Christianity: The Old Testament: notes

Creation and the First People

• Creation: Christians believe God created the world and everything in it (Genesis 1 and 2). People are made in God's image, so every life has worth.
• The Fall: Adam and Eve disobeyed God by eating the forbidden fruit (Genesis 3). Followers believe this brought sin and death into the world.

The Fathers of the Faith

• Abraham: God called him to leave Haran and promised him many descendants (Genesis 12). He trusted God even when asked to offer Isaac (Genesis 22). Abraham is an example of faith.
• Joseph: sold by his brothers into Egypt, he later saved many from famine and forgave his brothers (Genesis 37 to 50). He shows forgiveness.

Moses and the Covenant

• Exodus: Christians believe God used Moses to lead the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt, through the Passover and the crossing of the Red Sea (Exodus 12 to 14).
• Ten Commandments: given at Mount Sinai (Exodus 20). The first commandments are about duty to God, the rest about duty to others, such as honouring parents and not stealing.
• Covenant: an agreement between God and his people. God promises to be their God; they promise to obey.

The Prophets

• Prophet: a person Christians believe God sent to speak his message. Amos spoke against injustice to the poor; Elijah challenged the worship of Baal on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18).
• Samuel and the kings: Samuel anointed Saul and then David as kings of Israel.