Christ in Genesis

~ Jesus Christ is the “Seed of the Woman” and More ~

The Bible is about Jesus Christ  ~  “Jesus said to them, ‘How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter His glory?’ And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, He explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning Himself” (Luke 24:25-27).

Jesus Christ is found throughout the book of Genesis. Some theologians have remarked that the primary purpose of Genesis is to introduce us to Jesus Christ. Consider a few of the many examples.

Creator   ~  We know an amazing Savior—who is found in the very first verse of the Bible. “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth” (1:1). The word translated into English as “God” is a plural word—indicating the triune God.

Confirmation of Jesus Christ as the creator occurs later in the Bible, such as: “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence” (Colossians 1:15-18).

“In the beginning was the Word [Jesus Christ], and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made” John 1:1-3).

Breath of Life  ~  “And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being” (2:7).

Adam is a Picture of Christ  ~  “For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive” 1 Corinthians 15:21-22).  “And so it is written, ‘The first man Adam became a living being.’ The last Adam became a life-giving spirit” (1 Corinthians 15:45).

Seed of the Woman  ~  “And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel” (3:15). This has been called the proto-evangelism—the first mention in Scripture of a coming Savior.   

Abel’s Offering for Sin  ~  We learn many key things in this account (chapter 4) including that the offering must be of an innocent substitute and blood must be shed.

Interestingly enough, in the account of Cain and Abel we have representatives of all other religions and Christianity. Religions include the works of man whereas a relationship with Christ is all because of His grace. 

Notice also that Abel was the first shepherd in history and he died a violent death. 

Noah’s Ark  ~  Another picture of salvation. One of the many interesting aspects is that nothing was left up to Noah. God gave him clear instructions about all the details. Note also that the ark had one door—there was only one way in!  Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6). There was no fleet of arks—only one!

A major portion of Genesis (chapters 12-50) provides an account of four men: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph. Each foreshadows Christ and together they present a picture of the Good News of God’s salvation plan. Abraham pictures the sovereignty of God, Isaac God’s great grace, Jacob the justification which comes through faith, and Joseph our ultimate glorification because of God’s grace (c.f. Romans 8:29-30).

Isaac  ~ The account of Abraham offering his son Isaac as a sacrifice has many aspects of foreshadowing the death of Jesus Christ. Here are some examples: He was promised long before he was born. His name was given before he was born (17:19; Matthew 1:20-21). Abraham was confused when God told him about his future son (17:15-17, Matthew 1:19-20). Likewise Sarah was confused (18:10-14, Luke 1:30-31). Isaac’s birth involved a miracle.

Abraham is directed to sacrifice his only son (22:2, John 3:16). It involved a three-day journey during which time Isaac was as good as dead in Abraham’s mind—Christ was buried for three days. An important aspect here is that the entire process was between a father and his son. Isaac carried the wood (22:6, John 19:17-18). Notice that there was no conflict between father and son—Isaac was obedient and trusted his father to do what was right.

The account makes a sudden turn when a substitute lamb is offered in place of Isaac. Isaac was a sinner and an innocent lamb took his place and died on that altar. Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, is our substitute. 

Comment  ~  We have only touched the surface of Christ in Genesis. Much more could be said about each of the previous examples. We have not even touched upon Joseph who is one of the clearest types (foreshadows) of Jesus Christ in all of Scripture. 

additional comment:  While on earth Jesus Christ often quoted the Scriptures including all five books of Moses. He quoted Genesis 2:24 in Matthew 19:5 and in Mark 10:7-8; He quoted Genesis 1:27 in Mark 10:6.

The Apostle Paul told us the Scriptures present many shadows of things to come but the reality is found in Jesus Christ (Colossians 2:17). 

~~~ EXPLANATORY “JESUS CHRIST IN EVERY BOOK OF THE BIBLE” SERIES ~~~   

(1)  Approximately once a month ALN posts an overview of how Jesus Christ is seen in a specific book of the Bible.

(2)  In most cases these posts only scratch the surface regarding Jesus Christ in the particular book.

(3)  These posts will typically be in the same order as the books are found in the Bible.

(4)  These serial posts are in addition to our other ALN postings.

(5)  Subscription to ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog is simple—just use the link on the left sidebar.  Once subscribed you will not miss future posts.

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

Messiah, 3

~ Messiah Would Ultimately Win ~  

“Search the Scriptures—they testify of Me.”

— Jesus Christ (John 5:39)

The Scripture

"And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her Offspring; He will bruise and tread your head underfoot, and you will lie in wait and bruise His heel" (Genesis 3:15).

The Messiah  

"Since we, God's children, are human beings—made of flesh and blood—He became flesh and blood too by being born in human form; for only as a human being could He die and in dying break the power of the devil who had the power of death. Only in that way could He deliver those who through fear of death have been living all their lives as slaves to constant dread" (Hebrews 2:14-15). 

"But the Son of God came to destroy these works of the devil" (1 John 3:8). 

The Future Complete Fulfillment

"And there was war in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. But he was not strong enough, and they lost their place in heaven. The great dragon was hurled down — that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray" (Revelation 12:7-9a).

~~~ EXPLANATORY “MESSIAH” NOTES ~~~   

(1)  Each Saturday ALN posts an example of a Hebrew Scriptures prophecy (or foreshadowing) related to the coming Messiah which was fulfilled in the birth, life, death, or resurrection of Jesus Christ.

(2)  While extensive it will not be a complete list—there are hundreds of prophecies of the coming Messiah which have been fulfilled by one man—Jesus Christ at His First Coming.

(3)  It is important that there are many more prophecies of the Messiah, yet unfulfilled, which Christians believe will be fulfilled at the time of His Second Coming.  A particularly relevant Scripture verse in this regard is: “Do not despise prophesies” (1 Thessalonians 5:20).

(4)  These posts will typically consist only of Scripture—which speaks for itself.  Sometimes italicized or bold font will be used by ALN for emphasis.

(5)  The numbering of these fulfilled prophecies of the Messiah is used to differentiate individual posts. It is not chronological (either by time of the prophecy or by sequence in the life of the Messiah).  The posting sequence will, for the most part, be in the order that the prophecies appear in Scripture.

(6)  Because of the chosen methodology (#5 above) we will find many specific prophecies repeated multiple times throughout the Scriptures.

(7)  These serial posts are in addition to our regular Tuesday ALN postings on random topics.

(8)  Subscription to ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog is simple—just use the link on the left sidebar.  Once subscribed you will not miss future posts.

Messiah, 2

~ Messiah Would Come From a Woman ~  

"Search the Scriptures—they testify of Me."

— Jesus Christ (John 5:39)

The Scripture  

"And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel" (Genesis 3:15).

The Messiah  

"But when the time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under law" (Galatians 4:4).

"And she [Mary] gave birth to her firstborn, a Son [Jesus Christ]. She wrapped Him in cloths and placed Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn" (Luke 2:7).

~~~ EXPLANATORY “MESSIAH” NOTES ~~~   

(1)  Each Saturday ALN posts an example of a Hebrew Scriptures prophecy (or foreshadowing) related to the coming Messiah which was fulfilled in the birth, life, death, or resurrection of Jesus Christ.

(2)  While extensive it will not be a complete list—there are hundreds of prophecies of the coming Messiah which have been fulfilled by one man—Jesus Christ at His First Coming.

(3)  It is important that there are many more prophecies of the Messiah, yet unfulfilled, which Christians believe will be fulfilled at the time of His Second Coming.  A particularly relevant Scripture verse in this regard is: “Do not despise prophesies” (1 Thessalonians 5:20).

(4)  These posts will typically consist only of Scripture—which speaks for itself.  Sometimes italicized or bold font will be used by ALN for emphasis.

(5)  The numbering of these fulfilled prophecies of the Messiah is used to differentiate individual posts. It is not chronological (either by time of the prophecy or by sequence in the life of the Messiah).  The posting sequence will, for the most part, be in the order that the prophecies appear in Scripture.

(6)  Because of the chosen methodology (#5 above) we will find many specific prophecies repeated multiple times throughout the Scriptures.

(7)  These serial posts are in addition to our regular Tuesday ALN postings on random topics.

(8)  Subscription to ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog is simple—just use the link on the left sidebar.  Once subscribed you will not miss future posts.

Messiah, 1

~ Spiritual War Is Underway ~  

NOTE:  Beginning today and for the foreseeable future, each Saturday ALN will post a prophetic Scripture which was fulfilled in the birth, life, death, or resurrection of Jesus Christ. These posts will usually consist only of Scripture—which speaks for itself. This series of posts regarding the Messiah will be in addition to our regular Tuesday ALN posts on various topics.

"Search the Scriptures—they testify of Me."

— Jesus Christ (John 5:39)

The Scripture  

“I'm declaring war between you [Satan] and the Woman [Eve], between your offspring [Satan’s, c.f. John 8:44] and hers [Jesus Christ—the Messiah]. He'll [Jesus Christ] wound your [Satan’s] head [a fatal blow], you'll [Satan] wound His [Jesus Christ’s] heel [a non-fatal blow]” (Genesis 3:15).

The Messiah  

“Jesus spoke to those who had come—high priests, Temple police, religion leaders: ‘What is this, jumping Me with swords and clubs as if I were a dangerous criminal? Day after day I've been with you in the Temple and you’ve not so much as lifted a hand against Me. But do it your way—it's a dark night, a dark hour’” (Luke 22:52-53). 

“But the angel answered and said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay’” (Matthew 28:5-6).

“And entering the tomb, they saw a young man clothed in a long white robe sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed. But he said to them, ‘Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him’” (Mark 16:5-6). 

“And it happened, as they were greatly perplexed about this, that behold, two men stood by them in shining garments. Then, as they were afraid and bowed their faces to the earth, they said to them, ‘Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen! Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee, saying, ‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again’” (Luke 24:4-7).

“But Mary stood outside by the tomb weeping, and as she wept she stooped down and looked into the tomb. And she saw two angels in white sitting, one at the head and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. Then they said to her, ‘Woman, why are you weeping?’ She said to them, ‘Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him.’ Now when she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, and did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?’ She, supposing Him to be the gardener, said to Him, ‘Sir, if You have carried Him away, tell me where You have laid Him, and I will take Him away.’ Jesus said to her, ‘Mary!’ She turned and said to Him, ‘Rabboni!’ (which is to say, Teacher). Jesus said to her, ‘Do not cling to Me, for I have not yet ascended to My Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, “I am ascending to My Father and your Father, and to My God and your God.”’ Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that He had spoken these things to her” (John 20:11-18).

The Future Complete Fulfillment

“The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever” (Revelation 20:10). 

~~~ EXPLANATORY “MESSIAH” NOTES ~~~   

(1)  Each Saturday ALN posts an example of a Hebrew Scriptures prophecy (or foreshadowing) related to the coming Messiah which was fulfilled in the birth, life, death, or resurrection of Jesus Christ.

(2)  While extensive it will not be a complete list—there are hundreds of prophecies of the coming Messiah which have been fulfilled by one man—Jesus Christ at His First Coming.

(3)  It is important that there are many more prophecies of the Messiah, yet unfulfilled, which Christians believe will be fulfilled at the time of His Second Coming.  A particularly relevant Scripture verse in this regard is: “Do not despise prophesies” (1 Thessalonians 5:20).

(4)  These posts will typically consist only of Scripture—which speaks for itself.  Sometimes italicized or bold font will be used by ALN for emphasis.

(5)  The numbering of these fulfilled prophecies of the Messiah is used to differentiate individual posts. It is not chronological (either by time of the prophecy or by sequence in the life of the Messiah).  The posting sequence will, for the most part, be in the order that the prophecies appear in Scripture.

(6)  Because of the chosen methodology (#5 above) we will find many specific prophecies repeated multiple times throughout the Scriptures.

(7)  These serial posts are in addition to our regular Tuesday ALN postings on random topics.

(8)  Subscription to ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog is simple—just use the link on the left sidebar.  Once subscribed you will not miss future posts.

The First War

~ A “Religious” War ~

There is one true World War! The longest war in history. The casualty count is truly staggering! This war consists of two major battles within the larger battle. Daily skirmishes, fighting, local battles including hand to hand fighting, continue today on front lines around the world.

The first ever declaration of war was made by God in Genesis 3:15 when He declared war on Satan. This small verse is full of content including the first promise of a coming Savior for sinful mankind.

Because it includes the first suggestion of a coming Savior and the opportunity for redemption, it is often referred to as the proto-evangelism. Fortunately, the verse not only declares war but also states the ultimate victory will go to Jesus Christ.

This great war named the “War between the Seeds” pits the seed of Mary, Christ, against the seed of the serpent, the antichrist. The declaration of war was spoken to the serpent, the evil one, soon after Adam and Eve fell into sin—it was not spoken to Adam or Eve. In His love God did not declare war on fallen man—but rather on behalf of fallen man!

Of the two most significant skirmishes or battles, one occurred in the past and the other will occur in the future. The past “Battle of the Heel” was not fatal. Christ died on the Cross in order to provide salvation for fallen man—Satan at first appeared to be victorious. However, Christ rose from the grave conquering death and Satan was wounded (but not destroyed). The future “Battle of the Head” (Revelation 20) will be fatal to Satan. Christ will then have complete victory! (Romans 16:20)

Between these two climactic battles is an unbroken series of wars and conflicts made up of greater and lesser battles, all of them but skirmishes in an effort to gain advantage for the final showdown. If you are a Christian, you are a soldier of the Cross engaged in this ongoing war.

The proto-evangelism is also interesting as it contains the first mention of the virgin birth. In Scripture the seed is always traced though the male line with this one exception. Jesus Christ is called the seed of the woman! It was by a woman that sin entered into the human race and it will be by a woman that a Savior will come.

An important implication of this verse is that since the seed of the woman is a real person, the antichrist by logical extension is also a real person!

The Word of God declares that all Christians are involved in this war and that there is no discharge from the war (Ecclesiastes 8:8). Fortunately we are provided with an offensive weapon (the Word of God) and all the defensive armor we need (Ephesians 6:10-20, 2 Corinthians 10:4).

The Battle of the Seeds began in Genesis 3:20 and will end in Revelation 20.