"The book of Genesis is one of the most important written documents in the world," wrote Kent P. Jackson in Studies in Scripture, Vol. 3 - The Old Testament. "As a record of cultural and historical significance it is unsurpassed, and as a scripture that chronicles God's interaction with mankind it is of infinite worth.

"Genesis is the book of beginnings. In its pages we have the scriptural account of the creation of the heavens, the earth, life on earth, and the human race."Genesis also contains the record of covenants that God made with the earliest generations of humankind. As such it is of profound significance to the saints of the last days, who are the heirs of those covenants."

The opening statement in Genesis is a simple declaration: "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth." (Gen. 1:1.)

President N. Eldon Tanner said in this statement is found "the basis for belief in God, His omnipotence, His love, and the reason for man's existence in this mortal state."

In his October 1978 general conference address, President Tanner, then first counselor in the First Presidency, said: "As we read on in that first chapter of Genesis, we learn of the great organization of this earth - the division of light from darkness, the earth from the heavens; the bringing forth of grass, the herb yielding seed, and fruit; the appearance of the sun, moon, and stars; the creation of fish, fowl, and animals. And finally `God created man in his own image . . . male and female created he them.' (See Gen. 1:1-27.)

"Beyond reading these and other scriptural evidences of the existence of God, how well do we really know God, our Creator, and how well do we really understand His personality, characteristics, and attributes?" asked President Tanner.

"Belief in the fact that God exists is of first importance, but it is not all that is necessary in order to exercise an intelligent faith that will lead us back into His presence for eternal life with Him.

"In addition to a belief in the existence of God, we must know something of His character and attributes, or our faith will be imperfect and unfruitful."

President Tanner said there were no questions about God in Old Testament times: He walked and talked with Adam and Eve, and even after their transgression they continued to call upon Him and to sacrifice to Him. He gave them commandments, which they obeyed.

"Cain and Abel learned of God from the teachings of their parents, as well as from personal revelations," said President Tanner.

"After the acceptance of Abel's offering and the rejection of that of Cain, followed by Cain's crime of murdering his brotherT, God talked with Cain and Cain answered.

"Adam lived for 930 years, during which time he could give personal testimony to eight generations of his descendants, down to Lemech, the father of Noah. (See Gen. 5:5-31.)

"Through Noah and his family, a knowledge of God by direct tradition was carried beyond the Flood; moreover, Noah held direct communication with God and lived to instruct ten generations of his descendants. (See Gen. 6:9.) There followed Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (or Israel), and among the children of Israel, God wrought great wonders. (See Gen. 17:1; Ex. 3:15.)"

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(ADDITIONAL INFORMATION)

Articles on this page may be used in

Articles on this page may be used in conjunction with the Sunday School Gospel Doctrine course of study.

Information compiled by Gerry Avant

Sources: A Companion to Your Study of the Old Testament, by Daniel H. Ludlow; Studies in Scripture, Vol. 3 - The Old Testament, edited by Kent P. Jackson and Robert L. Millet; October 1978 and October 1978 general conference reports.