Although Genesis records the entrance of sin and its devastating effects, it also displays God’s grace at every step. From the moment Adam and Eve sinned, God acted in mercy rather than destroying them immediately. Instead, He sought them out. Genesis 3:9 says:
“Then the Lord God called to Adam and said to him, ‘Where are you?’”
This question was not because God lacked knowledge but because He was giving them an opportunity to confess and turn back to Him. Even in judgment, grace was evident. Though God pronounced curses (Genesis 3:14–19), He also gave a promise of redemption in Genesis 3:15:
“And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel.”
This is often called the protoevangelium (the first announcement of the gospel) pointing to Jesus Christ, who would one day defeat Satan and provide salvation.
God’s grace continued when He clothed Adam and Eve with garments of skin (Genesis 3:21), symbolizing that covering for sin required the shedding of blood. This foreshadowed the sacrificial system and ultimately the sacrifice of Christ. Even after Cain killed Abel, God spared Cain’s life and marked him for protection (Genesis 4:15), showing mercy even in discipline.
The preservation of Noah and his family in the ark is another profound example. Genesis 6:8 says:
“But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.”
Though the world was filled with wickedness, God chose to save humanity through one righteous man and his household, ensuring the continuation of His covenant promises.
Genesis reveals that grace is not a New Testament concept, it is woven into God’s dealings from the very beginning. Despite human rebellion, God’s purpose of redemption and His steadfast love have never failed.
