Making Sense of Creation and Fall explores the theological meanings of God’s acts in Genesis 1–3 and demonstrates how they relate to redemption and to the new heaven and earth. Professor Vern Poythress shows how themes such as creation from nothing, light, darkness, water, separation, dry land, life, multiplication of living things, image of God, dominion, temptation, and fall refer to real events in Genesis 1–3 and at the same time have rich connections with the subsequent redemptive work of God that reaches its climax in the life, death, and resurrection of Christ. This book promotes a rich appreciation of the created world and leads us to praise God the Father, who creates and redeems through his Son by means of the Spirit.

Hardcover, 368 pages, P&R 

Endorsements

“Can anything new be said about the early chapters of Genesis? The beauty of this book, part of P&R’s welcome Making Sense series, is in its application. No one could better combine exegesis with clarity than Dr. Poythress. As if we needed to be reminded (but we do!), the early chapters of Genesis are an essential key to making sense of who we are and where we are. Seasoned Christians as well as beginners will be deeply edified by this must-read study.”

—William Edgar, Professor Emeritus of Apologetics, Westminster Theological Seminary

“Once again we are invited to join Vern Poythress at the biblical-theological banquet table with his new Making Sense of Creation and Fall. Building on previous work on Genesis 1–3, the author returns to drill deeper into the well to bring forth almost infinite riches from the mine of biblical ore given for God’s glory and our spiritual welfare. Both of these are furthered as the author traces the historical-conceptual development of doctrinal themes from creation to consummation. Poythress provides the church with a solid resource for better understanding Scripture, showing us how God’s Word manifests its own organic unity and how providence and redemption—yea, the consummation—grow out of developments at creation. God, man, sin, salvation, Savior, and a multitude of other seedbeds of doctrine are laid bare for enrichment of our spiritual growth and glorification and enjoyment of our great and glorious triune God. I found myself worshiping the Lord as I read.”

—Jeffrey Waddington, Part-time Professor of Systematic Theology, Heidelberg Theological Seminary, Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Missionary Professor, Covenant Mission Seminary, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

The Author