"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.…

God administers a grace unto creation which extends to the entire human race. He also administers a grace unto salvation which extends only to the elect. This grace unto salvation is identified in the Bible as the gospel. The gospel has three branches: (1) The electing love of God the Father; (2) The redeeming grace of God the Son; (3) The sanctifying power of God the Spirit. Saving faith and godly repentance are graces of Christ which are given as the result of the new birth, and therefore are privileges to be exercised by the regenerate, rather than duties to be imposed upon the unregenerate. To meet this need, I have started preparing online worship services. While the alone and isolated believer should find encouragement…