When considering the interconnectedness of all of Scripture, the term metanarrative may be used to describe how all sixty-six books of the Bible fit together like a woven tapestry to create one cohesive and beautiful work. Understanding the metanarrative of Scripture will aid in helping to increase biblical literacy. To keep it simple, the metanarrative of the Bible can be boiled down to Creation, Fall, Redemption, and Restoration. These are the major themes we see in Scripture that fit all the books together to illuminate the common thread of the larger tapestry. Approaching Scripture with the metanarrative in mind allows the individual to see the larger picture and how they fit in that story. Let us look at each of the four major themes that comprise the metanarrative of Scripture.
Genesis begins with an introduction to God and his miraculous act of creation. It is through the first four books of the Bible, commonly referred to as the Pentateuch, that the reader learns who their creator is, what his nature is, and how he interacts with his creation. The reader learns that humanity was created in God’s image as the apex of his creation. Creation was intricately designed to “live in a relationship with God, enjoying his presence, and reflecting his glory.”[1]
After this glorious display of God’s creation came the Fall which marred the image of God in humankind, cursed the earth, and separated creation from its creator. This tragic moment came when Adam and Eve, tempted by Satan, sinned against God and ate from the tree he commanded to abstain from. Like cancer, sin spread throughout creation and shattered the beautiful design of God causing enmity between God and his creation. Romans 8:22 states, “We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth up to this present time.” The good news is that none of this took God by surprise. He is sovereign over all creation and all things.
The next portrait we see is God’s Redemption. Keeping in step with his nature, God shows that he is just, loving, merciful, and longsuffering. As early as Genesis 3:15 the reader witnesses God’s redemption and promise as he speaks to the serpent, “And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heal.” It is in these words that we see the promise of redemption. Biblical scholars refer to this as the protoevangelium or the first gospel. The reader sees this promise fulfilled through the person of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 2:24 beautifully articulates Jesus, “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds, you have been healed.” God became flesh and paid the price that his justice demanded in an act of grace and mercy.
Finally, the restoration of all things concludes this story. Through the work of Jesus, all creation will be restored to its original design. Those who have placed their faith and trust in God will experience the new heaven and earth that is written about in Revelation. Sin is defeated, pain and suffering are forgotten, and God’s redeemed will live with him eternally.
The chapters in this metanarrative all point to the Lord, Jesus Christ. It is important when reading, interpreting, and applying Scripture that it is done through the lens of Jesus and the beautiful metanarrative of God’s creation, the Fall, his redemption, and the final restoration. The Bible is not isolated stories bound together into one book. It is truly one beautiful narrative with Christ at its center.
[1] Karen O’Reilly, “The Metanarrative of the Bible,” Scriptural, November 6, 2024, accessed November 22, 2024, https://www.scripturalgrace.com/post/the-metanarrative-of-the-bible.