The Grand Narrative of Redemption
The Bible unfolds a majestic tale of creation, exile, and return, spanning from the original Eden to the promised new creation. This sweeping narrative is woven together by a thread of humanity’s homecoming, a theme that reaches its climax in Jesus’s death and resurrection. As the first man to re-enter God’s presence, Jesus secures our own resurrection and return to the divine presence.
A Story of Exile and Return
Between the bookends of Genesis and Revelation, the Bible tells a multi-layered story of humanity’s journey away from and back to God. From Adam and Eve’s expulsion from Eden to the “kings of the earth” bringing their glories back to God’s presence, this narrative is one of intentional design. Jesus’s personal exile and return serve as the pivot point, guaranteeing our own future return to God’s presence.
A Theology of History
The Bible presents a grand theology of history, overlaying and explaining the entirety of human experience. This narrative is not a random series of events, but rather an intentional drama of redemption, written by its divine Author. We are living in the final chapter of this grand narrative, with our homecoming to God imminent.
The Power of Story
Stories have a profound impact on us, allowing us to imagine alternative settings and times. A well-crafted narrative can orient us, providing a sense of security and clarity. The Bible’s return-from-exile drama serves as a beacon of hope in uncertain times, grounding us in the midst of chaos.
Finding Our Place in the Story
In a world filled with questions about the meaning of life, history’s direction, and moral guidance, the biblical narrative provides a sense of purpose and direction. By understanding the Bible as a cohesive story, we can grasp our place within the grand narrative of redemption. We are no longer lost in a sea of random events, but rather part of a divinely authored drama.
The Anchor of Hope
Jesus’s death, resurrection, and ascension serve as a “sure and steadfast anchor of the soul,” providing hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain. As Christ leads us to the presence of God, we can rest assured that our homecoming is imminent. The next movement of history is the full return of the church into a new creation, where God will dwell with us forever.
The Last Chapter of History
Between Jesus’s first and second comings, we are living in the final chapter of history. The ages have shifted, and we have entered the time of our homecoming. This turning point in history is not marked by human events, but rather by God’s entrance into creation in Christ, commencing the church’s return to the presence of God. We are part of a grand drama, driven by God’s purposes in creation and redemption, and soon we will rest at home with him in God’s presence again.
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