Introduction
For one to construct a biblical-theological framework to understand God’s and the church’s mission, as well as the church’s mission to the world, one should begin by understanding the unified Biblical narrative. The unified Biblical narratives comprises for major plot movements. These are: creation, fall, redemption, and restoration (Christensen, 2003). Understanding the grand narrative of Scripture remains a vital step towards understanding God and the church. This essay hopes to break down this grand narrative to illuminate the United presented in the Bible.
I. The Unity of the Bible
The Bible
a. The four-fold Plot of Scripture: Creation, Fall, Redemption, New Creation
Shalom from Genesis 1 and 2 is the best way up its story. There was peace on earth. In this version of earth, the world was bountiful, a place where humanity could flourish. However, from this tale of Creation cam the Fall and rejection of Adam and Even over God’s rule. Eve took a bite from the apple and shared it with Adam, creating a rebellion of both spiritual and physical death.
After this came the redemption story where the Son of God, Jesus Christ, willingly sacrificed Himself to cleanse humans of their Original Sin. Here the climax is the death and resurrection of Christ. Following this is the restoration arc where God promises a renewal of the world and a potential for a glorious future. Christ will come back for judgment,...
This aspect represents the hope in the Bible and is the end.
b. Unity of the Old and New Testaments.
Christians recognize the Bible (Old and New Testament) as one book. 2 Timothy 3:16 states that the Old and New Testaments were written through the same Spirit (divine inspiration). The Old and New Testament bare authoritative witness to God’s power and God’s connection with humanity. Every book of the Bible or chapter, provides a reflective glance into the age. Because goes does not work in isolation, human authors received the divine grace to write these works.
The Old and New Testaments are linked, and one can see this through the quotes seen in the New Testament that come from the Old Testament. “Do not think I have come to abolish the law and the prophets; I have come not to abolish them but fulfil them” (Matthew 5:17). The Old Testament exists within the New Testament because the New does not aim to replace the Old. Instead, it operates in Unity to provide humanity with the key to understanding God’s will.
II. The unity of the Bible though Examples
a. First Example: (The presence of God)
1. Creation: God created the world and the beasts and plants for humans to live in and prosper. “Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he…
