Even Better Than Eden by Nancy Guthrie
Week 6: Chapter 5 — The Family
Read Chapter 5 of Even Better than Eden. Primary passages: Genesis 1:28; Romans 8:14–25; Galatians 3:26–4:7; Hebrews 2:10–17; Revelation 7:9–10.
Previewing Week 6 of Even Better Than Eden
Read 3 of 8 discussion questions below. Unlock the complete 12-week guide when you’re ready.
God's first command to humanity was to be fruitful and multiply — but Guthrie shows that the family he is building is far larger and more glorious than anything Adam and Eve could have produced.
Discussion Questions
8 questions1.Genesis 1:28 — 'Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth' — is the first command given to humanity. Guthrie argues this commission was about more than biological reproduction; it was about filling the earth with image-bearers. How does framing the 'family' theme this broadly shape your sense of what God is doing in history?
2.In Galatians 4, Paul describes our redemption as adoption — God sending his Son so that we 'might receive adoption as sons.' What does adoption add to the language of salvation that other metaphors (forgiveness, justification, reconciliation) might not capture as vividly?
3.Hebrews 2 says Jesus is 'not ashamed to call them brothers,' and that he brings 'many sons to glory.' What does it mean to you personally that Jesus calls you his sibling? How does the reality of that relationship affect your sense of identity and belonging?
a.In what circumstances do you most forget or doubt that you are a beloved child of God?
b.How might remembering your adoption change how you respond in those moments?