A narrative is made up of a setting, characterization and plot. Plots are built out of episodes and conflict, and if successful they communicate themes. The next couple of chapters will define these terms and show how they are used in Scripture.
SETTING
The Bible takes place on earth as we know it. It is the story of the world even those most of the events recorded in it take place in a distinct region of the world. The world is the theater where God shows of His glory. It's the "set" where He is revealed, served, worshiped and present. Places where gods are known, served and worshiped are called temples. The earth is God's temple and He placed His image or likeness in it. The characters of the drama rebelled. God issued judgment and promised a restoration.
The tabernacle and temple were small-scale versions of the cosmos (Psalm 78:69). Humans are the real image of God in this cosmic temple. Idolaters are people who attempt to be like God by creating temples and placing images of their god in the temple. God's real images are living and breathing not made of wood or stone.
The plot thus begins with the creating of cosmic temple and that temple being defiled by sin. A restoration is hinted at and promised. The devastations that God brings upon the microcosm temples foreshadows the macrocosm judgment upon the world. The final restoration will be a new heaven and new earth or a new cosmic temple.
CHARACTERS
We are not the main character in this story. God is. God is the protagonist. Satan is the antagonist. Each seek the allegiance of God's image. Each seek dominion over the cosmos. Satan is seriously outmatched. There are sides to take: the seed of Eve or the seed of the Serpent.
Those who call upon the name of the Lord are those who have been born of God (Genesis 4:26, Romans 10:13). God's seed abides in them (1 John 3:9). There is the collective seed of the woman (Revelation 12:17) that has put faith in the singular seed of the woman (Genesis 3:15).
The seed of the serpent rebel against the Lord (Psalm 2:1-3) and act like him (Romans 16:17-20). Satan was cursed from the onset (Genesis 3:14). Cain was cursed (Genesis 4:11). Canaan was cursed because of Ham's sin (Genesis 9:25). Jesus insisted that Satan was the father of some (John 8:44). John the Baptist called some a "brood of vipers" (Matthew 3:7).
In Genesis 1:28 man and woman were to have dominion over the world. After they sinned, Satan became the prince of the power of heir with his sons of disobedience and children of wrath (Ephesians 2:2-3). One of David's son was coming fix this and rule (Psalm 110, Revelation 11:15-19).
What part do you play in the drama?
PLOT
In summary the plot is creation, fall, redemption, restoration.
Satan introduced the plot conflict that ends with his loss. Do not side with him. Don't envy those on his side. Satan's pride and rebellion were met with Jesus' humility and obedience.
The hero arrives. The hero is killed. The hero rises victoriously from the dead to show He is the ruler of all. Those who trust in Christ to save them will be restored. The plot comes to a close with Jesus' return to judge His enemies and save His people who will live forever with him and serve Him in a new temple.
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