Creation and Redemption: A Biblical Overview

Introduction

Pre-Creation: God existed before anything - He is "isness" itself, omnipresent and omnipotent.
Creation Act: Despite not needing to, God created the world which was initially formless, void, and dark.
Separation of Elements:
- God created light (separating it from darkness).
- Separation of waters (above and below).
- Creation of dry land and plant life.
Creation of Celestial Bodies: Sun, Moon, and Stars.
Creation of Animals: Water, air, and land animals.
Creation of Humankind: Adam and Eve created to have a relationship and care for Earth.

Tree of Knowledge: God forbids eating from one tree, warns of death.
Temptation and Sin: Satan (as a snake) deceives Eve and Adam; they eat the forbidden fruit and lose access to the Tree of Life.
Consequence: Sin and death enter the world; humanity's continuous struggle with sin begins.
Promise of Redemption: God promises that a descendant will destroy Satan.

Cain and Abel: The first murder; Cain kills Abel out of jealousy.
Noah: Chosen by God for his faith; builds an Ark to survive the Great Flood.
God's Covenant with Noah: Promise with the symbol of a rainbow, not to destroy the world again until the final redemption.
Tower of Babel: Humanity's pride leads to division of languages and dispersion.

Abraham: Chosen to be the father of God's people; covenant promises many descendants and a nation (Israel).
- Israel's Growth: Descendants grow to form the Twelve Tribes of Israel, go through trials, including Egyptian slavery.
Moses: Leads the Israelites out of Egypt, receives the Law (Ten Commandments) on Mount Sinai.
- Wandering: Due to lack of faith, Israelites wander the desert for 40 years.
Joshua: Leads the next generation to conquer the Promised Land.

Judges: Cycle of sin, punishment, repentance, and deliverance by various judges.
Establishment of Monarchy:
- Saul: First king, becomes oppressive.
- David: Defeats Goliath, becomes a beloved king but sins, God promises eternal kingdom through his descendants.
- Solomon: Renowned for wisdom, builds the first Temple, but later sins.

Division: Kingdom splits into Israel and Judah, both fall into idolatry.
Prophets: Call people back to God, promise a Messiah.
Exile: Assyria and Babylon conquer Israel and Judah, Israelites taken into exile.
Return: Persian King allows return and rebuilding of the Temple, anticipation of the eternal kingdom remains.

Jesus' Birth: Fulfillment of the prophecies; born to Mary in Bethlehem, the 'Son of God'.
Ministry:
- Teachings: Kingdom of God, liberation, and fulfillment of prophecies.
- Miracles: Healing, casting out demons, feeding thousands.
Opposition and Crucifixion: Betrayed, tried, and crucified by Roman authorities.
Resurrection: Jesus rises on the third day, conquering death and Satan.
Ascension: Commands disciples to spread the Gospel, then ascends to heaven.

Establishment of the Church: Empowered by the Holy Spirit, tasked with spreading the Gospel.
Final Redemption: Jesus's eventual return, judgment, defeat of Satan and death, eternal life for believers.