Page 26 - Advanced OT Survey Student Textbook

It is significant, that the portion of Genesis which has been the object of the greatest attacks of
skepticism and unbelief, the first 11 chapters, is the portion which has the greatest influence on the New
Testament. Yet there exist over one hundred quotations or direct references to Genesis 1-11 in the New
Testament. Further, every one of these chapters is alluded to somewhere in the New Testament, and
every one of the New Testament authors refers somewhere in his writing to Genesis 1-11. On at least 6
different occasions, Jesus Christ, Himself quoted from or referred to something or someone in one of
these chapters, including specific references to each of the first seven chapters.

Further, there is not one instance where these New Testament writers referring to Genesis give even
the slightest evidence that they regard the events or persons as mere myths or allegories. Instead, they
viewed Genesis as absolutely historical, true and authoritative.

Henry Morris said, “It is quite impossible to reject the historicity and divine authority of Genesis without
undermining and in effect repudiating the authority of the entire Bible. If the first Adam was only an
allegory, then by all logic so is the second Adam. If man did not really fall into sin from his created state
of innocence, there is no reason for him to need a Savior. If all things can be accounted for by natural
processes of evolution there is no need to look forward to a future supernatural consummation of all
things. If Genesis is not true then neither are the testimonies of the prophets and apostles who believed
it was true. Jesus Christ Himself becomes a false witness, either a deceiver or one who is deceived, and
His testimony concerning His own omniscience and omnipotence becomes blasphemy. Faith in the
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gospel of Christ for one’s eternal salvation is an empty mockery.”

As earlier mentioned, the book of Genesis is indeed a book of Origins. However, the book of Genesis has
two major divisions and has 50 chapters. The first 11 chapters discuss main introductory issues such as
the creation, fall, flood and nations. The last 39 chapters focus on four main individuals.

What is the Importance of Genesis Today?

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