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 Christian Biblical Narrative is a foundational framework for understanding the nature of God, the nature of reality, and the implications for sickness and disease. This narrative can be divided into four parts: creation, fall, redemption, and restoration. Each part provides insights into the nature of God and the human condition, shedding light on the reality of sickness and disease and offering comfort and hope in the midst of illness.
The first part of the narrative is creation. According to the Bible, God is the creator of all things. He is depicted as a loving and powerful being, who spoke all things into existence. This implies that God has ultimate authority and control over the world, including sickness and disease. In this view, sickness is not an inherent part of God’s original design but a consequence of the fall (which will be discussed later). The nature of God portrayed in the creation account suggests that he is good, just, and concerned for the well-being of his creation. This provides a basis for hope, as it suggests that God desires healing and wholeness for his people.
The second part of the narrative is the fall. In this part, the Bible describes how humanity turned away from God’s intended design and experienced the consequences of sin. The fall introduced brokenness and separation into the world, impacting all aspects of reality, including health and well-being. Sickness and disease can be seen as a result of this brokenness and separation from God’s original plan. The fall reveals that sickness is not a part of God’s perfect design but a byproduct of human disobedience. This part of the narrative highlights the reality of sickness and disease as a consequence of living in a fallen world.
The third part of the narrative is redemption. Redemption refers to God’s plan to restore humanity and creation to its intended state. Central to this part of the narrative is the person of Jesus Christ, who is believed to be the divine Son of God and the savior of humanity. In the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, believers see the ultimate expression of God’s love and mercy. Jesus is portrayed as a healer who ministered to the sick, demonstrating God’s compassion for those who suffer. The redemption part of the narrative offers comfort and hope in the face of sickness and disease. It suggests that God is intimately involved in the human experience, offering the possibility of healing, both in this life and the life to come. Believers find solace in the belief that Jesus understands their suffering and offers the hope of ultimate restoration.
The fourth part of the narrative is restoration. This part looks to the future, where God is believed to bring about the complete restoration of creation. The restoration encompasses the physical, social, and spiritual dimensions of reality. In this view, sickness and disease will be eradicated, and believers will experience the fullness of health, wholeness, and well-being. The restoration part of the narrative offers a hopeful vision of the future, providing comfort and strength in the midst of present suffering. It invites believers to trust in God’s ultimate plan, where sickness and disease will no longer have a place.
In conclusion, the Christian Biblical Narrative provides insights into the nature of God and reality in relation to sickness and disease. The narrative portrays God as the creator of all things, who desires healing and wholeness for his creation. The fall introduces brokenness and separation into the world, resulting in sickness and disease as a consequence of living in a fallen world. The redemption part of the narrative offers comfort and hope, highlighting Jesus as a healer and bringing the possibility of restoration and healing. Finally, the restoration part of the narrative presents a vision of a future where sickness and disease will be eradicated, offering hope in the midst of present suffering. Overall, the Christian Biblical Narrative offers a comprehensive framework for understanding the nature of God, the reality of sickness and disease, and the comfort and hope available to believers.