Introduction
I wrote a book, providing a historical summary of the Bible, titled “The Bible in Brief.” It seemed important to me that people understand the “big picture” of God’s story. Now, I’m going to go even broader and give the briefest overview of the Old and New Testaments that I can conceive.
Why? I believe that having a strong grasp of the overall picture will make it simpler to see how the small parts fit together. It’s the same principle as looking at the box top as you put a jigsaw puzzle together.
I. The Plan
What was God’s intention when He spoke the universe into existence? While His thoughts are beyond our understanding, we can glimpse His heart by examining bookends of Scripture: the opening chapters of Genesis and the closing chapters of Revelation.
Genesis 1-2 reveals the breathtaking world God crafted for humanity. The Garden of Eden wasn’t merely beautiful—it was paradise itself. Adam and Eve lived in perfect harmony, tending their magnificent home, delighting in creation, and walking with their Creator in the cool of the day. Life was as it was meant to be.
Revelation 21-22 unveils the New Jerusalem, which will descend out of Heaven at the end of time. Warren Wiersbe, in his commentary, calls it a “garden city.” It will be exquisitely beautiful. Its inhabitants will be busy, fulfilled, and joyful. And no sun will be needed, for God’s glorious presence will illuminate everything.
These passages reveal God’s design: a perfect world for His beloved children. But here’s the key to both Eden’s perfection and the New Jerusalem’s glory—God dwelling among us. When the Omnipotent, Omniscient, Omnipresent Creator chose to make humanity, His plan was intimate, loving fellowship with them.
A personal relationship with Almighty God transforms any place into paradise.
II. The Old Testament
The Old Testament’s vast narrative can be distilled into three elements: the problem, the solution, and the impossible mission.
A. The Problem
Paradise was lost when Adam and Eve chose rebellion over relationship. By eating the forbidden fruit, they shut God out, and then they hid from His presence. This moment defines death – death is life separated from God, exactly as He had warned (Genesis 2:17).
Sin entered human nature that day, but before judging our first parents too harshly, consider your own track record with temptation.
The problem now becomes clear: How could humanity regain the paradise of close fellowship with God? If you don’t see this as humanity’s greatest crisis, you may not fully grasp either God’s infinite love or your own deepest need.
B. The Solution
The answer appears deceptively simple – perfect obedience to God’s laws. Because of His absolute holiness, God cannot tolerate sin in His presence. To enjoy the fellowship Adam and Eve once knew, we must be as holy and righteous as God Himself.
C. The Impossible Mission
The Old Testament overflows with laws – and stories of people failing to keep the laws. Not a single person achieved the holiness required to dwell with God. The New Testament confirms this sobering reality:
- Jesus declared, “No one is good—except God alone” (Luke 18:19).
- Paul explained, “Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin” (Romans 3:20).
- James warned, “For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it” (James 2:10).
The law cannot save us, but it serves a crucial purpose. It reveals our need for a Savior.
III. The New Testament
Countless volumes have explored Jesus, the New Testament, and the early church. Here’s the essential story in its simplest form:
- God’s Judicial Decision: One sinless, holy person could voluntarily sacrifice His life to pay for humanity’s sins.
- God’s Personal Solution: After 4,000 years passed without a single person living a sinless life, God came Himself in the person of Jesus Christ. Jesus willingly endured crucifixion, and because He was perfectly pure and holy, His sacrifice satisfied heaven’s justice.
- Our Response: Anyone who acknowledges their sinfulness can accept Christ’s sacrifice as payment for their sins. We must receive Jesus’s death as a free gift, believe God raised Him from the dead, and confess Jesus as Lord. This is being “born again” (Romans 10:9; John 3:3).
- The Transformation: When we’re born again, miraculous changes occur. The door to God reopens, ending our separation. The Holy Spirit fills us, creating a deep desire to serve and please Him. And we become part of God’s family (Romans 8:15; Galatians 4:6). Now, the New Testament is our guidebook for our new life.
- The Promise: As members of God’s family, we have a guaranteed home in the New Jerusalem when it comes to earth, and fellowship with Him forever.
The Choice Before You
The message is both simple and profound:
- God made you because He loves you and desires to spend eternity enjoying your company.
- You are a sinner. Your sin separates you from God. To enjoy eternal fellowship with Him, you need a Savior.
- Jesus offers to be your Savior, but you must accept salvation as His gift. Your response to Jesus’s offer determines whether you’ll spend eternity with God or separated from Him.
Paradise is still available. The choice is yours. And mine.
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Here are links to my blog indexes, so please click one and keep reading!
My Books, Workbooks, and Fun Books
Knowing the Unknowable One
Opening the Treasure Chest
Walking Heart-to-Heart with God
Walking Heart-to-Heart with Each Other
Fighting the Good Fight of Faith
Christian Mysteries: Why I Love Them!
List of Some Nonfiction Books You Don’t Want to Miss
Index of Assorted Topics