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Genesis

January 2, 2021

You are probably familiar with the very first verse in Genesis, which happens to be the very first verse in the Bible, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” Of course, much has been written on this subject, and I’m not planning to launch into a scientific or biblical survey of creation. But I do want us to understand that Genesis is the Book of “Origins” or “Beginnings,” as it provides an account of creation and the flood, and tells us about the establishment of the family, the origin of sin, and the inauguration of God’s plan of redemption through the Messiah.  

In this book, we are introduced to the “Patriarchs” including Abraham (the father of our faith), Isaac, and Jacob (the father of the twelve tribes of Israel). On several occasions, God spoke to Abraham and gave him a number of promises, including the fact that he would be the father of a great nation and that he would have many descendants, one of whom would be a blessing to all of the families of the earth, which pointed directly to the coming Messiah, Jesus. And here is the amazing thing, even before Abraham had a son (who would eventually come through his wife Sarah), Abraham believed in the fulfillment of the promises God had given to him. And this leads us to the verse I have chosen from the Book of Genesis:

“Then Abraham believed God, and He reckoned it to him as righteousness” (Gen. 15:6).

This verse provides one of the foundational truths of the Christian faith. Righteousness (to have a right standing before God), does not come through moral excellence or religious ritual, but by faith — Faith in God and in His promises. This truth, and this passage in Genesis, is so foundational to our faith, that the Apostle Paul when arguing against those who felt that good works and religious ritual were the means of salvation, quotes this passage from Genesis,

“If Abraham was justified by works, he might have something to boast about; but not before God. For what does the Scripture say, ‘Abraham believed God and it was reckoned to him as righteousness’” (Rom. 4:2-3).

And then in the Book of Galatians, Paul provides a great argument regarding the necessity of faith,

“If righteousness comes through keeping the Law, then Christ died needlessly” (Gal. 2:21).

Interestingly, genuine faith is rooted in the truths found in God’s Word, the Bible. For example, the Roman historian Tacitus in his Annals made reference to Jesus’ crucifixion under Pontius Pilate. Along with the accounts in each of the Gospels, this is a matter of history. However, the Scriptures also tell us that when Jesus died on the cross, He also died for our sins. As the Apostle Paul says,

“Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures” (1 Cor. 15:3) and “God demonstrated His love toward us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom. 5:8).

You see, history tells us that Jesus died on the cross, but faith is believing in the truth that when He died on the cross, He died to forgive us of our sins. But there is one more step of faith that allows us to experience His redemption. Here is the next step of faith,

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

You see, once we believe that Christ died on the cross for our sins, we must take the next step of confessing our sins to Him if we are going to find forgiveness and redemption. Maybe that is your next step, a step that should be taken as we begin the New Year. If you have never experienced His redemption through faith in Christ and the forgiveness of our sins, I encourage you to take this opportunity to do so. Just believe in His promise, and ask.

May this year, 2021, be a year of new beginnings for you as you seek God and His plan for your life!

This is how Abraham lived his whole life, trusting God even though he may not have understood all the things that God was doing at the time. Abraham believed in God’s faithful character, and trusted that His plan was perfect. Peggy and I want to wish you a blessed New Year full of His peace and comfort. We are so thankful for your lives and your wonderful friendship through the years. Happy New Year!

Comments(12)

  1. REPLY
    Rick Belda says
    January 3, 2021 at 7:58 pm

    Hi Jim. I hope your recovery goes quickly and well. I look forward to and appreciate your weekly teaching. May God continue to bless you, Peggy, and your family

    • REPLY
      Jim Price says
      January 14, 2021 at 8:04 am

      Hey Rick. So wonderful to hear from you. I’m so grateful that my weekly blogs have been blessing you. I sure do miss our times together. I know that you and Kathy have parted ways, but I pray that you are both doing well. Many blessings to you. Let’s be sure to stay in touch.

  2. REPLY
    Ravona says
    January 3, 2021 at 3:54 pm

    Love your blogs. I love Abraham story. His story is full of not only faith but love. Thank you for your blogs I enjoy them a lot

    • REPLY
      Jim Price says
      January 14, 2021 at 8:07 am

      Ravona. So wonderful to see your comment. I pray that you and Wayne are doing well in your new home. I miss our good visits during Second Half. I see you on Facebook periodically and I’m glad to keep up with you that way. Blessings to you.

  3. REPLY
    Linda Moldrem says
    January 2, 2021 at 11:08 pm

    I so appreciate your including the video which explained terms I was perplexed about. Happy New Year to you and Peggy and I hope you have a speedy recovery to your shoulder. It is comforting that our all knowing God is on the throne and He holds our future. Linda Moldrem

    • REPLY
      Jim Price says
      January 14, 2021 at 8:10 am

      Linda, Thanks so much for your recent comment from my blog. Yes, I also found the video very informative. My shoulder is healing well. I go see my surgeon later today for an update. I’m sure he will have be doing PT next week. Peggy is well. Crazy times we are living in. Peggy sure enjoys your visits and phone calls when you have the opportunity. Blessings to you.

  4. REPLY
    Carol Canfield says
    January 2, 2021 at 12:21 pm

    Thank you for your wonderful words of wisdom, and your message of hope. Larry and I wish you and Peggy all the best for 2021.

    • REPLY
      Jim Price says
      January 14, 2021 at 8:12 am

      Carol. So sorry for taking so long to respond. I pray that you and Larry are doing well. We miss our wonderful times together. Praying many blessings upon the two of you.

  5. REPLY
    Faye Carlson - Thompson says
    January 2, 2021 at 11:53 am

    Hugh and I look forward to your Blogs and study guide this year. Thank you!!!
    Please put Hugh on the email group as well: [email protected]

    Much love and joy to you and Peggy in 2021!
    Faye

    • REPLY
      Jim Price says
      January 14, 2021 at 8:14 am

      Faye. So sorry it has taken awhile to respond. I sure miss our times together, but I always follow you and Hugh on Facebook. Grateful that my blog is blessing people. Oh yes, I will make sure that our web administrator gets Hugh on the distribution list. Thanks for letting me know.

  6. REPLY
    Merlene Ryzak says
    January 2, 2021 at 11:46 am

    Thank you for your always informative blog. And I appreciate including the video explaining “critical theory” and “woke”.

    • REPLY
      Jim Price says
      January 14, 2021 at 8:18 am

      Merlene, So sorry it has taken me so long to respond. Indeed, I also found the video informative, and I’m so grateful that you did too. Hope you and Frank are doing well. I’m grateful that you are following the blog. It looks like it has been blessing quite a few people. God bless you.

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