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Unit 1

Lesson 1Creation Stage

Creation Week: origin of all things

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The Bible

The Bible is a beautiful palace built up out of sixty-six blocks of solid marble—the sixty-six books. In the first chapter of Genesis we enter the vestibule, which is filled with the mighty acts of creation. The

vestibule gives access to the law courts—the five books of Moses—passing through which we come to the picture gallery of the historical books. Here we find hung upon the walls scenes of battlefields, representations of heroic deeds, and portraits of eminent men belonging to the early days of the world’s history.

Beyond the picture gallery we find the philosophy’s chamber—book of Job—passing thru which we enter the music room—the book of Psalms—where we listen to the grandest strains that ever fell on human ears. Then we come to the business office—the book of Proverbs—where right in the center of the room, stands facing us the motto, “Righteousness exalteth a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.” From the business office we pass into the chapel—Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Solomon with the Rose of Sharon and the Lily of the Valley, and all manner of fine perfume and fruit and flowers and singing birds.

Finally we reach the observatory—the Prophets, with their telescopes fixed on near and distant stars, and all directed toward “the Bright and Morning Star,” that was soon to arise. Crossing the court we come to the audience chamber of the King—the Gospels—where we find four vivid life-like portraits of the King Himself. Next we enter the work-room of the Holy Spirit—the Acts of the Apostles—and beyond that the correspondence-room—the Epistles—where we see Paul and Peter and James and John and Jude busy at their desks, and if you would know what they are writing about, their epistles are open for all to study. Before leaving we stand a moment in the outside gallery—the Revelation—where we look upon some striking pictures of the judgments to come, and the glories to be revealed, concluding with an awe-inspiring picture of the New Jerusalem when the kingdoms of this world shall have become the kingdoms of our God and of His Christ!





~OVERVIEW OF THE BOOK~

GENESISPart One: The Preliminaries (1-11)A consideration of four great happenings: The creation of the universe, the fall of man, the universal flood, the tower of Babel

I. The Creation of All ThingsA. God’s working schedule

1. First day: The creation of light2. Second day: The creation of space and water3. Third day: The creation of plant life4. Fourth day: The creation of the sun, moon

and stars5. Fifth day: The creation of fish and fowl6. Sixth day: The creation of land animals and

man7. Seventh day: God rests from his work

scheduleB. God’s wedding schedule

1. Eve is removed from the side of Adam2. Eve is returned to the side of Adam

II. The Corruption of All ThingsA. The transgression of Adam

1. His duties2. His disobedience3. His despair4. His defense5. His discipline6. His deliverance7. His dismissal

B. The testimony of Abel1. Abel the obedient one2. Cain, the disobedient one3. Seth, the appointed one

C. The translation of EnochThis Enoch is from the line of Seth and not the

son of Cain1. His relationship with God2. His removal by God

III. The Condemnation of All ThingsA. The Grief of GodB. The Grace of God

1. Noah’s spirituality2. Noah’s ship3. Noah’s safety4. Noah’s search5. Noah’s sacrifice6. Noah’s sign7. Noah’s shame

IV. The Confusion of All ThingsA. The sin involved: Union

1. The who of the matter2. The where of the matter3. The what of the matter4. The why of the matter

B. The sentence involved: Disunion1. The reason for God’s judgment2. The results of God’s judgment

C. The settlements involved: Reunion1. The descendants of Japheth2. The descendants of Ham3. The descendants of Shem

Part Two: The Patriarchs (12-50)A consideration of four great heroes: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph

The Life of AbrahamI. The Conversion of Abraham

A. He was born and raised in Ur of the Chaldees, a city located in the land of Mesopotamia

B. Prior to his conversion, Abraham was a worshiper of idols

C. Then God appeared to him and Abraham became a believer

II. The Call of Abraham





III. The Commission Given to AbrahamAbraham received from God the sevenfold features of the Abrahamic CovenantA. “I will make of thee a great nation.”B. “I will bless thee.”C. “I will make thy name great.”D. “Thou shalt be a blessing.”E. “I will bless them that bless thee.”F. “I will curse him that curseth thee.”G. “In thee shall all families of the earth be

blessed.”IV. The Complacency of Abraham

V. The Canaan of AbrahamA. Abraham at ShechemB. Abraham at Bethel: Here he constructed his

second altarC. Abram at Hebron or Beer-sheba

VI. The Carnality of AbrahamA. His deception in EgyptB. His deception in Philistia

VII. The Condescension of AbrahamA. The argumentB. The agreementC. The assuranceD. The altars

VIII. The Courage of AbrahamA. The villainB. The victimC. The victory

IX. The Communion of AbrahamA. Bera, the godless and perverted king of SodomB. Melchizedek, the godly and priestly king of

Salem1. The blessing Abram received from

Melchizedek2. The bounty Abram remitted to Melchizedek

X. The Covenant of AbrahamA. Abram’s unwise planB. God’s all-wise plan

1. The rationale for God’s plan2. The response to God’s plan

3. The ratification of God’s plan4. The revelation accompanying God’s plan

XI. The Compromise of AbrahamA. The reason for his compromiseB. The results of his compromise

1. Hagar’s marriage to Abraham2. Hagar’s mistreatment by Sarah3. Hagar’s meeting with the angel of the Lord

XII. The Circumcision of AbrahamA. The sign of the covenantB. The stewards of the covenant

1. Abraham: His name at that time was changed by God from Abram to Abraham

2. Sarah: Her name was changed from Sarai, meaning “contentious,” to that of Sarah, meaning “princess”

3. Ishmael4. Isaac

XIII. The Compassion of AbrahamA. The tremendous news

1. The reassurance2. The reluctance3. The rebuke

B. The tragic news1. The indictment against Sodom2. The intercession for Sodom3. The incineration of Sodom

XIV. The Celebration of AbrahamA. The feastB. The flauntingC. The furyD. The farewell

XV. The Contract of AbrahamA. In Genesis 15:1-21 we read concerning a

covenant given to AbrahamB. In Genesis 21:22-34 we read concerning a

contract made by Abraham

XVI. The Calvary of AbrahamA. The sorrow of Abraham

1. The order2. The obedience





3. The ordeal4. The optimism

B. The submission by IsaacC. The substitute from God

XVII. The Cave of AbrahamA. Abraham’s tearsB. Abraham’s transaction

1. The place he bought2. The price he paid

XVIII. The Command of AbrahamA. The problem involvedB. The party involvedC. The plan involvedD. The promise involvedE. The prayer involvedF. The presents involvedG. The pilgrimage involved

XIX. The Keturah of AbrahamA. His final spouseB. His final sons

XX. The City of AbrahamA. His earthly life endsB. His eternal life begins

The Life of IsaacI. Isaac and Abraham

A. The supernatural birth of IsaacB. The submissive spirit of IsaacC. The substitute lamb for Isaac

II. Isaac and Ishmael

III. Isaac and RebekahA. His marriage to RebekahB. His prayer for RebekahC. His lie concerning Rebekah

IV. Isaac and the Philistines

V. Isaac and God: The Lord appeared to Isaac on two occasions

A. The appearance at GerarB. The appearance at Beersheba

VI. Isaac and His SonsA. Esau, the favorite of IsaacB. Jacob, the favorite of Rebekah

The Life of JacobI. Jacob, the Youngest Twin

II. Jacob, the Devising Brother

III. Jacob, the Deceitful Son

IV. Jacob, the Dreaming TravelerA. The vision of Jacob

1. He saw the angels of the Lord2. He saw the Lord of the angels

B. The vow of Jacob

V. Jacob, the Love-Struck GroomA. His love for RachelB. His labor for Rachel

1. The diligence of Jacob2. The deception by Laban

VI. Jacob, the Fruitful Family Man

VII. Jacob, the Enterprising EmployeeA. Jacob and Laban – the suggestionB. Jacob and Laban – the separationC. Jacob and Laban – the symbol

1. The nature of this covenant2. The symbol of this covenant3. The place of the covenant

VIII. Jacob, the Determined WrestlerA. His communion with God

1. The preparation2. The supplication

a. Jacob spoke to Godb. Jacob struggled with God

B. His reunion with Esau

IX. Jacob, the Obedient PatriarchA. The rededication of JacobB. The revelation to Jacob





X. Jacob, the Broken-HeartedA. Over the failure of his sons and daughter

1. Fornication on the part of Dinah2. Murder on the part of Simeon and Levi3. Adultery on the part of Reuben4. Immorality and hypocrisy on the part of

Judah5. Deceit and treachery on the part of his ten

sonsB. Jacob, the broken-hearted

1. Rebekah his wife2. Deborah, the nurse of his wife3. Isaac, his father

XI. Jacob, the Overjoyed Father

XII. Jacob, the Dying ProphetA. The prophet and his two grandsonsB. The prophet and his 12 sons

1. Jacob’s revelation concerning them2. Jacob’s request from them

The Life of JosephI. Joseph, the Favored Son

A. Loved by his father1. The reasons involved2. The reward involved

B. Loathed by his brothers1. The reasons involved2. The results involved

II. Joseph, the Faithful StewardA. His serviceB. His self-controlC. His sufferings

III. Joseph, the Forgotten SlaveA. Joseph and the prison keeperB. Joseph and the prisoners

1. Who they were2. What they dreamed

IV. Joseph, the Famed StatesmanA. The dreams of Pharaoh

1. The information in the dreams2. The interpretation of the dreams

B. The decree of Pharaoh1. Joseph’s proposal2. Joseph’s promotion3. Joseph’s program

V. Joseph, the Forgiving SaintA. Joseph and his brothers

1. The forgotten brother2. The forgiving brother

B. Joseph and his fatherC. Joseph and his sons

VI. Joseph, the Fruitful Shade TreeA. Joseph received his father’s blessingsB. Joseph removed his father’s body

VII. Joseph, the Foreshadow of the Savior: Joseph is the most pronounced foreshadow and type of Christ in the entire Old Testament





GENESIS

YOUR ATTENTION PLEASE! THE INFINITE AND HOLY CREATOR OF THIS UNIVERSE IS NOW READY TO BEGIN HIS AMAZING STORY!

Before it is finished some 15 centuries later, 40 human authors will have been used in its telling. Every single word is true. No names, dates, or locations have been changed to protect either the innocent or guilty. Here it is, the unabridged, unedited, original, factual, fast-moving account, explaining the who, why, how, and when of all things.

Genesis is, by any conceivable standard, the most important book ever written. It is the foundation to all human learning. One cannot even remotely understand anthropology, astronomy, geology, literature, philosophy, history, theology, or prophecy apart from this book.

Genesis is at once the introduction to and the explanation of all things. It clearly gives the origin and purpose of the universe, the world, life, and man himself.

Genesis traces the beginnings of the institution of Israel, of marriage, and government. It outlines the problem of sin and evil, and the complexity of race and language. The future activities of both Satan the destroyer and Shiloh the Savior are described (3:15; 49:10).

Genesis may be divided into two sections, chapters 1-11 and 12-50. Beginning with the first section, God used the shotgun approach, dealing in general with the universe and nations, and great masses of people. But during the second section in Genesis 12, the shotgun method gave way to the rifle, when the divine Author zeroed in on one man, Abraham, and his descendants. The floodlight was then replaced by a spotlight.

One final thought. Genesis spans a total time period of at least 2,200 years. In light of this, note God’s priority here.He employed 20 percent of the book (1-11) to describe the first 1,800 years. This covers Creation, the Fall, the flood, and Babel.

He employed 80 percent of the book (12-50) to describe the final 400 years. Here we read of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph. This means approximately 80 percent of the total time period is covered in only 11 chapters, while 20 percent of the time is described in 39 chapters. The priority point is simple—in the mind of God, Abraham is more important than the universe.

Interesting Features About This Book:A. Genesis 1-11

1. The creation account includes everything from electrons to galaxies, from dinosaurs to dandelions, and from Adam to angels!

2. This stage is the only one which describes God as resting (2:2-3).3. It gives us the first human to be created (Adam) and the first human to be born (Cain) (1:26; 4:1).4. It records the first man to die (Abel) and the first man not to die (Enoch) (4:8; 5:24). 5. We are introduced to a serpent, a raven, and a dove (3:1; 7:1, 8).6. The glory of God in creation (1:1) and the grace of God in salvation (6:8) are both clearly seen.7. We see the world’s earliest civilization (Cainite) and the world’s oldest citizen (Methuselah) (4:17; 5:27).8. This stage describes the first marriage, the first murder, and the first promise of the Messiah (2:23-25; 4:8; 3:15). It

gives us the first illustration of human religion (the fig leaves), and the first example of divine redemption (the coats of skin) (3:7, 21).

9. In its pages sinners are drowned, and a saint is drunken (7:21; 9:20-21).10. A ship settles on a mountain and a tower rises on a plain (8:4; 11:1-4). This tower is but the beginning of three satanic

attempts to consolidate religion around a project. Two more will follow. One was built near Babylon (Dan. 2), and the final one will be placed in the Holy of Holies (Rev. 13).

B. Genesis 12-501. Here a city is destroyed on the plains (Sodom) and a boy is spared on a mountain (Isaac) (19, 22).2. Here a son (Jacob) deceives his father (Isaac) and is later himself deceived by his sons (brothers of Joseph) (27, 37).3. Here we read of the first barren mother (Sarah) and the first dying mother (Rachel) (16, 35).4. Jerusalem (a type of the heavenly) and Egypt (a type of the worldly) are first mentioned in this stage (13, 14).





5. Here we first learn of a king called Melchizedek and a cave named Machpelah (14, 25). 6. Here the first of three great biblical covenants is introduced (12:1-3). These covenants are:

a. The Abrahamic Covenant (12:1-3). This has to do with a land (Canaan) and a people (Israel).b. The Davidic Covenant (2 Sam. 7:4-16; 1 Chron. 17:3-5). This had to do with a king to rule in that land over that people.c. The New Covenant (Jer. 31:31). This has to do with changed hearts so that the people in the land will allow the

king to rule over them.7. Bethlehem appears, where God’s Lamb would someday be born (33:19); and Abraham climbs a mountain where

God’s Lamb would someday die (22:2). On this occasion Isaac asks his father a question that would be answered by John the Baptist some 20 centuries later. The question asked by Isaac: “Where is the Lamb?” (22:7). The answer given by John: “Behold the Lamb of God, who taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). The glorious summary heard in heaven: “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing” (Rev. 5:12).

8. The birth of Isaac marks the first of five divinely aided conceptions in the Bible, excluding Christ’s supernatural birth, which was absolutely unique and in a class by itself. The five are:a. Isaac (21:1-2)b. Samuel (1 Sam. 1:19-20)c. Samson (Judg. 13:3, 24)d. The Shunammite’s son (2 Kings. 4:14-17)e. John the Baptist (Luke 1:13, 57)

9. History’s first recorded revival is also described in Genesis. See chapter 35. Genesis is the fourth longest book in the Bible with 50 chapters, 1,533 verses, and 38,267 words. It is quoted or alluded to some 260 times in 21 New Testament books.

PART ONE: The Preliminaries (1-11)A consideration of four great happenings: The creation of the universe, the fall of man, the universal flood, the tower of Babel

I. The Creation of All Things: (Gen. 1-2)

Note: See special comments on these two verses (1:1-2) at the end of Genesis 2.

A. God’s working schedule1. First day: The creation of light (1:3-5)

VThe Holy Spirit moved (vibrated) upon the earth. From this omnipotent, vibrating energy source began to flow our energy waves—waves of heat and sound magnetism. Thus, the created universe was energized. The earth rotating on its axis also began at this time. Both energy and matter were now present in the space, mass, time framework. The three basic types of force fields were now in effect.n Gravitational—the force between two objectsn Electromagnetic—the force between the electron and the nucleus of an atomn Nuclear—the force between the proton and neutron within the atom

Note: The account indicates this was a temporary light source to function until the fourth day when the sun, moon, and stars would be created.

2. Second day: The creation of space and water (1:6-8)

VThis water was in two forms:n Regular land-based water in shallow ocean, river, and lake beds n Atmospheric water in the form of invisible translucent vapor

3. Third day: The creation of plant life (1:9-13)





VLush green vegetation and exotic flowers now grace the newly emerged dry ground. These verses alone totally refute the harmful doctrine of theistic evolution which says life began aeons ago from a glob of scum floating on some remote ocean surface. But to the contrary, Moses tells us life was supernaturally created on the third day of Creation and began on dry ground.

4. Fourth day: The creation of the sun, moon and stars (1:14-19)

VOn the first day God created physical light. He now creates special light sources. These heavenly bodies were to function in a threefold manner:n As signs—they teach and remind men of God’s creative work. (Psalm 8:3 and Romans 1:19-20)n As seasons—they function as a calendar, dividing seasons, days, and years, enabling men to accurately plan their work.n As light—they replace the temporary light source of the early days. It may be asked why God created the earth on the first day,

but waited until the fourth day before establishing the sun, stars, and moon. Two possible reasons are suggested for this, one dealing with priority, the other with prevention.l Priority: God created the earth first because it was the most important in his mind. It was upon planet earth that he planned

to create on the sixth day a creature made in his own image. This creature, man, would live on earth, and not the moon. Then, plans had already been made in the fullness of time for the second person in the Trinity to wrap human flesh and bone about him and come to the planet earth. Finally, it will be upon the earth, not Pluto or Venus, that the King of kings shall someday touch down upon the Mount of Olives to establish his millennial kingdom.

l Prevention: Almost without exception every ancient civilization has worshiped the sun. But God wanted his people to worship its Creator, namely, himself. Thus, he informs us that life and light existed before the sun, and that “every good gift and every perfect gift is from above and cometh down from the Father of lights” (James 1:17).

5. Fifth day: The creation of fish and fowl (1:20-23)

VWhat a contrast is seen here, from the tiny hummingbird to the massive blue sperm whale. It is not generally known, but the blue sperm whale is longer and heavier than a modern Boeing 737 jet passenger plane. This whale can reach a length of 110 feet, and weigh 150 tons. Unbounded by gravity and with abundant supplies of food, whales grew into the largest creatures that ever have lived, far larger than dinosaurs. Next to a blue whale, a brontosaurus would seem like a hog beside a hippopotamus. A blue whale can grow to 100 feet and weigh more than 2,500 people. Its tongue is ten feet thick and heavier than an elephant. Some arteries are big enough for a child to swim through. The half-ton heart has walls two feet thick and pumps eight tons of blood. (Noel Vietmeyer, “Whales—Gentle Giants of the Deep,” Reader’s Digest [May 1989], 55-60).

6. Sixth day: The creation of land animals and man (1:24-27)

V n Man immediately becomes the highlight of this day and of the entire creation week. Note the divine account of this act in Gen. 1:26. This is the first strong evidence of the Trinity in the Old Testament (see also Gen. 11:7; Ps. 2:7; 45:7; 110:1; Isa. 48:16).

n How was man made in the image of God?l Perhaps because of man’s trinity—man consists of spirit, soul, and body. (1 Thess. 5:23, Heb. 4:12).l Perhaps because man (like God) knows the differences between good and evil. Only man, among all creatures, has self-

consciousness.l Perhaps God had in mind the future work of Jesus when he took upon himself the body of a man. (John 1:14, 1 Tim. 3:16,

Phil. 2:5-8).l Perhaps God had in mind the future life of the believer when all Christians shall be like Jesus. (Phil. 3:21, Rom. 8:29, 1

John 3:2).n He was made in the image of God and possessed the highest kind of life.

l Plant life possessed unconscious life.l Animal life possessed conscious life.l Man alone possessed self-conscious life.

Thus, here was a creature who could not only eat of Eden’s delicious food, but would glance heavenward first and thank that One who created both eater and food. No dandelion or dinosaur could do this.





7. Seventh day: God rests from his work schedule (2:2).

VThis is the only place where God is described as resting. Sin would soon enter the picture and the entire Trinity will become involved in redemption. The first law of thermodynamics is now in effect. This law says that energy can be changed from one form to another, but it cannot be created or destroyed. Here we have in 56 simple but sublime verses (1 and 2) the concise but complete account of creation. The first of these verses (1:1) should be looked upon as a summary statement. God here tells us just what he did. The remaining 55 verses then become detailed statements informing us just how he went about doing all he said he did. The creation of angels is not mentioned in the original week. However, in the book of Job (38:7) the Bible seems to place their creation at the same time as that of the stars. If this is correct, the angels came into being on the fourth day. Others feel this same chapter (38:4) indicated angels were present at the creation of the earth. If this is true, then angels must have been created sometime during the very first day of the Creation week.

VAre the days of Genesis 1 really literal 24-hour days? There is strong scholarly and scriptural evidence that the days are indeed literal.n The use of a numerical adjective with the word “day” in Genesis 1 would limit it to a normal day.n The natural reading of the Genesis account would suggest it. n Moses believed it (see Exod. 20:11; 31:17).n Edward Young (outstanding Hebrew scholar) believed it.n Benjamin Warfield (one of the great Orthodox theologians of all time) believed it.n Departmental professors of Oriental language in nine leading universities were once asked the following question by a

research scholar: “Do you consider that the Hebrew word Yom (day) as used in Genesis 1 accompanied by a numeral should properly be translated as (a) a day, as commonly understood, (b) an age, or (c) either a day or an age without preference?” The nine universities polled were: Oxford, Cambridge, London, Harvard, Yale, Columbia, Toronto, McGill, and Manitoba. Of these, seven universities responded that it should be translated as a day as commonly understood.

n As indicated by the genealogies found in Genesis 5 and 11: If evolution is correct and man is really a million years old, then we would be forced to allow a 50,000 year gap between each name in these two chapters. Furthermore, if life itself is nearly five billion years old, then each day in Genesis 1 would have to stand for approximately 700 million years.

B. God’s wedding schedule1. Eve is removed from the side of Adam (2:18, 21).2. Eve is returned to the side of Adam (2:22-24).

V n Here is the first of four great institutions given by God to man.l Marriage (2)l Human government (9)l The nation Israel (12)l The church (Matt. 16)

n It may be said marriage was given to accomplish two things:l That of propagation (Gen. 1:28)l That of illustration (Eph. 5:25-29)

It should be noted the Hebrew word here translated rib can also be rendered side, suggesting God may have removed not just a bone, but also flesh, muscle, and blood from the man. The first recorded words of Adam upon seeing Eve strongly indicate this: “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh.”

VThese two verses are surely among the most profound in the entire Bible. In essence they relate to both the source and science of creation.n The source of creation, as declared by God

Consider the following five questions:l How many false philosophies does the first verse in the Bible refute?

I It refutes atheism, for creation is the work of God’s hand.I It refutes evolution, for the universe was created and did not evolve.





I It refutes materialism, for the universe did not always exist. I It refutes polytheism, for there is only one God.I It refutes pantheism, for God is apart from and independent of his creation.

l When did the Holy Spirit first appear on earth? Many erroneously believe he originally came at Pentecost in Acts 2, but here he is seen at the very beginning of creation.

l Who created the universe?I According to David, the Father created all things (Ps. 19:1).I However, John declares the Son did it (John 1:3-4).I Finally, in other passages, the Holy Spirit is said to have performed the initial act of creation. What are we to believe?

The answer is, of course, that all three persons in the Trinity had a part. As an illustration let us consider an important executive who determines to build a spacious and expensive home. He, thus, employs an architect to design the necessary plans for this home. The architect then secures a competent contractor to follow his blueprints. In this illustration the executive is the Father, the architect is the Son, and the contractor is the Holy Spirit. The following verses, then, refer to the work of this Divine Contractor (Ps. 104:30, Job 26:13, Job 33:4).

lHow many heavens are there? The word heaven in Genesis 1:1 is plural in the Hebrew. Actually there are three heavens mentioned in the Bible and in the beginning God created all three.I First heaven: home of the birds and clouds (Dan. 4:12, Matt. 6:26)I Second heaven: home of the sun, moon, and star (Ps. 19:1)I Third heaven: home of the angels and departed saints (2 Cor. 12:2)

lDid something horrible take place between the first and second verse in the Bible? Many believe something terrible indeed occurred, and that something was the fall of Satan. The following arguments are offered to support this.I The phrase in Genesis 1:2, “without form and void” (Hebrew: tohu wa-bohu), appears elsewhere in Isaiah 34:11;

45:18; and Jeremiah 4:23 and speaks of judgment. However, in other passages it simply means space (see job 26:7; Deut. 32:10; Job 6:18; 12:24; Ps. 107:40).

I The verb translated “was” in Genesis 1:2 (Hebrew: hayetha) should be translated “became”; scriptural evidence, however, would deny this. The Hebrew verb hayetha is found 264 times in the Pentateuch, and of these, in 258 instances the word is correctly translated was.

I There is a difference between the verbs bara (created, Gen. 1:1) and asah (“made,” Gen. 1:7). But, to the contrary, these verbs are used synonymously. Note: “And God created [bara] the great sea monsters” (1:21). “And God made [asah] the beast of the earth” (1:25). “Let us make [asah] man in our image” (1:26). “So God created [bara] man in his own image” (1:27).

I Genesis 1:2 says, “darkness was upon the face of the deep,” and darkness is a symbol of evil. This is not always the case, as seen in Psalm 104:20, 24: “Thou makest darkness, and it is night, wherein all the beasts of the forest do creep forth. “Although traces of this theory can be traced back in Christian writings as early as the fourth century A.D., it was not until the ministries of Dr. Thomas Chalmers, Scottish scholar, and George H. Pember (1876) that the theory really caught on. In 1917 C.I. Scofield included it in his notes and its popularity was assured. These last two dates are significant, for by 1880 Darwin’s theory of evolution, as propounded in his book, The Origin of the Species, was universally accepted by the scientific world. This theory taught that the world was many millions of years old, as indicated by the vast fossil record and claims of uniformitarian geology. The Christian theologian was then confronted with a serious problem. How could all this be reconciled with Genesis 1 ? An answer was found—uncounted millions of years could be conveniently tucked into the bottomless hole which was thought to exist between Genesis 1:1 and 1:2. Thus the gap theory may be viewed in part as an attempt by the Christian theologian to appease the non-Christian evolutionist.

In summary, the gap theory faces a real problem in the New Testament, for Paul stated in Romans 5:12 and 8:20-22 that man’s sin brought about death, even of animals. But the gap theory would have Adam walking on top of a gigantic fossilized animal graveyard. One may thus conclude that Genesis 1:1 is a summary statement for the first two chapters. In this verse God tells us what he originally did. In the remaining verses he then informs us how he did it.

In conclusion, it may be asked: “If Satan did not fall between Genesis 1:1 and 1:2, then where do we place his fall?” A probable answer is somewhere between Genesis 2:25 and 3:1. We do know that Lucifer had become the devil at the time of Genesis 3:1. Bible students have pondered for centuries over why Lucifer sinned in the first place. Two suggestions have been offered: One, Satan may have doubted God’s word that he had been created. Maybe





God was lying. Second, he was no doubt jealous over man’s nature (especially his ability to reproduce himself—something angels cannot do), and the responsibilities given to Adam (see Gen. 1:26-28; Ps. 8:3-6; Heb. 2:5-9). This last suggestion would, of course, indicate that Lucifer did not sin until after the creation of Adam.

n The science of creation, as discovered by man—Again, consider five questions:lHow old is creation? Some scientists would confidently tell us its origin occurred via a big bang from 5 billion to 50

billion years ago. How are these dates arrived at? One time calendar is called radiometric dating—the dating of rocks. In certain rocks the element uranium 238 decays into lead 206 with a half-life of 4.5 billion years (that is, the decay involves 50 percent of the original uranium each 4.5 billion years). It is claimed, therefore, that the age of a rock may be determined through this method. However, there are serious problems at times with radiometric dating. For example, radiometric dating has shown certain rocks from volcanoes in Russia to be 5 billion years old, whereas it is known that they were formed within the last 200 years. In opposition to the above radical ancient dates, a number of creation scientists now feel there is mounting evidence that our earth may be much younger than supposed, perhaps less than 12,000 years old. These indications are as follows:I Population statistics—If man appeared over one million years ago, the present world population would be thousands

of times greater than it actually is. In fact, our entire galaxy could not provide the needed space for so many. The present world population is around 5 billion. Assuming the average life span to be 70 years and the average generation length to be 35 years, then starting with one family, the present world population would result in about 30 doublings. These doublings would carry us back in history from today to around 3500 B.C. This date is suggested by several creationist scientists to mark the time of the flood. Thus, the creation model dovetails beautifully with known world population statistics. But what of the evolutionary model? Dr. Henry Morris writes: “Now, if the first man appeared one million years ago, and these very conservative growth rates applied during that period, the world population would be at present 10 (27,000 zeros following) people. However, no more than 10 (with 100 zeros) people could be crammed into the known universe” (Scientific Creationism [Master Books], 1974,154).

I The amount of helium-4 in the atmosphere—This suggests that our atmosphere is less than 15,000 years old.I The absence of meteorite dust—Some 15 million tons of nickel meteorite dust settle to earth each year. If the earth

has indeed existed for five billion years, then there should now be a layer of this dust at least 200 feet thick all over the planet. Of course, no such layer is found.

I The decay of earth’s magnetic field—This field, it has been shown, has a half-life of 1,400 years. This means it is weakened by 50 percent every 14 centuries. It also means the magnetic field was twice as strong 1,400 years ago as it is now, four times as strong 2,800 years ago, and so on. Only 7,000 years ago it must have been 32 times as strong. It is very doubtful that it could have been much stronger than this.

I The imbalance of carbon-14 and carbon-12—It can be shown that it would take a period of 30,000 years to attain an equilibrium between these two. However, at present C-14 still exceeds C-12 by some 50 percent.

The above are but five of over 80 facts that would indicate a recent creation date.I Another time calendar is known as the radiocarbon method. This method, unlike the first three, is used only in

determining the age of organic fossils. Radioactive carbon is formed in the earth’s upper atmosphere resulting from the incoming cosmic radiation and atmospheric nitrogen-14. It then unites with oxygen to form carbon dioxide and is absorbed by all plants and animals. At the moment of death, plants and animals cease to absorb C-14. It then begins to decay back into nitrogen 14. This has a half-life of 5,730 years. Five “half-lives” of C-14 would equal 29,000 years, and would leave only 1/32 of the original C-14 content. Therefore, the C-14 method becomes increasingly weak past a few thousand years. As with the other dating methods, C-14 has its problems. Many living systems are not in equilibrium for the C-14 exchange. It has been found that the shells of living mollusks may show radiocarbon ages up to 2,300 years. The amount of natural carbon may have varied in the past. It is known that the earth once had far more vegetation than today. This is indicated by the vast amounts of coal deposits now known all over the world. Consequently, organisms living at that time would be subjected to only a very small C-14 to C-12 ratio, and their remains now would contain no radiocarbon at all, even if they had lived 6,000 years ago. On the other hand, during the ice age there would have been much less C-12 than during the vegetation age. However, one must exercise care in attempting to pinpoint exactly a recent creation date. For example, the Irish seventeenth-century theologian Archbishop James Ussher and his contemporary Dr. John Lightfoot, stated that creation week occurred on October 18-24 in the year 4004 B.C., and that the creation of Adam took place on Friday of that week, October 23, 4004 B.C., at 9:00 A.M., 45th meridian time.





lHow vast is our universe? It is so vast that it takes a beam of light (which travels some 700 million miles per hour) over 100,000 years just to cover the distance across our galaxy called the Milky Way. But our galaxy is only one among many billions in the known universe. To illustrate the size of our universe, consider the following four examples:I Paper stack model

l Let us say the thickness of a sheet of paper represents the distance from the earth to the sun (some 93 million miles).l To represent the distance to the nearest star we would need a stack of paper 71 feet high.l To cover the diameter of our Milky Way galaxy would require a stack 310 miles high. l To reach the edge of the known universe would demand a pile of paper sheets 31 million miles high.

I Orange and grain of sand modell Here an orange would represent the sun.l A grain of sand is the earth, circling the orange at a distance of 30 feet.l Pluto, the most remote planet in our solar system, is another grain of sand, circling the orange at ten city blocks away.l Alpha Centauri, the nearest star, is 1,300 miles away from the orange.

I Hollow sun illustrationl If the sun were hollow, 1.3 million earths could fit inside.l A star named Antares, if hollow, could hold 64 million of our suns.l In the constellation of Hercules there is a star which could contain 100 million stars like Antares.l The largest known star, Epsilon, could easily swallow up several million stars the size of the one in Hercules.

I The relative speed illustrationl Our earth is traveling around its own axis at 1,000 MPH. l It moves around the sun at 67,000 MPH.l It is carried by the sun across our galaxy at a speed of 64,000 MPH. l It moves in orbit around our galaxy at 481,000 MPH. l It travels through space at 1,350,000 MPH.l Every 24 hours we cover 57,360,000 miles.l Each year we travel 20,936,400,000 miles across empty space. All of this is, of course, but a feeble attempt to

illustrate the magnitude of space and of a universe, which contains as many stars as there are grains of sand on all the seashores of the world. Furthermore, in Psalm 147:4 (also Isa. 40:26), we are told that God has both numbered and named each star. “He telleth the number of the stars; he calleth them all by their names” (Ps. 147:4). “Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these things, that bringeth out their host by number: he calleth them all by names by the greatness of his might, for that he is strong in power; not one faileth” (Isa. 40:26). But more glorious than all this is the statement that this same omnipotent and omniscient God “healeth the broken in heart and bindeth up their wounds” (Ps. 147:3). “Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite” (Ps. 147:5).

lHow minute is our universe? Simply stated, it is as unbelievably small as it is big. Consider the following:I All material in the universe consists of atoms. Atoms in turn are made up of three “building blocks,” which are

protons, neutrons (which two go to make up the center of an atom called the nucleus), and electrons (which circle the nucleus as our earth does the sun).

I On the tip of a ballpoint pen are so many atoms that if they were carried by an army, marching four abreast, an atom to a man, it would take over 20,000 years for a march-past.

I It would take 25 trillion protons laid side by side to span a linear inch.I There are as many protons in a cubic inch of copper as there are drops of water in the oceans of the world or grains

of sand on the seashores of our earth.I The size of an electron is to a dust speck as the dust speck is to the entire earth.I The space between an electron and the nucleus is 10,000 times as great as the size of that nucleus. For example, if the

outer shell of electrons in an atom were the size of the Houston Astrodome, the nucleus would be the size of a Ping-Pong ball in the center of that stadium. Question: If most of the atom is empty space, why does a table top offer so much resistance when you push at it with your finger? Answer: The surface of the table, like the tip of one’s finger, consists of a wall of electrons, belonging to the outermost layer of atoms in both objects. Both the speed and force attraction of these electrons thus prohibit your finger from going through the table as a fast-moving bicycle wheel would prevent you from placing your finger through the spokes.





lHow much energy exists within our universe?I The protons and neutrons within the nucleus of an atom are held together with a density of one billion tons per cubic

inch. This is around 40 pounds of energy between each proton.I This energy force is stronger than regular gravitational forces by a factor of one followed by 38 zeros. How big is this

number? It is over 100 trillion times larger than the number of all the grains of sand on earth’s seashores.I German physicist Otto Gail has calculated that a single drop of gasoline, if totally utilized in an automobile, would

be sufficient for 400 journeys around the world (a trip involving ten million miles).I Albert Einstein estimated the total amount of energy released from one ounce of water could easily lift 200 million

tons of steel one mile above the earth.I The various stars and galaxies were created by the conversion of energy into mass. It has been determined that the

amount of energy used in the creation of only one gram of matter (1/450th of a pound) is equal to 2.5 times the amount of energy generated by Niagara Falls in one entire day. This would be ten million kilowatts.

lHow complex is our universe? Here we refer to life itself. The wonders of the atom and the glory of the galaxies are but drab Tinkertoys when compared to the miracle of living organisms.I The smallest insect on this earth is made up of millions of living cells. There are some 75 trillion such cells in the

body of an average man. But each individual cell is unbelievably complex. It has been demonstrated that the simplest living cell is vastly more complicated than the most sophisticated giant computer on earth.

I Each cell is a world brimming with as many as 200 trillion tiny groups of atoms called protein molecules. It is a microuniverse in itself.

I The largest molecule is called the DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid). The DNA strand carries the hereditary information from the parent to the offspring in all living things. It contains the genetic code and determines whether you will turn out to be a man, mushroom, dandelion, or dinosaur.

I The total length of the DNA strand in one cell is six feet. If all the DNA strands in the body were bunched up they could fit into a box the size of an ice cube. But if unwound and joined together, the string could stretch from the earth to the sun and back more than 400 times.

I Each of the 75 trillion cells in a man’s body contains the information found in all other cells. Thus, a cell in a man’s little toe has all the data in its DNA for making another man physically identical to himself

I If the coded DNA instructions of a single human cell were put into English, they would fill a 1,000-volume encyclopedia.

I During cell division, two strands of DNA (called the double helix), which have been interwoven around each other in ladder-like fashion, separate to form a new cell. It is believed that the rotation during this unwinding occurs at the rate of more than 75 turns a second. This would be somewhat like attempting in a split second to uncoil and separate a huge cathedral packed from top to bottom with twisted and intertwined microphone cord. After the double helix is separated it then duplicates itself into a new cell. This duplication is so accurate that it would correspond to a rate of error of less than one letter in an entire set of the Encyclopedia Britannica.

I A human cell in a laboratory, free from bodily influence, may divide some 50 times before dying. If all of our cells divided that often, we would eventually reach a weight of more than 80 trillion tons.

II. The Corruption of All Things (Gen. 3-5) A. The transgression of Adam

1. His duties:a. He was placed in the Garden of Eden (2:8-14).b. He was to care for the Garden of Eden (2:15).c. He was commanded both to reproduce and rule (1:28).d. He was allowed to name all the animals and birds (2:19).e. He was encouraged to eat of all the vegetation and trees in Eden except one tree (1:29; 2:9,16).f. He was forbidden to eat of one tree (2:17).

n Here is the first mention of death in the Bible. In reality there are two kinds of death described by the Scriptures: physical death and spiritual death. Both kinds of death can be defined by the one word separation. Thus:lPhysical death is the earthly separation of the soul from the spirit (5:5).





lSpiritual death is the eternal separation of the sinner from the Savior (Matt. 25:41). Here in Genesis 2:17, God may have been warning Adam he would suffer both deaths for disobedience, as the Hebrew can be rendered, “and in dying” (physical death), “thou shalt surely die” (spiritual death).

n As there are two deaths described in the Bible, there are also two births. Our Lord referred to both births when speaking to Nicodemus (John 3:3, 6). Two births, two deaths: With this in mind, consider the following:lTo have but one birth means to eventually die twice. The unbeliever will suffer both physical and spiritual death. (Heb. 9:27).lTo have two births means to eventually die but once and maybe not even then. The believer will never die spiritually (John

3:16), and may never die physically (1 Cor. 15:51).

2. His disobedience (3:1-6):a. The treachery involved

(1) Satan begins by sowing doubt about God’s Word (3:1-3).

n The malice of Satan—He speaks through the serpent. Eve is tempted to disobey God by the devil who talks with her through the serpent’s body. Adam and Eve could apparently communicate with the animal kingdom prior to the Fall in ways totally unknown to us today. Prior to the Fall, the serpent was not only the most intelligent creature of all, but perhaps the most beautiful also. It is clear from the later account (see 3:14) that the serpent did not crawl as it does today. It may even have had wings and stood upright. The serpent is the first of three creatures besides man which speaks in the Bible. (For the other two, see Num. 22:28, where an ass speaks; and Rev. 8:13, where an eagle talks.) From this point on, the serpent becomes a symbol for treachery and sin (Ps. 58:4, Matt. 23:33, Rev. 12:9, Rev. 20:2).

n The mistake of Eve—“Yea hath God said... ?” (3:1) Eve now foolishly attempts to match her wits with the devil. No child of God should even try this. We are to resist him (1 Pet. 5:8-9; James 4:7), but never to debate him (1 Pet. 5:8-9, James 4:7). To make matters worse, Eve added to God’s Word during the debate (3:3). God did not tell her not to touch the fruit. The devil laughs with hellish glee when he can trick someone into either adding to or subtracting from God’s Word (Prov. 30:5-6, Rev. 22:18-19).

(2) Satan concludes by denying God’s Word (3:4-5).

“And the serpent said ...ye shall not surely die” (3:4). Are there any lies in the Bible? There are indeed and here is the first one. God told Adam and Eve they would die if they disobeyed, but Satan says they will not. It should, of course, be quickly noted here that while the Bible certainly teaches no lies whatsoever, it does, on occasion, faithfully record the lies of both sinners (Saul, for example—1 Sam. 15:20) and saints (David—1 Sam. 21:2). In one sense, Satan’s promises were true. Their eyes were opened, and they did know good and evil, but not as God did. Thus, a half-truth presented as the whole truth is an untruth. God wanted Adam to know what the good is and what the evil would be, but instead he now would discover what the evil was and what the good would have been. Instead of recognizing the evil from the summit of the good, they now must recognize the good from the abyss of evil. Often, experience is not the best teacher, for sometimes the tuition is too expensive.

b. The tragedy involved (3:6)

n Many centuries later the Apostle John would warn all believers to beware of three deadly temptations. These are (1) the lust of the flesh, (2) the lust of the eyes, and (3) the pride of life (1 John 2:15-17). In the Garden, Satan now subjects Eve to all three.l“The woman saw the tree was good for food” (lust of the flesh).l“And that it was pleasant to the eyes” (lust of the eyes).l“And a tree to...make one wise” (pride of life).

n Our Lord would later be tempted in a similar manner by the devil in the wilderness (see Matt. 4:3-10).l“Command that these stones be made bread” (lust of the flesh).l“He sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world” (lust of the eyes).l“Cast thyself down [from the pinnacle of the temple] ...for he shall give his angels charge concerning thee” (pride of life).

n Chronologically, Eve ate first, but theologically, Adam is declared by the New Testament to be the original sinner. The reason for this is that Adam was the head of the human race and, therefore, responsible for its actions (Rom. 5:12, 2 Cor. 11:3, 1 Tim. 2:14).

3. His despair (3:7-11)





n He attempted (at first) to hide his nakedness before God (3:7). Apparently some drastic change occurred concerning Adam’s physical as well as spiritual condition. It may be that the bodies of Adam and Eve were, at creation, covered with a soft light of innocence. Our Lord was clothed with a light brighter than the sun during his transfiguration (see Matt. 17.2).

But now this protection is gone. In a desperate effort to correct the situation, they “sewed fig leaves together and made themselves aprons” (3:7). We now have the first example of man-made religion in history. Religion is any attempt to clothe ourselves apart from the righteousness of Christ. Adam and Eve tried it with fig leaves. Men today try it with education, church membership, baptism, tithing, confirmation, and good works, but all to no avail (Isa. 64:6).

n He attempted (at last) to hide himself from God (3:8). This is the ultimate tragic result of sin. It not only separates man from God, but makes him actually desire to hide from God. But it cannot be done. (Ps. 69:5, Ps. 139:7, Matt. 10:26, Rev. 6:15-17). Note also Isa.1:18, John 7:37-38, Rev. 22:17).

4. His defense (3:12-13)5. His discipline (3:15-19) God sets up his divine court in Eden and imposes the following sentences:

a. Upon the serpent (3:14)

The serpent is not offered a chance to explain its actions as God allowed Adam and Eve to do. Judgment is passed out immediately. For lending its body to Satan, the serpent was cursed to crawl in the dust from that point on. Isaiah indicates that this judgment will continue to be binding upon the serpent even during the millennium (Isa. 65:25).

b. Upon the Devil (3:15)

At first glance this verse would merely seem to predict the natural hatred of man for snakes. But for centuries devout Bible students have seen afar more precious and profound truth underlying these words. For in this verse they claim to see no less than a thrilling prediction of the Cross and the Resurrection, of the Savior’s great victory over Satan. Theologically then, verse 15 may be translated as follows: “And there will be intense hatred between Satan and Christ. Eventually Christ will crush the head of Satan, while suffering a heel wound in the process.” This all-important verse is known as the “Proto-Evangel,” the first Gospel. See also Rom. 16:20 and Isa. 53:5.

c. Upon Eve (3:16)

It should be noted that the suffering of childbirth is not so much a direct judgment from God but rather an indirect result of sin. Sin always causes suffering, sickness, separation, and sorrow.

d. Upon Adam (3:17,19)

God is careful never to put a curse on Adam. He curses the serpent, Satan, and the soil, but not mankind. The reason, of course, is that he desired to redeem man and, therefore, would not curse that which he planned to later save. Even so, the unsaved man can expect nothing good in this life apart from Christ (Job 5:7, Job 14:1).

e. Upon nature (3:18)

From this point on, man’s paradise becomes a wilderness. The roses now contain thorns and the docile tiger suddenly becomes a hungry meat eater. This will continue to be the case until the curse is lifted during the millennium. In the New Testament Paul writes about all this in Romans 8:19-22. At this point, that immutable scientific principle called the Second Law of Thermodynamics came into being. This law states that when energy is being transformed from one state to another, some of it is turned into heat energy which cannot be converted back into useful form. In other words, this universe may be looked upon as a wound-up clock that is slowly running down. This law is expanded in Psalm 102:26 and Hebrews 1:10-12.

6. His deliverancea. He is promised a future Savior (3:15).b. He is forgiven and clothed with the skins of an animal by God himself (3:20-21).





Although we are not specifically told so, it would seem probable that some innocent animal had to die so that Adam and his wife might be clothed. Thus, here we have the first example of that great biblical doctrine, the innocent dying for the guilty. (Isa. 53:5-6, 1 Pet. 3:18). Note: We have already seen the first symbol in the Bible when the serpent became a type for sin. We now observe the second symbol—righteousness and salvation are likened to right clothes (compare Isa. 64:6 with Rev. 19:7-8).

7. His dismissala. The grace involved (3:20-21).

n Man’s expulsion from Eden by God was really an act of mercy and grace rather than judgment. As we are told in 3:22, God did this to prevent mankind from partaking of the Tree of Life and living forever in immorality. Adolf Hitler killed himself a few days after reaching his 56th birthday. Yet during his brief life span, he was directly responsible for the slaughter of literally millions of human beings by shooting, bombing, hanging, burning, gassing, and other forms of torture and death too horrible to mention. But what if this Nazi monster had lived to be 500 or even 5,000? Or worse still, what if he could have lived forever? This is why God drove Adam from Eden.

n “He placed ...cherubims and a flaming sword” (3:24). The cherubims are apparently a special kind of angelic being who concern themselves with matters relating to the holiness of God (see Exod. 25:18-22; Ezek. 10:1-20; Rev. 4:6-8). This is the first of two kinds of angels mentioned in the Bible. The other kind are known as the seraphims (see Isa. 6).

n At this point, the Tree of Life disappears from the pages of the Bible. It reappears once again during the millennial and eternal age (Rev. 22:1-2).

b. The guards involved (3:24).

What seven words were missing from Adam’s vocabulary? We are told in Genesis 2:19 that “Adam called every living creature ...the name thereof.” Adam must have had a tremendous vocabulary. Today there are over 3,500 different mammals, 8,600 birds, 5,500 reptiles and amphibians. Doubtless there existed many more in Adam’s day. And he named them all.

In spite of this, however, there were seven simple words unknown and unexperienced by Adam prior to his fall. These words were:nDeath (2:17).n Nakedness (3:7).n Cursed (3:17).n Sorrow (3:17).n Thorns (3:18).n Sweat (3:19).n Sword (3:24).

After the Fall, Adam soon added these bitter and bloody words to his vocabulary. The echo of these wicked words would haunt Adam and mankind for over 40 long centuries.

Then came the Second Adam. He successfully met and dealt with each word.n Death (John 11:25).n Nakedness (John 19:23).n Cursed (Gal. 3:13).n Sorrow (Isa. 53:3).n Thorns (John 19:5).n Sweat (Luke 22:44).n Sword (John 19:34).

Paul shouted out the glorious results of Christ’s mission in Col. 2:14.

B. The testimony of Abel (Genesis 4)1. Abel the obedient one: Demonstrating the right way to God through a flock offering (4:1-2, 4).

n How long were Adam and Eve in the Garden? In Genesis 4:1 we are told that Adam “knew his wife.” This is a reference to sexual union. Inasmuch as this is the first time it is mentioned, it would appear they spent a very short time in Eden, perhaps only a few hours or days.





n Eve gives birth to Cain and exclaimed, “I have gotten a man from the Lord” (4:1). Here she apparently felt this baby was fulfillment of Genesis 3:15. She would soon know differently. Abel was then born (4:2). The birth of these two babies illustrates the fourth of four methods God has chosen to bring human beings into this world.lAdam—without father or motherlEve—without a motherlChrist—born without a fatherlAll others—both with father and mother

n Abel offers a lamb sacrifice and is accepted (4:4).Dr. Donald Gray Barnhouse has written the following: “The highway to the cross was now firmly established. Here the

first lamb is seen, one lamb for one man. Later, at the Passover, there will be one lamb for one household (Exod. 12). Then, on the Day of Atonement, there will be one sacrifice for the nation (Lev. 16). Finally, it is Christ who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29).” This was God’s way then of illustrating the awesome power of the bleeding Lamb. One Lamb saves a man, then a household, then a nation, and finally is available through the Lamb of God for the whole world.

n Will we see Adam in heaven? We know he was created perfect and we know he sinned. But was he saved later? There are two verses that indicate he was saved.

Gen. 3:21—God clothed Adam and Eve in coats of animal skins. Doubtless some innocent animal died to provide this clothing. This act is a type of salvation.

Gen. 4:4—Abel knew the right way to God was by the blood of a lamb. It seems reasonable to assume this knowledge came from Adam.

2. Cain, the disobedient one: Demonstrating the wrong way to God through a field offering (4:3, 5-7).

Note the phrase, “sin lieth at the door.” The New Scofield Bible observes: “In Hebrew, the same word is used for ‘sin,’ and ‘sin offering,’ thus, emphasizing in a remarkable way the complete identification of the believer’s sin with his sin offering (compare John 3:14 with 2 Cor. 5:21). Here both meanings are brought together.” (New Scofield Bible (NSB) [Oxford Press, 1967]) In other words, God told Cain: “The sin offering outside your door (perhaps a little lamb or goat), if properly sacrificed, will protect you from your sin nature, if you will but allow it.”

a. Cain was an apostate

Cain brings a bloodless offering to God and is rejected (4:5). Not only was the sacrifice bloodless, but it had already been cursed by God; therefore, Cain added insult to injury (see 3:17.) Cain may have thought it to be far more refined and cultured to bring fresh fruit and vegetables than to bring a bloody animal offering, but not so (Prov. 14:12). We have in this verse the first plank of that great scriptural platform of truth that without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sin (see Lev. 17:11; Heb. 9:22).

b. Cain was an assassin(1) The crime (4:8).

The first modernist now becomes the first murderer. The one who had previously refused to shed lamb’s blood now freely sheds human blood.

(2) The curse (4:9-12).(3) The complaint (4:13-15).

Three questions arise at this point:n Who was Cain afraid of? He may have realized his parents would have more children (which they did) and that one of his

unborn brothers might someday come seeking him for revenge.n What was the mark of Cain? Whatever its nature, it had nothing whatsoever to do with changing the color of his skin, as some

have foolishly suggested.n Why did God protect him? The reason seems to be that God did not want mob violence and lawlessness to prevail prior to the

establishment of human government. At any rate, the principle laid down in Heb. 10:30 is an eternal one.





c. Cain was an architect (4:16-24).(1) He left God’s presence and resided in the land of Nod (4:16).

Nod literally means “wandering.” It may have been an ancient reference to the land of China.

(2) He married a wife.

Where did Cain get his wife? Perhaps no other question concerning the Bible has been asked more than this one. To say the least, it is absolutely insignificant as compared to the one asked by a Philippian jailor, “What must I do to be saved?” (Acts 16:30). According to Genesis 5:4, Adam and Eve had sons and daughters. Thus, Cain doubtless married one of his sisters.

(3) He built earth’s first city (4:17).

n Cain builds the first city and names it Enoch (after his own son), which means “dedication.” This urban project was no doubt an attempt to counteract God’s curse in 4:12.

n Lamech, Cain’s great-great-great-grandson becomes:lThe first recorded polygamist (4:19)lThe first recorded songwriter (the word “speech” in 4:23 may refer to a poem or ballad) lThe second recorded murderer (4:23)

n Jabal becomes the inventor of the tent and developer of the Nomadic life-style. He also devised formal systems for domesticating and commercially producing animals apart from sheep. His name means “wanderer” (4:20).

n Jubal becomes the inventor of both stringed and wind musical instruments. His name means “sound” (4:21).n Tubal-Cain becomes the inventor of metallurgy both in bronze and iron (4:22).

3. Seth, the appointed one (4:25-26).C. The translation of Enoch (Genesis 5)

This Enoch is from the line of Seth and not the son of Cain. 1. His relationship with God

a. Enoch the patriarch: There are ten patriarchs (a name given to those spiritual leaders living just before and right after the great flood) referred to in Gen. 5, beginning with Adam, who died at age 930 (5:5), and concluding with Noah who would eventually die at age 950 (5:5). Enoch was the seventh of these patriarchs (Jude 14).

b. Enoch the pilgrim(1) He possessed great faith (Heb. 11:5).(2) He walked with God (5:22).(3) He pleased God (Heb. 11:5).

c. Enoch the parent (5:21-22) His first son, Methuselah, lived 969 years, longer than any other person in history (5:21, 27).

d. Enoch, the preacher (Jude 14-15)(1) He was the first recorded preacher in human history.(2) He warned the godless leaders present even in his day about coming judgment.(3) He predicted the second coming of Christ.

2. His removal by God (5:23-24; Heb. 11:5): He was taken from earth without dying at age 365.

A summary of Enoch:n Enoch is one of two men who was said to have walked with God before the flood. (The other was Noah-see 6:9.) Note:

It does not say he walked with God, however, until his first son, Methuselah, was born. In the Hebrew language, the name Methuselah literally means, “When he is dead it shall be sent.” Why did Enoch walk with God? Because God had apparently told him that when Methuselah died the world was going to be destroyed by the terrible flood. This is probably why Methuselah lived longer than any man in the history of the world (969 years), for God was not willing that any should perish and was giving sinful mankind as much time for repentance as possible (2 Pet. 3:9, 1 Tim. 2:4).





n Enoch was the first recorded preacher and he preached on the coming judgment. In Jude 14, 15 we actually have his recorded message.

n Enoch was a man of great faith (Heb. 11:5). But just how did Enoch demonstrate this great faith ascribed to him? Well, here was a preacher who fervently spoke of Christ’s second coming centuries before his first coming had taken place.

n Enoch was one of two human beings who got to heaven without dying physically. (For the other, see 2 Kings 2:11.) Someday, however, millions of Christians will experience the same thing (1 Cor. 15:51-52, 1 Thess. 4:16-17).

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