Some people think that the Bible is a collection of several pieces of literature and confuses the readers as it lacks coherence. M.R. Conrad writes that there are at least eight proofs that the Bible is one story. (rootedthinking.com) Reading the bible while keeping the whole picture in mind will give insights to understand each piece of the puzzle of the great picture. It is not only exciting; it transforms those who read it.
One Main Character: God is the main character, who created the world and will receive His people in His Eternal Home. (Genesis 1:1)
One author: The Bible is inspired by the Holy Spirit, even though forty authors wrote it over 1600 years. (II Timothy 3:16; II Peter 1:21)
The settings: The story begins in the perfect Garden of Eden in Genesis 1 and ends in the Perfect Garden in Revelation 22.
The conflict and climax: Adam and Eve sinned by being seduced by Satan. However, God brings His original plan to pass. The disruptor is crushed as the serpent’s head at the cross. Lord defeated death by resurrection. In the end, man is restored and has dominion over creation, reigning with the Lord Jesus in the Millennial Kingdom.
The Genealogies: The Bible is one story of the Lord Jesus Christ, with the Old and New Testaments tied together. Matthew 1 ties threads back to Abraham, while Luke 3 goes to Adam.
Looking towards Him: The Old Testament looks ahead to the first coming of Christ as the Savior and the New Testament anticipates His Second Coming.
Tension Arises: Each book ends without a completion. Genesis ends with people in Egypt, Exodus in the wilderness, II Chronicles, Israel in exile, Acts ends with the imprisonment of Paul. The completion and final is at the end when the saints would be in Heaven.
Covenants and Prophecies: When God promises, it is guaranteed that they will be fulfilled. God’s covenants are true, and so are His prophecies. Some are fulfilled, and some are expected to be in the future.
Do I believe that the Bible is one grand narrative?