Michael Wolfe
BI201- The Story of the Bible Response
From Eden To Eden
– The Biblical Story
Throughout this course it came to my attention how strongly
the unity of the Bible is displayed in the theological theme of not only Christ
but also the holy intent to return the spiritual family of Eden. All that once
was lost but will come to restoration through Christ when the Kingdom has fully
been restored.
The six acts of the Biblical story brought a simplicity I
found very engaging and rounded out my own understanding of the synchronicity
beginning with Moses and all the Prophets concerning Jesus. The OT reaffirms
the promises of the coming Messiah repeatedly throughout. The rich history of
the scriptures and the biblical story of the nation of Israel captivated me
because Christ was alluded to in all the laws and statutes appointed by God.
The Biblical flow points to the Messiah and the details of
repentance, forgiveness, the church, and the restoration of the Kingdom of God.
Through Jesus we understand the one unfolding story. The climax is centered
around and in the Person of Jesus Christ. Instead of being disjointed stories I
clearly see what the Christian faith is all about; fully centered around and in
the Person of Jesus Christ.
One of the topics I feel is of great importance and
magnitude in this course is the fact that the entire biblical story is given by
Divine authority and inspiration. It
gives meaning to human life and makes clear the goal of the story is the coming
of the Kingdom of God. Therefore, we must live in obedience to the Lord and
devote our lives to Him. Offering ourselves as living sacrifices and taking up
our cross to follow Him should be what our lives are centered upon. The divine
authority of the Bible also entirely explains the universe and the purposes of
God.
I appreciate how the instructor utilizes the analogy of
drama in the form of the six acts to explain the biblical story from Eden to
the return of Eden at the second coming of Jesus Christ.
Act 1 describes the fabulous creation of the world and the
details of His Spirit hovering over the waters gives the vision of His fiery
presence enveloping the planet.
Act 2 details the creation of all including mankind. The
spiritual fall of man as imagers into disobedience and rebellion came swiftly
in both the spiritual Kingdom and in mankind. Because humankind did not fulfill
their calling it effected the entire creation.
Act 3 God designed and set apart a people to begin the
restorative and redeeming process. He chose Abram and Sarai to produce in a
miraculous, divine touch upon a barren woman, His chosen nation. They would
become more than the sand of the sea and the stars in the heavens.
Act 4 focuses on the coming of the Messiah. His redemption
and restoration of mankind is accomplished. He gathers Israel to hear that the
Kingdom of God they have awaited has come. In His death He brings the end to
the old and inaugurates the new through His resurrection.
Act 5 begins with the commissioning of the believers to proclaim the Gospel to all the world. They were to
share the good news that Christ is Lord and will restore the whole creation. Through
the day of Pentecost and the coming of the promised Holy Spirit they were
empowered to become a missional community. Their focus was Jerusalem but then
on Antioch. This expansion was due to the love and unity of the community as
well as the drive to evangelize everyone in Judea and Samaria. Churches were
intentionally planted as many missionaries were sent out.
Act 6 focuses on the return of Christ as King and the full
completion of the Kingdom of God. A new Heaven and new earth descend and the
magnificent promises of full restoration has been realized. It was amazing to
me how the entire Biblical story and the reconciliation of all things back to
the glory of Eden and God dwelling with His people has been fulfilled.
My heart for the members of the body in the church as I
preach is to bring their attention to the glorious Biblical truths of Jesus
Christ being the theme and focus from Genesis to Revelation. It is my heart’s desire that they would
understand the importance of these truths. This understanding will compel them
to believe in the sovereign Word of God as well as awaken their desire for a
closer walk with Him.