From Genesis to Grace

I started this blog as a resource to learn of the great power and abundance of the grace of our Almighty Creator. So far, I have tried to direct everything to that end. However, as I am studying the book of Genesis, I don't know if I really am able to write accurately about man's horrible fall and God's magnificent grace, without first learning about creation. To anyone who has never studied the book of Genesis, or who has not learned about the wonders of creation from God's word, it may seem to be a very insignificant and unimportant place to start. I am increasingly convinced that it is not. The first two chapters of Genesis almost make me shudder into convulsive spasms when I think about what a perfect paradise this earth was when God first made it all - it was beautiful! Before sin entered into the world (Rom. 5:12), the earth was the perfect place to live, but now it is basically "going to hell."

Though I cannot begin to describe it, I do want to encourage any serious grace man or woman to make it your aim to get familiar with Genesis 1-3, and to check out some good resources on it. The significance of it all, is that it puts everything else the Bible says in a proper perspective. So with Genesis 1-3 in mind, the topics of sin, judgment, mercy, the love of God and grace through Jesus Christ, all fit together to paint the perfect picture of the glory of God through Jesus Christ as He reconciles *lost,* *sinful* and *justly condemned* people to Himself. It puts in perspective the amazing birth of Christ, His death on the cross, and the significance of His resurrection on Sunday as the start of a *new creation*. Whatever it takes, do not miss out on what God is doing in His world!

Below is a list of resources to help get you started. I have included my own current ongoing studies of Genesis 1-3 (on my other blog) as the first resource (if you are already familiar with these sites or this topic, then please feel free to leave your helpful comments and feedback - thanks):

• As It Is Written (my current posts are on Genesis one, chapters two and three are on their way)
  
• Man in the Garden of God (you must read this study by MacArthur)
  
• http://www.gty.org/Resources/Transcripts/scripture/1 (John MacArthur's excellent in-depth studies of Genesis)
• Answers in Genesis (Cool Creation site with tons of articles, books and videos)
  

If you don't do any digging for yourself, you will never experience the thrill of finding hidden treasure, so go ahead and jump into your Bible!