F.E. Marsh :: 395. The Book of Genesis (Book of Absolute Facts)

A BOOK OF ABSOLUTE FACTS.

GENESIS means beginning. This book has been well called “the seed plot of the Bible,” from the fact, that nearly every truth in the Word of God is foreshadowed here.

There is no uncertain sound or hesitating manner in the language of this book; we may say of it, as the people said of the Lord Jesus, “This teaches with authority, not as others.” We can only notice a few of the facts, and we would remind our readers that these notes are rather suggestive than exhaustive.

First fact-“That God was before everything else.” “When did God have a beginning?” asked a bright-faced little fellow of his Sunday-school teacher one day. The teacher was lost for a minute or two for a reply, when he suddenly exclaimed: “There must have been someone without a beginning to make a beginning.” There are men who tell us that God evolved from something, and began to be, but we ask who made the something? We are content to believe in Jehovah, the One who always was, who always is, and who always will be.

Second fact-“That God created-caused to be-all things.” The heavens with their glory; the earth with its beauty; the sea in its majesty; the animals in their variety; the birds with their song; the flowers in their splendour; the fish in their plentitude; and man with his intellect and powers.

Third fact-“That God made man in innocence.” There is a difference between an innocent and a holy man. The innocent man is not conscious of evil; the holy man is, and overcomes it. Our first parents were innocent and pure. Without sin, but not beyond the possibility of sinning.

Fourth fact-“Sin was introduced into this world by Satan.” Then sin was before our first parents fell? Yes. But it was through their disobedience that we participate in it.

Fifth fact-“Sin has separated man from God.” The moment man sinned he became dead Godward-that is, separated from God; and the whole human family being represented in Adam, fell with him (Rom. 5:12, margin).

Sixth fact-“A Deliverer was foretold.” “The Seed ofthe woman shall bruise his head.” This is not a promise given, but a fact stated.

Seventh fact-“That sin always brings punishment.” Look at our first parents being driven out of the garden, the avenging waters of the deluge, and the smoking ruins of Sodom, in confirmation of this. We must be punished for our sins, or accept Him who has made perfect satisfaction to God.