The Bible is special because it tells us how God has accomplished His plan to redeem us from our sin, restore our relationship with Him, and establish His everlasting Kingdom among us. God sees a day when “the whole earth will be filled with the knowledge of His glory just as the waters cover the sea” (Habakkuk 2:14). The Bible is the story of how God has worked, and is working, to bring this day to pass.
GOD’S CREATION (GENESIS 1-2)
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.[1] Out of the dust, God created a man in His image. Soon He created a woman, different by design, but equal in dignity.[2] This man and woman lived in perfect peace and harmony, enjoying God and each other. Their worship was undefiled. Their love was pure. Their work was satisfying. The world was not dangerous. This was God’s design.
MAN’S FALL (GENESIS 3)
To protect this perfect peace, God gave instructions on how to live in His world that initially included just one restriction.[3] In spite of God’s loving protection and generosity, Satan tempted them to desire the forbidden and they sinned against God.[4] The consequences of sin were staggering. Their relationship with God was broken. Their peace evaporated. The ground grew hard. Their relationship became more contentious as each vied for prominence. Every future generation would inherit their sin nature. In the end, man would die separated from God as the ultimate consequence for sin.[5]
GOD’S PROMISE (GENESIS 3)
In the bleakness of this moment, God made a promise to rescue humanity and the broken world from sin’s corruptions. “I will put enmity between you [Satan] and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel” (Genesis 3:15). One day a special man would be born of woman. Satan would bruise His heel, but He would crush Satan’s head. This special man would redeem and free humanity trapped under the condemnation of sin. This promise also establishes the theme of the rest of the Bible.
This special man would redeem and free humanity trapped under the condemnation of sin. This promise also establishes the theme of the rest of the Bible.
GOD’S HOLY PEOPLE (GENESIS 4-12)
To pave the way for the Rescuer, God formed a people to be set apart from among all peoples who would enjoy a relationship with Him and share His glory with others.[6] After displaying His glory to people such as Abel, Enoch and Noah, God demonstrated His grace by showing His glory to Abraham. God promised to bless him, make him into a nation, provide a special land, and then bless all mankind by bringing the promised Redeemer through his genealogical line.[7] This holy people was Israel.
GOD’S UNFAILING LOVE (GENESIS 13-MALACHI)
The rest of the Old Testament is a recurring cycle of Israel’s failure to be holy and God’s forgiveness based on His unfailing covenant love. God inspired people to record His dealings with the people of Israel and this led to the Law, Prophets, and Writings of the Old Testament. In these sections of the Bible, we are given promise upon promise regarding the coming Redeemer. The Redeemer would be born in Abraham’s lineage, from the tribe of Judah, as an offspring of David.[8] He would be born of a virgin in the town of Bethlehem.[9] He would teach good news in parables, perform miracles, and live a sinless life.[10] He would then enter Jerusalem on a donkey, and after being falsely accused, He would be pierced for the sins of the world before rising victoriously from the dead.[11]
THE REDEEMER ARRIVES (MATTHEW-JOHN)
The New Testament removes all doubt in declaring Jesus as the Redeemer promised in Genesis 3:15. Paul wrote, “When the fullness of time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law” (Gal. 4:4-5). God sent His Son to us and gave him the name Jesus. Jesus lived without sin, died for our sins, and on the third day He rose from the dead.
Shortly after rising from the dead, Jesus said, “Everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled” (Luke 24:44). Jesus fulfilled every promise, sacrifice, and ethical instruction in the Old Testament. Every rescue of the weak, provision for the needy, restoration of the broken, forgiveness of the sinner, covenant with the undeserving, and mercy for the repentant is an expression of the grace of God that culminated in Jesus Christ.
Even all the Old Testament stories point our attention to Jesus. Remember Joseph? He is thrown into slavery but rises to power to save the people.[12] Jesus was the ultimate Joseph who was sold and then rose up to save those who betrayed Him. Remember David? He is young but has the courage to take down the giant to save the people.[13] Jesus is the ultimate David who didn’t just risk his life but gave his life to save us. Remember Moses? He is afraid but stands in the gap between God and man to save the people.[14] Jesus is the ultimate Moses who stands in the gap as the Mediator between God and man. Jesus is the hero of the entire story of the Bible, and He is the ultimate hero of our story as well!
Jesus is the hero of the entire story of the Bible, and He is the ultimate hero of our story as well!
GOD’S HOLY CHURCH (ACTS-REVELATION 4)
Upon seeing Jesus resurrected from the dead, many placed their faith in Him. All who did were saved from their sin, baptized as a public profession of their faith, and gathered as His church.[15] Jesus gave His followers a Commission to go and make disciples in all nations.[16] Empowered by the Holy Spirit, the early church went out and told the good news of Jesus life, death, and resurrection.[17] As they proclaimed many more believed in Christ and were saved, baptized, and gathered into His church.
Today we are living in this chapter of redemptive history. We are part of the story. We are invited to admit our sins, believe in Jesus, and confess Him as Lord. We are invited to become part of His church. We are invited to distinguish ourselves as His people through our love for one another.[18] We are given a commission to make disciples of Jesus who will go and make disciples.
FINAL RESTORATION (REVELATION 5-22)
The Bible ends with the Kingdom of God fully established on earth.[19] Jesus will return and replace all the kingdoms of this world with His Kingdom, removing all evil from the earth. Those who have trusted in Jesus will live in perfect peace with Him and each other. Those who have not trusted Jesus will live in eternal condemnation separated from the presence of God.[20] The stakes could not be higher. The news of salvation could not be better. Jesus will reign forever and we are invited to be with Him!
[1] Genesis 1:1
[2] Genesis 1:27
[3] Genesis 2:16-17
[4] Genesis 3:6
[5] Genesis 3:7-19
[6] Exodus 19:5-6
[7] Genesis 12:1-3; 15:5-6
[8] Genesis 12:3; 17:19; 49:10; 2 Samuel 7:12-13
[9] Isaiah 7:14; Micah 5:2
[10] Psalm 78:2; Isaiah 35:5-6, 53:9
[11] Zechariah 9:9; Isaiah 53:5, 7; Psalm 16:10
[12] Genesis 37-50
[13] 1 Samuel 17
[14] Numbers 14
[15] Acts 2:38-47
[16] Matthew 28:18-20
[17] Acts 1:8
[18] John 13:34-35
[19] Revelation 21:1-8
[20] Revelation 20:11-15