The book of Genesis tells a story of beginnings . A powerful God creates everything out of nothing , and life on earth begins . The first humans , Adam and Eve , enjoy a close relationship with God . They live in a beautiful garden called Eden . They walk with God each day , until they meet the enemy Satan in the form of a snake . They do the one thing — the only thing — God tells them not to do . They are tempted by Satan , and they choose to sin by disobeying God . This event is known as “ the fall ,” and life is forever changed for them , and for us .

Genesis also tells the story of the beginning of the nation of Israel . God promises Abraham a family larger in number than the stars in the sky , a people that will come to be known as the nation of Israel . After thousands of years , a Savior — Jesus !— will be born into this family . Jesus will conquer Satan and change life forever again , this time for good .

• WHAT LIFE WAS LIKE •

Before Adam and Eve sin , they live a life of ease . The garden of Eden provides all they need . After they sin , life becomes hard and grueling . Like us today , they fight with weeds and thorns to grow food . They experience pain . They no longer have the same intimate relationship with God that they had before . But now , through Jesus , God prepares the way back to intimacy with him . Though life may now be hard and painful , God promises his people a new heaven and earth at the end of the world , a new and final beginning .

• THE AUTHOR OF GENESIS • Most people think Moses wrote this book .