Doctrines in Genesis 1-11

Summary of Key Doctrines in Genesis 1-11

Here is a summary of key theological doctrines in Genesis 1-11 provided by David Platt, the author of Radical. (I added the Scripture references.)

The Nature of God
He is the supreme Creator. (Genesis 1-2)
He is the sovereign King. (Genesis 2:15-17, Genesis 9:1-7)
He is the righteous Judge. (Genesis 3:14-24, Genesis 6-8)
He is the merciful Savior. (Genesis 6-8)
The Nature of Man
Created in the image of God… (Genesis 1:26-27)
We are a unique reflection of God.
We are utterly reliant upon God.
We are ultimately responsible to God.
Created for the purpose of God… (Genesis 1:26-30)
To enjoy a relationship with God
To rule over all creation
To reproduce God’s glory to the ends of the earth
The Nature of Creation
Fashioned by the Word of God (Genesis 1)
Sustained by the power of God (Genesis 1)
Evidence of the goodness of God (Genesis 1)
The Nature of Satan
Significant truths…
God is Creator; Satan is creature. (Genesis 3:1)
God is sovereign; Satan is subordinate. (Genesis 3:15)
This is not dualism; this is domination. [Note from Greg: Dualism would be the view that God and Satan are equal, but opposite, powers. This is not dualism, because God is greater than Satan. While he has given Satan the power to have some authority on the earth for a time, God is greater than Satan and will ultimately defeat him.] (Genesis 3:15)
Significant characteristics…
Satan can speak and is smart. (Genesis 3:1-5)
Satan is a malicious liar and an evil murderer. (Genesis 3:1-5, Jesus referred to Satan as both a liar and a “murderer from the beginning” in John 8:44)
The Nature of Sin
The core of sin…
Rejecting God’s Word: Whose voice will we listen to? (For example, Genesis 2:17 or Genesis 3:4)
Spurning God’s authority: Who will rule our hearts? (Genesis 3:5-6)
Denying God’s character: Who will we trust and obey? (Genesis 3:5-6)
The conflict brought about by sin…
Conflict between man and God (Genesis 3:8-13)
Guilt
Shame
Fear
Conflict between man and woman (Genesis 3:16)
Conflict between man and creation (Genesis 3:17-19)
The consequences of sin…
Immediate spiritual death (Genesis 3:7-13)
Eventual physical death (Genesis 5)
The Need for Redemption
Genesis 1-11 gives us glimpses of grace…
The promise of Christ (Genesis 3:15)
The presence of a covenant (Genesis 6:18, Genesis 9:9-11)
Genesis 1-11 leaves us holding onto hope…
Satan will be defeated. (Genesis 3:15)
Sin will be destroyed. (Genesis 3:15)
God’s creation will be restored. (Genesis 9:9-11)
God’s people will be rescued.
God seeks the guilty. (Genesis 3:8-9)
God covers the shameful. (Genesis 3:21)
God protects the fearful. (Genesis 4:13-16)
God’s name will be praised. (Genesis 11:1-9)
With all of these doctrines already established, God’s covenant relationship with His people is already in place eleven chapters into Genesis. This covenant is established between God and those who, by faith, trust His promised redemption and restoration. Now, the stage is set for Abraham to enter the scene and God to take for Himself a special people, Israel.