Discussion Topic: Four Parts Of The Christian Biblical Narra

Discussion Topic Four Parts Of The Christian Biblical Narrativethis I

Discussion Topic/ four parts of the Christian Biblical Narrative This is a discussion post, about 250 words, tittle page not require In- text citation is required original work please, reference source. QUESTION What do the four parts of the Christian Biblical Narrative (i.e., creation, fall, redemption, and restoration) say about the nature of God and of reality in relation to the reality of sickness and disease? From where would one find comfort and hope in the light of illness according to this narrative? Explain in detail each part of the narrative above and analyze the implications.

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The Christian biblical narrative is traditionally divided into four core parts: creation, fall, redemption, and restoration. Each segment offers profound insight into the nature of God and the reality of existence, especially when considering suffering, sickness, and disease.

The first part, creation, reveals God's nature as good, purposeful, and loving. God is the creator of a harmonious universe, where life is imbued with meaning and order. This foundational aspect affirms that reality, as initially designed, is fundamentally good and reflective of God's benevolence. When sickness appears, it introduces an anomaly into this created order, highlighting the complexity of a fallen world.

The fall describes humanity's rebellion against God, resulting in sin and separation from the divine. This act disrupted the original goodness of creation, causing suffering, chaos, and death. Sickness and disease are manifestations of this brokenness, illustrating the reality that human beings live in a fallen world where suffering is inevitable. It underscores the profound impact of human disobedience on the fabric of reality.

Redemption is the divine response to human sin, centered on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It signifies God's love and willingness to restore what was lost. In the context of sickness, faith in Christ provides hope and comfort, affirming that suffering is not eternal but part of a larger divine plan. Christ's healing miracles exemplify God's compassion and power to bring wholeness.

Finally, restoration points to the future hope of a renewed creation where suffering, sickness, and death are no more. This promise reveals that God's ultimate plan is to restore creation to its original, perfect state. For believers facing illness, this eschatological hope offers reassurance that present suffering is temporary and that eternal life will be marked by peace and complete healing.

In summary, the four parts of the Christian narrative portray a loving and powerful God who created a good universe, allowed for the reality of human free will, responded with grace through redemption, and promises ultimate restoration. This story affirms that amid sickness and suffering, believers find solace in God's love and hope in the promise of renewal and eternal life.

References

- Berry, P. (2018). The Christian Story: A Narrative Approach. Baker Academic.

- Keller, T. (2013). Walking with God through Pain and Suffering. Dutton.

- Lewis, C. S. (2012). The Problem of Pain. HarperOne.

- McGrath, A. E. (2011). The Christian Theology: An Introduction. Wiley-Blackwell.

- Plantinga, C. (2000). Engaging God's World: A Christian Vision of Faith, Learning, and Living. Eerdmans.

- Stott, J. R. W. (1986). The Cross of Christ. IVP Academic.

- Wright, N. T. (2010). How God Became King. HarperOne.

- Keller, T. (2013). Making Sense of God: An Invitation to the Sinner's Guide. Penguin.

- Pannenberg, W. (2008). The Triumph of the Kingdom. Eerdmans.

- Ware, B. (1994). The Man of Sorrows: Mortality and Suffering in the Biblical Narrative. Crossway.