Beginnings

I recently started studying through the book of Genesis again. I’ve read through it before, probably several times. Most of the attempts I’ve made read through the Bible have tended to get bogged down in Leviticus or Numbers, so I’ve probably restarted and re-read Genesis half a dozen times.

Genesis, of course, means “origins” or “beginning.” It describes the beginning of Creation, the beginning of mankind, and the beginning of God’s plan for His chosen people, Israel.

It also presents the beginning of not only of sin, but also of God’s plan of salvation from sin.

Genesis 3:15

15 I will put enmity between you and the woman,
and between your offspring and her offspring;
he shall bruise your head,
and you shall bruise his heel.” (ESV)

This verse is the beginning of our hope. Scholars call it the protoevangelium. “Proto” meaning first, “evangelium” meaning Gospel. The eventual offspring (or “seed,” as it’s often translated) of the woman, Christ, would crush the head of the deceiver, Satan. Satan, likewise, would bruise the heel of our Lord by His suffering on the cross, suffering which, of course, he would overcome, “victorious over sin, hell, and Satan.”

It is amazing and glorious that even with the very first sin, God had already conceived of the plan of salvation.

Romans 5:17

17 For if, because of one man’s trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ. (ESV)