Lecture Notes: The Story of the Bible and the Promise of Redemption

Introduction: Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden

• Setting: Garden of Eden
• Command: God instructs Adam and Eve not to eat from one specific tree.
• Snake's Deception: A snake tells them eating from the tree will make them like God, not kill them.
• Consequence: Adam and Eve eat the fruit, leading to the loss of the garden's goodness and the entrance of evil and death into the world.

The Talking Snake

• Mystery: The Bible doesn't explain why or how a talking snake is in the garden.
• Role: The snake is in rebellion against God, spreading doubt about God's goodness.
• Source of Evil: Represents the evil that pervades the world.

Hope and Promise

• God's Promise: A future son of Eve will crush the serpent's head, destroying evil, but will be wounded in the process.

The Role of Abraham and His Descendants

• Abraham's Covenant: God promises that through Abraham’s family, goodness will be restored to all nations.
• Judah: A promise that a king from Judah’s line will bring global peace and prosperity.

King David

• Potential Snake Crusher: Hoped to defeat evil but fails due to personal flaws.
• God's Promise to David: A future king will come from his line.
• Successive Kings: Fail to defeat evil, leading to Israel’s downfall by Babylon.

The Prophets

• Role: Continue to remind of the promise of a coming king during dark times.
• Isaiah’s Prophecy: The king will suffer a wound due to humanity’s evil, leading to healing for others.

The New Testament and Jesus

• Introduction of Jesus: Fulfillment of ancient promises, from the line of David, Judah, and Abraham.
• Jesus' Mission:
  • Announcing God’s kingdom.
  • Healing people and forgiving sins.
  • Predicting his own death to absorb humanity’s evil.

Crucifixion and Resurrection

• Outcome: Appearance of serpent’s victory.
• Resurrection: Jesus rises from the dead, gaining power over evil and death.

Ongoing Struggle and Ultimate Victory

• Present Reality: Evil and death still exist.
• Future Promise: Jesus will return to finally destroy the serpent and restore the earth’s goodness.