Posted by “What is the Bible all about?” What is its purpose?
The main story of the bible is God’s mission of world redemption, and how God works through history having all things conform to His plan and purpose to that end.
In telling this story we are guided through the many twists and turns of the main plot and the numerous subplots that all point directly and indirectly to Jesus Christ as the Messiah and Lord Redeemer of the entire world.
Addressing the religious leaders of his generation, in John 5:39,40 Jesus said, “You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life.”
THE STORY SIMPLY STATED
The Bible is simply a collection of divinely inspired books, narratives, letters and poetic literature, that tells the story of God’s pursuit of wayward humanity created in His own image and likeness.
The story begins with Creation, and continues the narrative from the Fall of our first parents in Eden, through the history of God’s covenant people. This includes individual families, communities, and entire Nations.
Jesus himself explains this biblical narrative while on the road to Emmaus with two believers in Luke 24. He begins with Moses (the law) and all the Prophets, he explains to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself (the Messiah).
The Prophetic promises and Covenant declarations about Redemption point to the promised Messiah Jesus the Christ, and reclaiming planet earth and all its inhabitants, redeeming those who place their trust in Him.
The Bible Story ends in Societal Transformation
God isn’t interested in destroying society but restoring it to its intended purpose (multiply and govern under God Gen.1:28).
The Church’s responsibility is to tell the story, roll up her sleeves and get on with God’s Kingdom business of societal transformation by being a blessing to the nations until Christ returns. – Just a thought. -JSP
* Photo by John S Picarello
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I pray for revival in our country before our society SELF-destructs! I agree, that destruction is not what God wants. His desire is for all men and women to come to repentance through his Son, Jesus Christ, as he purposed long ago (2 Peter 3:9). His design is for us to manifest the fruit of the Spirit with one another: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). Can you imagine such a world?!
We are indeed the city on the hill giving light to all dwelling in the valley of darkness. We are for the healing of the nations. The joy of knowing the future of a world without sin, sorrow or pain is a world we’ll see. Whatever we imagine pales in comparison to what will be.
Blessings!