (Genesis 22:8)

Genesis reminds us that faith isn’t about perfection; it’s about trusting God even when we don’t understand.

6. God’s Sovereignty in Human Affairs

The final chapters focus on Joseph, who is sold into slavery by his brothers, falsely accused, imprisoned—and ultimately raised to power in Egypt. His story is one of divine providence and forgiveness.

“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good…” (Genesis 50:20)

Through Joseph, we see that no matter how chaotic our lives may seem, God is always at work behind the scenes.

Why Genesis Still Matters Today

Genesis isn’t just ancient history. It speaks directly to the deepest questions of our time:

  • Where did we come from? → God created us with intention and love.

  • What’s wrong with the world? → Sin disrupted God’s design.

  • Is there hope? → Yes, through God's promises and faithfulness.

Genesis teaches us about who God is—a creator, a judge, a covenant-keeper, and a redeemer. It shows that He cares deeply about humanity and invites us into His unfolding story.

Fun Facts About Genesis

  • Genesis contains 50 chapters, the longest book in the Pentateuch.

  • The word “Genesis” comes from the Greek translation of the Old Testament, the Septuagint.

  • The Tree of Life, mentioned in Genesis, appears again in Revelation, tying the Bible together full circle.

  • The first recorded marriage (Adam and Eve) happens in Genesis, showing God’s design for family from the start.

Final Thoughts: Our Beginning is His Story

Genesis isn’t just the beginning of the Bible—it’s the beginning of your story, my story, and our shared journey with God. As we read through its pages, we’re invited to reflect on where we came from, where we’re going, and who walks with us along the way.

From the creation of light to Joseph’s declaration of God’s sovereignty, Genesis points us to a Creator who is good, faithful, and deeply involved in the lives of His people.

So next time you open your Bible, don’t skip past Genesis. Return to the beginning, and remember: every great story starts with a powerful opening—and God’s story is no exception.

What About You?

Have you read through the Book of Genesis lately? What stood out to you the most? Did you learn something new, see God's faithfulness in a fresh way, or find encouragement in the lives of the patriarchs?

Share your thoughts in the comments below. We’d love to hear what “beginning” God might be writing in your life today!

A Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the powerful truths found in the Book of Genesis. Thank You for showing us where we came from and reminding us that we are created in Your image. Help us to trust You as the Creator and Sustainer of all things.

Just as You walked with Adam in the garden, called Abraham to faith, and guided Joseph through trials, walk with us today. May we live lives that reflect Your glory, stand firm in faith, and embrace Your promises. Let Your story continue through us.

In Jesus’ name,
Amen.

Until next time, keep walking with the Lord.

— Walks With the Lord ✝️

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