Beginnings (?-2000 BC)
Beginnings consists of Gen. 1-11 and is often called prehistory. These chapters tell the beginning of all things and thus build the foundation for the rest of the Bible. Here we see the beginning of creation, humanity, relationships, sin, nations, and rebellion. This is where the story of creation and fall are told and, most importantly, where the story of redemption begins. The major focus of this section is on Yahweh’s1 sovereignty as creator and, accordingly, ruler/judge over His creation. In contrast to this are the fall and rebellion of His creation against Him. This is also where the metanarrative of the Bible is established, whereby the rest of the Bible will continue to develop it.
- The Redemption of Humanity and Creation—The story of redemption begins slowly in the first chapters of the Bible. What is more of a focus here is why there is a need for redemption. Without understanding what creation and humanity were when they began and how humanity fell, one can never understand what they are being restored back to. Humanity was originally created to be in an intimate relationship with Yahweh and to represent Him in His creation as His image bearers. However, humanity, through Adam, chose to step outside its relationship with Yahweh and, in doing so, severed itself from Him completely. Additionally, they were separated, through their foolish choice, from everything good that they had and everything that they might have ever desired to obtain. In the midst of humanity’s continued rebellion in Gen. 1-11, Yahweh begins to reveal the first glimpses of His plan to redeem humanity.
- The Kingdoms of Yahweh and Satan—No sooner had Yahweh established His kingdom on earth than Satan entered the garden to destroy it. Where Adam and Eve should have resisted him and driven him out, they chose instead to submit to him. By restoring Adam and Eve to Himself through the animal sacrifice, Yahweh demonstrates that not only is His kingdom not lost, but also He desires to and will restore it. However, Satan will continue to seek the kingdom’s demise, as seen through Cain, the flood, and the tower of Babel.
- Foreshadowing of Jesus Christ—The image of Christ is small in the beginning but can be seen through the beginnings of Yahweh establishing the messianic line through Seth and, later, through Noah. The first signs of the gospel message pointing towards Christ is found in the animal sacrifice in Gen. 3:21 and Enoch’s rapture in Gen. 5:24.
