What do the four parts of the Christian biblical narrative (i.e., creation, fall, redemption, and restoration) say about the nature of God and of reality in relation to the reality of sickness and disease? From where would one find comfort and hope in the light of illness according to this narrative? Explain in detail each part of the narrative above and analyze the implications

The four parts of the Christian biblical narrative, namely creation, fall, redemption, and restoration, provide a comprehensive understanding of the nature of God and reality in relation to sickness and disease. These aspects of the narrative shed light on the origins and consequences of illness, as well as offer comfort and hope in the face of such afflictions.

The first part of the narrative is creation, which highlights God as the sovereign creator of the universe and everything within it. The account of creation in the book of Genesis depicts God’s intention for a perfect and harmonious world. In this original state, human beings were created in the image of God and enjoyed a close relationship with Him. There was no presence of sickness or disease, as the world was perfect and devoid of any imperfections. From this perspective, the nature of God is seen as a loving and benevolent creator, desiring only good for humanity.

The second part of the narrative is the fall, which addresses the entrance of sin into the world and its consequences on human beings and the reality of sickness and disease. According to the biblical account, Adam and Eve, the first human beings, chose to disobey God’s command and partake of the forbidden fruit. This act of rebellion brought sin into the world, leading to a fractured relationship between humanity and God. In consequence, sickness and disease became a part of the human experience, as the perfect harmony of the original creation was disrupted. The fall reveals the consequences of human choices and disobedience but also emphasizes that God’s nature did not change – He remained just and righteous, even in the face of human rebellion.

The third part of the narrative is redemption, which communicates God’s plan to restore humanity to Himself through the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. In the Christian belief, Jesus, as the Son of God, became incarnate, suffered, and died as a sacrifice for the sins of humanity. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus offers redemption and forgiveness to those who believe in Him. Within this narrative, the nature of God is revealed as compassionate and merciful, willing to undergo immense sacrifice to restore the broken relationship between Himself and humanity. Therefore, in the light of illness, the narrative of redemption provides hope and comfort. It assures believers that through faith in Christ, they can find forgiveness for sins and a restored relationship with God, even in the midst of sickness and disease.

The fourth part of the narrative is restoration, which describes the ultimate future hope for believers in Christ. According to the Christian belief, God will bring about a new heaven and a new earth, where sickness and disease will be eradicated completely. This narrative of restoration reflects God’s nature as a God of hope and promises a future where all suffering and pain will be overcome. In the face of illness, this aspect of the narrative offers comfort and assurance that God will ultimately bring about complete healing and restoration.

In conclusion, the four parts of the Christian biblical narrative speak to the nature of God and reality in relation to sickness and disease. The narrative of creation reveals God as a loving and benevolent creator, while the fall emphasizes the consequences of human disobedience and the entry of sin into the world. The narrative of redemption highlights God’s compassionate and sacrificial nature, providing comfort and hope in the face of illness. Finally, the narrative of restoration points to a future where sickness and disease will cease to exist, reflecting God’s promise of ultimate healing and wholeness. This comprehensive narrative offers a profound understanding of the nature of God and reality in relation to sickness and disease, providing comfort and hope to believers in times of illness.