What Is God's Story?

The early chapters of the Bible tell us that God created all things: heavenly lights, water and land, plants, sea creatures and animals, and human beings. Throughout the Bible, various authors affirm that God’s creation reveals his glory, power, beauty, and goodness.

Alas, Adam and Eve disobeyed the Lord God by eating from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Thus, the world changed dramatically, as did life for Adam and Eve and their descendants. In Adam, our relationship with God was broken and we were exiled from the beautiful garden in Eden. Work became difficult; and relationships turned complicated and painful.

But the Lord promised a Savior who would “restore our fortunes.” God’s redemption began with a pledge to bless the peoples of the world through Abraham. He promised that Abraham’s countless descendants would inhabit a land especially chosen for them. Abraham’s sons and daughters would be a light to the nations so that all the peoples of the world might be blessed by knowing God. So this unseen Presence remained faithful to Abraham and to his descendants: He communicated with them through the prophets; and he orchestrated events behind the scenes to achieve his purpose. At times he gave his people special glimpses of glory to assure them of his presence and to guide their steps.

When Abraham’s descendants, now called Israelites, were enslaved in Egypt, God called Moses to set his people free and to lead them to the Promised Land. Once there, Israel repeatedly chose to go its own way. So God allowed neighboring nations to conquer and enslave them. But he relentlessly pursued Israel to fulfill his oath to Abraham.

At just the right time, the Lord sent his own Son—the God-man and descendant of Abraham—to be the Savior of the world. God accomplished his salvation through the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. Followers of Jesus now proclaim the Good News through word and deed. God’s Holy Spirit prompts people throughout the world to believe in Jesus Christ and to receive his offer of salvation. God brings his people to life and nourishes them through word and sacrament. His redemption renews relationships so that, though still flawed and sinful, the peoples of the world worship him in diverse communities of faith.

A time will come when the Lord God will fully restore our fortunes. He promises a new heaven and a new earth; he pledges to make all things new. We look forward to the abundant blessings of our new life with God and his people, enjoying his presence forever.