"These are the generations of...". Eleven times this expression occurs in the book of Genesis, indicating its main structure and focal point. When reading through the book, attention should be given to the men and women whose lives and testimonies are recorded for our learning, that through patience and comfort of the Scriptures we might have hope.

The masterplan of God for the ages may be reduced to the administration of His grace towards the members of the human race. There is a common grace unto creation which extends to all people (elect and non-elect). There is also a special grace unto salvation which extends only to the elect. Henceforth, every person is a dispensation of God's grace, either under the authority of the covenant of works, and therefore the recipient of God's common grace unto creation, or under the authority of the covenant of grace, and therefore the recipient of God's special grace unto salvation. These spiritual and perpetual covenants must be distinguished from the earthly and temporary covenants, such as that which God made with Noah, Abraham, Moses and David.…