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.
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Introduction:
The Christian Biblical Narrative consists of four parts, which are creation, fall, redemption, and restoration. Each of these parts conveys a unique message about the nature of God, reality, and the impact of sickness and disease. In this answer, we will delve deeper into each part of the narrative and analyze its implications.
Answer:
Creation: The creation story in the Bible reveals that God is the ultimate creator who designed the universe, nature, and human beings. The very fact that God created humans in his own image and likeness reflects His intention for humans to lead a fulfilling life. This part of the narrative emphasizes the goodness of God and His benevolent nature.
Fall: The fall of mankind involves Adam and Eve’s disobedience to God’s command, which resulted in the entrance of sin, death, and sickness into the world. The fall of mankind highlights the sinful nature of humans, how they disregard God’s command, and the consequences of their actions. The fall shows that humans have corrupted themselves and are in need of redemption.
Redemption: The redemption part of the narrative centers on the idea of salvation through Christ. In this, God sends His son, Jesus, to the world to save humanity by dying and resurrecting from the dead. This part highlights God’s love towards humans, His great mercy, and how humans can receive forgiveness and eternal life through Christ.
Restoration: The last part of the narrative emphasizes the culmination of God’s plan for humanity. It involves the restoration of all things, which means God will dwell among humans, and things will be made perfect again. This part of the narrative gives hope and comfort to Christians who are suffering from sickness and disease, knowing that one day, they will be completely healed.
Conclusion:
The Christian Biblical Narrative has a unique view of sickness and disease. It explains that sickness is a result of humanity’s fallen nature, but God’s love and mercy allow for redemption and restoration. Christians can find comfort and hope in the narrative as they trust in God’s goodness, grace, and promises.
