New Testament References Studies in Genesis

Introduction There is great value in studying the things written beforehand (Rom. 15:4-6). Let us, therefore, ponder several significant reference to Genesis that occur in the New Testament.

The Power of Prophecy The power of prophecy is illustrated by Jesus’ discussion with the disciples on the Emmaus road: “Then beginning with Moses and with all the prophets, He explained to them the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures” (Luke 24:13-27, esp. v. 27).

The Power of Prophecy Afterwards, they said to one another, “Were not our hearts burning within us while He was speaking to us on the road, while He was explaining the Scriptures to us?” (Luke 24:28-35, esp. v. 32).

The Power of Prophecy Prophets from the Old Testament era foreshadowed things they did not fully understand—things into which even the angels long to look (1 Pet. 1:10-12).

The Power of Prophecy Peter highlighted the value of prophecy, not only in his sermon on Pentecost, but also in the statement: “So we have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention…” (2 Pet. 1:19-21).

The Permanence of Marriage When asked about the concept of easy divorce, Jesus pointed back to God’s original intent, divinely proclaimed in the garden of Eden, and added, “What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate” (Matt. 19:3-9, esp. v. 6).

The Permanence of Marriage In contrast with the Mosaic provision (cf. Deut. 24), Jesus declared, “I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery” (Matt. 19:3-12, esp. v. 9; cf. Mark 10:2-12).

The Privilege of Sonship In writing to saints in the region of Galatia, Paul warned against the Judaizing heresy—a soul-condemning corruption of the gospel of Christ (Gal. 1:6-9).

The Privilege of Sonship In chapter 4, the inspired apostle distinguishes between the bondage of the Law and the freedom we enjoy in Jesus Christ, allegorically illustrated by Hagar and Sarah, and their respective off-spring, Ishmael and Isaac. The former (Ishmael—a slave) parallels those under the Law; the latter (Isaac—a son) equals those who obey the gospel (Gal. 4:21-31; cf. Gen. 16:1-16; 21:9-21).

The Priesthood of Jesus Ponder how the priesthood of Jesus parallels that of Melchizedek. After returning from his victory over Chedorlaomer, Abraham was met by Melchizedek, who presented bread and wine to the patriarch and his men, thus demonstrating friendship. Pronouncing a blessing upon Abraham in the name of El Elyon (“God Most High”), the king/priest of Salem (Jerusalem) praised God for giving Abraham a victory in battle, thus demonstrating a common spiritual commitment to the One True God (Gen. 14:18-20).

The Priesthood of Jesus Abraham offered Melchizedek a tithe (a tenth) of all the spoils from the recent battle. In so doing, Abraham acknowledged that they worshipped the same God, and that as priest, Melchizedek ranked higher than himself. In Psalm 110, a Messianic psalm of David (Ps. 110:4-7; cf. Matt. 22:41-46), Melchizedek is a type of Christ. Building upon this argument, the writer of Hebrews argues that the priesthood of Jesus is dramatically different from that of the Mosaic system (Heb. 5:6-11; 6:20-7:28).

Conclusion Let us appreciate the power of prophecy. Let us respect the permanence of marriage. Let us benefit from the privileges of sonship through obedience. Let us approach God through the priesthood of Jesus.