A Literary Analysis

The Beginning - The Great Conflict

Genesis One opens "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth(1.1)" and the chapter continues in its poetic nature introducing the days of creation and then ending with that final verse "And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good.(1.31)" here in the first chapter we are introduced to the great setting, the earth, the universe, God's creation. Genesis Two introduces the main characters of the text, as it describes the detailed method in which man was created, leaving fellowship with God. But in Genesis Three "the Great Conflict" arises.

Genesis Three introduces us to sin that came into the world. Sin that separated the fellowship that man had with God. Sin that ruined the creation God made. Sin that demands Judgment. Sin is the Great conflict of the scriptures. We read in Romans Five concerning the conflict "By one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin... (5.12)" and following "For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners... (5.19)". Sin is the curse that fell upon mankind, and sin demands judgment. Sin had such an effect on man kind that it is written "The Lord was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart.(Genesis 6:6 NASB)".

Dear reader, it is vital for you to understand, the greatest conflict within your life is your sin. Your sin grieves God at his heart. He loves you, He doesn't want to punish you, but God is righteous, and sin demands judgement.

The Middle - The Great Climax

The Climax is the turning point of a text. The climax is the during which the conflict is at its peak and where the resolve is introduced. The Bible tells us concerning an event that took place approximately two thousand years ago where a babe was laid in Bethlehem's Manger. The Bible also tells of the one who was that babe died on a cross. This is the one of which Paul spoke "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners (I Timothy 1:15)" This is the turning point of the Bible.

Sin is a problem that weighs heavily upon man kind, and in order for a person to be forgiven a substitute was needed to bear their judgement. During the Old Testament many sacrifices were made as a substitute for sin, however these were just pictures that foreshadowed the greatest sacrifice that would be offered as a substitute to bear the sin of humanity. This was Christ Jesus, the same who came into the world to save sinners. He came as the Son of God who took the human form and bore our sins on the Cross of Calvary. He had no sin but offered himself as a Substitute for us.

The Great climax is this that Jesus when hanging on the cross cried out "It is finished (John 19:30)". That is the turning point of the Bible. The turning point for you could be that you simply believe, and accept what Christ has done for you.

Jesus said,

"He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God."

(John 3:18)

Have you believed?

The Ending - The Final Resolve

The effects of what happens during the climax, are introduced in what we call the resolve. The resolve is the closing section of a piece of text. Sometimes the resolve is happy other times it is full of gloom.

The resolve of the scriptures is that if a person receives the son they have everlasting life. The resolve is this that if someone believes they will experience Heaven rather than Gods wrath. Of Heaven it is said:

"And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away."

(Revelation 21:4)

The resolve pf the scriptures however is also this that if you refuse God's gift you will experience his judgement and his wrath. The resolve is this that if you never accept christ you will perish in Hell and the Lake of Fire. Of Hell and of the Lake of Fire it is said:

"...there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth."

(Matthew 22:13)

Dear reader, which part of the resolve shall you experience? It depends on the decisions made concerning the climax. Have you accepted the substitute, God's Son who died for you and bore your judgement? Or have you refused Him?

Will you experience Heaven or Hell?

Dear reader, God's Word is true. God's Word is applicable to you.