God began writing the story of the world when he created everything. The pinnacle of creation, man, was created in his image for his glory to rule over creation so that life would flourish. Adam—the first man—forsook this task through an idolatrous act of defiance. This act brought death and sin into the story. Because Adam failed, what creation now needed was a man to establish himself as true king and perfect sacrifice for sin. If no man could do this there would never be true life again. God had a plan to rescue creation and immediately set it into motion. God chose a small insignificant nation—Israel. Through a covenant made between God and Israel, the nation would be the means of rescue for creation. God fulfilled that covenant in Jesus—the God-man. He perfectly lived in order to establish himself as King of all, died as King to atone for sin, and rose from the dead as Lord of all in order to conquer death and inaugurate new creation—the answer to our deepest longings. Without Jesus there is no life. Those who confess—with actions and words—the story of King Jesus experience true life.
This is God's story—gospel.
Do you think this is a profitable exercise? Why or why not?
Do you think I left something important out? If so what?
Do you think I included something unnecessary? If so what?
JC