If you have read the Bible, you know that there are many stories within it. Some of them you can understand, others we have a hard time. As you read the Bible, there is one thing that you should know. The Bible is made up of many stories, yet it is one story.
It is one big unified story about God, who is the main person in the story of the Bible. It tells about His creation, man’s continual rebellion, God’s redemption of man, and the coming fulfillment of restoration.
I have read the Bible a number of times, yet I did not realize that it was all one story until about a year ago. I know the parts but never looked at it as a whole. So I am excited to share this with you.
This biblical story line—helps us see God’s incredible plan to redeem his people and glorify His name from Genesis to Revelation.
There are four parts of this story line: Creation, Fall, Redemption, Restoration.
Creation: Tells us that before time as we know it, there was God, and God created all things out of nothing. He created man and women in His image. God said that everything that He made was good. Genesis 1-2
Fall: is when Adam and Eve sinned by disobeying God. The relationship that Adam and Eve once had was broken, and God punishes them for their sin. One of them is death. This, in turn, affects all of creation and humanity.
Genesis 3:6–7
Redemption: Yet, being gracious and merciful, God promised hope in a Savior who would take the punishment of our sin to make us right before God.
Genesis 3:15
All through the Old Testament, we see how God chose a people to bring about a Savior. Throughout the Old Testament, you can see how it is pointing to the coming of Jesus to redeem us. The New Testament tells us of the story of Jesus and the redemption story of how we were and can be made right with God if you give our lives to following Him.
Next, that brings us to Restoration: Jesus has gone back to heaven to prepare a place for us and will return. When Jesus returns, He will judge sin and evil. Sin will be cast out forever. Jesus will make all things new. For those who have repented and believed in Christ’s work of his death and resurrection will dwell with Him forever in the new heavens and earth.
(Revelation 21:1–4 & Isaiah 65:17)
Before God created the world, He had a plan for us. This is evident in scripture. God’s Word has so many rich insights into who God is, what He has and can do.
Here are some books and resources you can read to learn more about the Story or the Bible or Biblical Theology.
The Bible Project: How to Read the Bible: Biblical Story
What is Biblical Theology?: A Guide to the Bible’s Story, Symbolism, and Patterns by James Hamilton
Understanding the Big Picture of the Bible: A Guide to Reading the Bible Well Edited by Wayne Grudem, C. John Collins & Thomas R. Schreiner
The Whole Story of the Bible in 16 Verses By Chris Bruno
The Whole Message of the Bible in 16 Words By Chris Bruno
If you have enjoyed learning about the Bible in this post, please share with a friend.
