As previously noted, I wanted to throw out some thoughts regarding the meta-narrative themes or structures that we see in Scripture, namely, Creation, Fall and Redemption. It is virtually impossible to approach Scripture without presuppositions, and if that is the case, we might as well have some good ones. We don't want to read Scripture through the lens of Darwinian Evolution (albeit that would be highly entertaining), so we must choose wisely how we approach Scripture. The question of interpretation is a question I am unwilling to visit at this point because it is beyond the scope of this post and quite frankly beyond the scope of everyone because it is a difficult issue (maybe for another time!). Nevertheless, we plow forward.

I am currently reading through a 25-page paper about heaven and the Biblical Story of Redemption. Ask your average Joe-the-sit-in-the-pew-Christian if he is going to heaven when he dies and he will say, without hesitation, "yes." But can he articulate what happens next? Are we to just sit in heaven outside of our bodies while the Earth remains in limbo? I think not. Nor does this particular author. Nor does Scripture because Scripture is way better than that. Don't misread me here. Being in heaven with God for eternity is absolutely the best thing that could happen to us pathetic sinners. But what happens to the Earth? Is Redemption simply for the 'soul' and the rest of non-human 'stuff' gets thrown away? Is the New Testament even concerned primarily with getting people 'to heaven'?

Having a sound understanding of the narrative of Scripture is important. Something we see throughout all of Scripture is the theme of Creation,Fall, & Redemption. It's a pattern that is linked and buried underneath all of the major turning points in the Story. Genesis 1, we see Creation. Genesis 3, Fall. The following unfolding events thereafter are somewhat cyclical in nature (Exile, etc.), while God intervenes with Redemptive tendencies (a la Abraham, David, etc.). All of it points to Jesus and is ultimately fulfilled (or 'completed') in Him. But it doesn't stop there!

Eschatology is important. It's difficult, but it's important. It's important because it is a part of Scripture, therefore we ought to study it. We don't divide over it or split churches over it. We talk about it, pray over it and talk about it some more while we study our brains out. But what we need to include in our scholarly work in Eschatology is a deeper grasp of these themes as they unfold. We don't just get snatched away never to return. EVERYTHING is going to be Redeemed! Human and non-human. There will be a new Heavens and Earth (Revelation is all pointing to this!). (You can read the article I linked above to read more about this).

My point is this. Does your Scripture reading include these themes? Do we look to them as places to hang our hats on throughout the narrative? Or do we just read Scripture to see what something could mean for me today while completely ripping it out of context thus negating the intent of narrative and story (1 Chronicles 4:10 is a good example of this)? I'm challenged and wonder what you think.