"Finding Grace in the Bible" by John Wesley Erbentraut is a book-length commentary that traces the theme of God’s grace through every chapter of Genesis, offering both scholarly insight and devotional reflection. Rather than a verse-by-verse technical exegesis, the work is structured as a journey—moving from creation to the patriarchs, from the fall to the formation of Israel—always with an eye toward how unmerited favor shapes the biblical story and the lives of its characters. Key Themes and Structure: Grace as the Pulse of Scripture: The book argues that grace is not a New Testament innovation but the underlying current of the entire Bible. In Genesis, grace is seen in creation itself, in God’s patience with Adam and Eve, in the preservation of Noah, and in the calling of Abraham. Even in judgment, grace flickers—God clothes the fallen, preserves a remnant, and continually initiates relationship before merit or repentance. - The Patriarchs and Grace: Abraham’s story is a paradigm of grace—chosen not for his virtue but for God’s purpose. The covenant is a gift, not a wage. Isaac’s birth, Jacob’s transformation, and Joseph’s rise from betrayal to blessing all illustrate how God’s favor works through human weakness, failure, and reversal. The book highlights how God’s promises persist despite the flaws of the chosen family. - Grace in Human Brokenness: Genesis is honest about sin—fratricide, deception, violence, and family dysfunction abound. Yet grace is found in God’s refusal to abandon His people. The stories of Hagar, Leah, Tamar, and others show that grace reaches the marginalized and the wounded, not just the heroes. - Typology and Christ: The commentary draws connections between Genesis and the New Testament, showing how figures like Joseph prefigure Christ—betrayed, suffering, yet ultimately exalted to bring salvation. Judah’s self-sacrifice for Benjamin foreshadows Christ’s substitutionary atonement. - Grace as Transformation: The book emphasizes that grace is not just pardon but power for change. Jacob becomes Israel; Joseph’s suffering becomes the means of saving many. The narrative arc moves from alienation to reconciliation, from famine to feast, from exile to hope. - Practical and Devotional Application: Each chapter includes prayers, reflection prompts, and takeaways, inviting readers to see their own stories in light of God’s persistent mercy. The commentary encourages readers to trust God’s grace in their failures, to extend forgiveness, and to live as recipients and agents of unearned favor. - Grace and Legacy: Genesis ends not with triumph but with hope—Joseph’s assurance that “God will surely visit you.” The story points forward to Exodus and the ongoing journey of God’s people, sustained by grace. Distinctives: The book is both scholarly and pastoral, blending linguistic and historical analysis with spiritual encouragement. - It highlights unusual Hebrew words and their theological significance, showing how language itself is shaped by the theme of grace. - The commentary is structured to be accessible for personal study, group discussion, or teaching, with summaries, prayers, and practical insights throughout. In summary: "Finding Grace in the Bible" presents Genesis as a tapestry woven with threads of divine mercy. It shows that grace is not an afterthought but the foundation of God’s dealings with humanity—from creation to covenant, from judgment to redemption. The book invites readers to rest in God’s unearned favor and to extend that same grace to others, seeing themselves as part of the ongoing story of redemption.