BiblicalMetanarrativeFinalDraft

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1 Biblical Metanarrative Caroline B. Johnson Liberty University THEO 104: Introduction to Theology Survey Dr. Thomas Spotts January 29, 2024

2 Biblical Metanarrative Introduction When studying theology, an understanding of the biblical metanarrative is fundamental. The major movements of the biblical metanarrative are Creation, Fall, Redemption, and New Creation. A strong knowledge of all these plot movements is vital in studying the biblical metanarrative and theology. Questions of origin, identity, meaning, morality, and destiny will arise through the study of the biblical metanarrative. The Bible provides answers to all these questions. Therefore, studying the biblical metanarrative will help one find answers to these questions and ultimately foster a biblical worldview. Major Plot Movements Creation The first significant plot movement of the biblical metanarrative is creation. The Bible clearly states that God created the world and everything in it out of nothing in six days. Etzel and Small references John 1:1-2 saying, “Before the creation of the world there was nothing except the ‘triune God’ existing in community” (2016, p. 57). Genesis 1:1-2 states, “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters” (KJV). When God finished his creation, he saw everything he had made, and “it was very good” (Genesis 1:31, KJV). He then rested on the seventh day. The study of creation shows that God’s voice is powerful enough to create every tangible (and intangible) thing (Etzel & Small, 2016). The story of creation teaches us that God is genuinely mighty and awesome. Fall

3 The second significant movement of the biblical metanarrative is the fall. Before the fall, there was no sin or death, and Adam and Eve enjoyed a perfect relationship with God. However, after Eve ate the fruit, man was cursed, and the perfect relationship with God was broken. Adam and Eve’s broken relationship with God can be found in Genisis 3:8, which says, “And they heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God amongst the trees of the garden” (KJV). As a result of the fall, everyone is born with a sinful nature. “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God” (KJV, Romans 3:23). Because of the fall, man’s relationship with God is forever changed. Redemption The third central plot of the biblical metanarrative is the redemption story. Essentially, the entire Bible is God’s redemption story. Etzel and Gutierrez write, “From the fall of mankind in the Garden of Eden as recorded in Genesis 3 to mankind spending eternity in the presence of God as recorded in Revelation 20–21, the Bible is a story of God’s redemption” (2014, p. 93). The plan of redemption shows God’s unmeasurable love and great sacrifice for humanity. Because of man’s fallen nature, everyone was destined to spend eternity in hell. However, God made a sacrifice for all humankind because of his great love. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). Because of this great redemption story, the whole world can now have hope of eternal life. New Creation

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4 The final movement of the biblical metanarrative is the New Creation. The idea of New Creation is summed up in 2 Corinthians 5:17 which says, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (KJV). When studying the New Creation, many believe the concept is only discussed in the New Testament. However, New Creation is a vital component of the biblical metanarrative and can also be found in the Old Testament. An example of this comes from one of Kind David’s Psalms, which says, “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me” (Psalm 51:10, KJV). New Creation is evidence that God is loving and merciful. Biblical Worldview The answers to questions concerning origin, identity, meaning, morality, and destiny can be found within these four major plot movements. Human life began on the sixth day of creation when God created Adam from dust. “And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul” (Genesis 2:7, KJV). God then created Eve, the first woman, from Adam’s rib and blessed and commanded them to multiply and fill the earth (Genesis 1:28). The Bible clarifies that everyone has a purpose and that humans are more important than animals. “And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and the cattle, and all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth” (Genesis 1:26). The Bible also makes it clear that we are here to bring glory to God. To do this, one must uphold biblical standards. Studying biblical standards and morals gives us a sense of right and wrong. However, to accomplish this, one must be saved. When you are saved, you have the hope of eternal life after

5 death. On the other hand, if a person does not accept the gift of salvation, they are destined to “eternal damnation” (Matthew 25). Conclusion The study of the biblical metanarrative helps one understand the nature of God. Understanding all four major plot movements of the biblical metanarrative draws a person closer to God and inevitably fosters a biblical worldview. As you study the biblical metanarrative, you will be provided with answers to the five worldview questions, and you will begin to see how God still plays an active role in his creation, and truly cares for and loves his people.

6 References Etzel & Gutierrez (2014). Theology applied: A living faith. Logos. https://app.logos.com/books/LLS %3AWS_15BF52D8087C41108E19553D93AFD6F9/references/page.90 . Etzel & Small (2016). Everyday theology: Exploring the Christian faith. Logos. https://app.logos.com/books/LLS %3AWS_6D3350A5ECEC4F17B545E9E81CC6B6FA/references/page.41 .

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