BOOK SUMMARY: FROM EDEN TO THE NEW JERUSALEM - CHAPTER 1 - INTRODUCTION

Scripture presents a meta-story that claims to communicate absolute truth that cannot be discovered any other way.  The story doesn't claim to present all truth, only particular truth to particular questions that lie outside the realm of scientific investigation. This meta-story is an anthology of literature linked by common themes, centered on a unique deity. It explains (1). Why was the earth created? (2). What is the reason for human existence?

This anthology abounds in intertexual references and provides us, in itself, the literary context in which its contents may be understood.  In other words, Scripture explains and interprets Scripture. Each book contributes something special to the meta-story and the meta-story provides a framework which aides in interpreting each book. 

Revelation anticipates the creation of a new earth and new heaven. This brings to fulfillment a process that started with this present creation as detailed in Genesis. The strong links between Genesis 1-3 and Revelation 20-22 suggest that these passages frame the entire biblical meta-story.

Not everything in Revelation can be taken literally. But it does not logically follow that everything in this vision must be viewed as merely symbolic. The new earth and new heavens are very likely to have much in common wit this present cosmos. 

The scholarly tendency to atomize biblical texts is often detrimental to understanding the big picture of Scripture. Stripping passages out of the context of the larger meta-story leads to imposed meanings that were never intended by the authors of Scripture.  There are major themes that run through Scripture and part of the thought world of the biblical authors. Knowing and appreciating these themes may significantly alter our reading of individual books. 

Good theology always has pastoral implication. Right teaching and right practice go hand in hand. Truth revealed shapes the lifestyle choices we make.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1.  What do you understand Scriptures primary message to be? What are other ways in which people view the overall the Bible?

2.  Why did God create earth? Why did He create humanity?

3.  What common themes do you find running through Scripture from Genesis to Revelation?

4.  Why do you need to understand intertextuality means and why it is important to interpreting Scripture?

5.  What is the relevance in understanding the beginning of creation along with the end of creation?

6.  What continuity exists between Christ’s pre-resurrection body and post-resurrection body? Is it likely that the new creation has some commonality with the present cosmos?

7.  Why must all smaller portions of Scripture be placed within the meta-story of Scripture?  Does our church’s preaching focus on the text only or the text in conjunction with the meta-story?