The Old and New Testament

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, ushering in peace and righteousness, helping God purge the evil of this world. 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 had done” (Genesis 2:3). It is here that the story begins and the seeds of hope for humankind are planted for the future generations.
2. Fall: These seeds came because of the destruction of humanity’s prosperity by the eating of the tempted fruit that led to mortality, shame, and suffering. “The Lord God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them. 22 And the Lord God said, “The man has now become like one of us, knowing good and evil” (Genesis 3:21-22).
3. Redemption: But there was hope. Jesus Christ was the unifier for humanity during his age. In his death, he helped to bring together people everywhere and continue to do so now. His sacrifice and resurrection are they key themes that unify the Old and New Testament through the power of hope. “I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought” (1 Corinthians 1:10).
4. New Creation: This power of hope is that the world will be like during the time of creation, bountiful.
b. Second Example: (The greatness of God)
1. Old Testament: Genesis 2:7 reveals a Trinity of Persons and shows that God can create for humanity and can continue because of His great power and love. This love carries over to the New Testament through the life of Christ.
2. New Testament: Jesus in various instances in the Gospels, refers to the Old Testament figures and signs. These figures are: Jonah (Matthew 12:39), the Temple (John 2:19), Solomon (Matthew 12:42), and the shameless serpent of Moses (John 3:14). They help to bring the reader back to the Old Testament and everything important in these stories.
3. Compare and Contrast: With God providing the path of Unity through His creation of the world and His creation of Christ, he is showing that He is the Creator. Contrasting the two aspect shows however, that in the Old Testament, things are created for humanity to flourish. In the New Testament, Christ was created to for humanity to rid itself of the Original Sin.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the grand narrative of the Bible is that of Unity between God and His people. There are various parts of the Bible that show this through the four major plot movements: creation, fall, redemption, and restoration. First it began with Genesis, then the fall of Adam and Eve. Jesus Christ, the Savior, redeemed humankind and allowed for humanity to escape the Original Sin. After this came restoration, with God promising to renew the entire world. Such a grand narrative is uplifting, inspiring and teaches a lesson of God’s will and power. For there is so much to understand and know about the Bible. However, knowing this part, the Unity, is the most integral.
Bibliography
Christensen, D. L. (2003). The unity of the Bible: Exploring the beauty and structure of the Bible. New York: Paulist Press.
Fewell, D. N. (2016). The Oxford handbook of biblical narrative. Oxford University Press.
Zondervan Bible Publishers (Grand Rapids, Mich.). (2008). Holy Bible: New International Version. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.