In the Beginning: God’s Sovereign Plan Unfolds

Introduction

The book of Genesis has a special importance within the canon of Christian Scripture as it introduces not only the Pentateuch and the Old Testament, but it also serves as an introduction to the Bible as a whole. As a good introduction, it sets the historical, narrative, and theological framework for the entire story of the Bible and is pregnant with the themes that will gradually unfold through the entire book. Naturally, as an introduction, it also comprises key text for many essential doctrines of the Christian faith.

The goal of this sermon series, then, two-pronged: (1) orient the church to the book of Genesis (i.e., its general content, major theological themes, historical context, and literary shape), and (2) orient the church to some essential Christian doctrines located in Genesis.

The Title of the Book

A great place to start with any book study is with the title of the book, as the title should capture the single prevalent theme of the work. The English word “genesis” is a transliteration of the Greek title of the book (from the Septuagint), and it means “origins”. The Hebrew title of the book is the first word of the work, bereshith, which is traditional translated “In the beginning…”.[1]

“Origins” is a fitting title as it summarizes well the content of Genesis, for Genesis comprises the origin accounts for:

1. The Creation. The origin of the seen and unseen world (Gen. 1–2)
2. Humanity. The creation of humanity in the divine image (Gens. 1:26–27)
3. The Fall and Sin. The origin of human rebellion against God and its fatal consequences (Gen. 3).
4. Israel and the Covenant. The origin of God’s covenant with Israel is located in the patriarchal narratives of Genesis (Gen. 12–50). Where did Israel come from? Genesis answers that very question. Furthermore, God’s dealing with Abraham and his family explain for us God’s plan to redeem (i.e., set right) his creation project that has gone sideways because of human rebellion (Gen. 3). In sum, we can only fully understand what’s happening in Jesus and at calvary if we understand Genesis.

Essential Doctrines in Genesis

As we progress through the book, we will find that many essentials Christian doctrines are located in Genesis. Some of those include:

1. Doctrine of God (Theology Proper)
   1. God as Creator: Genesis 1:1–2:3 emphasizes God as the sovereign Creator of the universe, establishing His omnipotence and intentional design in creation.
   2. God’s Sovereignty and Providence: The narrative demonstrates God’s control over history and His purposes in creation (Genesis 50:20).
   3. God’s Holiness and Justice: Seen in His judgment of sin, such as the Flood (Genesis 6:5–7:24) and Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19).
2. Doctrine of Creation
   1. Ex Nihilo Creation: Genesis 1:1 suggests that God created everything out of nothing.
   2. Goodness of Creation: God repeatedly declares creation “good” (Genesis 1:4, 10, 12, etc.), affirming its inherent value.
   3. Order in Creation: The structured days of creation reveal a God of order and purpose (Genesis 1).
3. Doctrine of Humanity (Anthropology)
   1. Imago Dei (Image of God): Genesis 1:26–27 teaches that humans are uniquely made in the image of God, granting dignity, purpose, and moral responsibility.
   2. Purpose of Humanity: Humanity is tasked with stewardship over creation (Genesis 1:28–30; 2:15).
   3. Gender and Marriage: Genesis 2:18–24 establishes the complementary nature of male and female and the institution of marriage.
4. Doctrine of Sin (Hamartiology)
   1. The Fall of Humanity: Genesis 3 explains the origin of sin and its consequences, including death, suffering, and alienation from God.
   2. Original Sin: Adam and Eve’s disobedience (Genesis 3:6–7) introduces a sinful nature passed down to all humanity (supported by Romans 5:12–19).
   3. Sin’s Spread and Effects: The escalation of sin is seen in stories like Cain and Abel (Genesis 4), the Flood (Genesis 6–9), and Babel (Genesis 11).
5. Doctrine of Redemption (Soteriology)
   1. The Protoevangelium (First Gospel): Genesis 3:15 foreshadows Christ’s victory over Satan and the ultimate redemption of humanity.
   2. God’s Covenant with Noah: Genesis 9:8–17 highlights God’s mercy and His promise to preserve life.
   3. The Abrahamic Covenant: Genesis 12:1–3, 15:1–21, and 17:1–14 introduce God’s redemptive plan through Abraham’s lineage, ultimately fulfilled in Christ (Galatians 3:8, 16).
6. Doctrine of the Trinity
   1. Hints of Plurality in the Godhead: The phrase “Let Us make man in Our image” (Genesis 1:26) suggests the plurality of the Godhead, later clarified as the Trinity in the New Testament.
   2. The Spirit’s Role in Creation: The Spirit of God is mentioned as hovering over the waters during creation (Genesis 1:2).
7. Doctrine of Judgment and Grace
   1. Judgment of Sin: The Flood (Genesis 6–9), the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19), and the curses of the Fall (Genesis 3:14–19) highlight God’s justice.
   2. Grace and Mercy: God’s preservation of Noah (Genesis 6:8–9), His protection of Lot (Genesis 19:16), and His covenant with Abraham (Genesis 12:1–3) reveal His grace.
8. Doctrine of Eschatology (End Times)
   1. Blessing to All Nations: The Abrahamic promise (Genesis 12:3) points to the global scope of God’s redemptive plan, fulfilled in Christ and consummated in the new creation (Revelation 21–22).

The Main Theological Theme of Genesis

The main theological theme of Genesis is the sovereignty of God in creation, covenant, and redemption. It highlights God’s authority and purpose as the Creator of all things, His desire to have a relationship with humanity, and His plan to redeem a broken world. Through pivotal events—such as the creation, the fall, the flood, and the calling of Abraham—Genesis introduces foundational themes like God’s faithfulness, humanity’s need for redemption, and the establishment of a covenantal relationship, pointing to His ultimate plan of restoration through Christ.

Application Points

There are several application points based on the main theological theme of Genesis—God’s sovereignty in creation, covenant, and redemption:

1. Trust in God’s Sovereignty Over Creation. Recognize that God is the ultimate Creator and Sustainer of all things. This truth calls us to trust Him in times of uncertainty, knowing that the One who created the universe holds our lives in His hands. When faced with chaos or disorder, remember how God brought order out of nothingness (Genesis 1) and trust Him to bring peace into your life.
2. Embrace Our Identity as Image-Bearers of God. Live with purpose and dignity, understanding that being created in God’s image (Genesis 1:26-27) gives every human life value and calls us to reflect His character in our relationships, work, and worship. How are you living out your identity as someone made in God’s image today?
3. Respond to God’s Covenant Faithfulness. God’s promises are unchanging and reliable, as seen in His covenant with Abraham (Genesis 12, 15). Trust His promises for your life and walk in faith, even when the path seems unclear. Just as Abraham obeyed God’s call to leave his home, we are called to step out in faith, trusting in God’s plan and provision.
4. Repent of Sin and Recognize Our Need for Redemption. The fall of humanity (Genesis 3) reminds us of our need for God’s grace and redemption. Acknowledge areas where sin has crept into your life and turn to God for forgiveness and renewal. Are there areas in your life where you’ve been hiding from God, like Adam and Eve hid in the garden?
5. Find Hope in God’s Redemption Plan. The promise of redemption (Genesis 3:15) points to Jesus, reminding us that God is actively working to restore what sin has broken. Live with hope and confidence, knowing that God’s plan for redemption includes you. No matter how broken life feels, God’s promise of redemption is already at work, bringing healing and restoration.
6. Walk by Faith, Like the Patriarchs. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob demonstrate faith in God’s promises even amidst trials and failures. Their stories encourage us to trust God’s faithfulness in our own lives. Are you willing to trust God’s promises even when you don’t see immediate results, as Abraham did when he waited for Isaac?

[1] There is a fair amount of debate over how to best render this Hebrew phrase into English. See Hamilton, The Book of Genesis, Chapter 1–17, NICOT (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1990), 102–103 for details.