The Bible Summary / Survey
The Bible is a collection of 66 books written by over 40 authors over a span of 1500 years yet tells one unified story. It is divided into the Old Testament (39 books) and the New Testament (27 books).
The Old Testament covers the history of the world up until a few centuries before Jesus. It shows the creation of the world, the fall of humanity into sin, God’s promise to send a Savior, and the formation of the nation of Israel. Key people include Adam, Eve, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Joshua, the judges, kings like David and Solomon, and prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Daniel. It contains books of law, history, poetry, and prophecy.
The New Testament opens with the arrival of Jesus, the promised Savior. It contains four biographies of Jesus (the Gospels), one history book of the early church (Acts), 21 letters to churches and individuals (the epistles), and prophecy (Revelation). Jesus fulfilled Old Testament prophecy, lived a perfect life, died for sin, rose again, and commissioned His followers to spread the gospel. Key people include John the Baptist, the 12 disciples, the apostle Paul, and others who took the message of Christ to the world.
Some major themes of the Bible include:
– God – There is one true God who exists eternally as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He created all things and rules over all.
– Humanity – Humans are created in God’s image but have fallen into sin. Every person needs salvation.
– Jesus Christ – Jesus is the Son of God who became human, lived a perfect life, died for sin, and rose again. He is the only way to be reconciled to God.
– Salvation – Salvation is the forgiveness of sins and restoration of relationship with God. It is by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone.
– Kingdom of God – God’s kingdom broke into this world through Jesus. Believers are part of it now, but it will be fully realized in the future.
– Covenants – God relates to humanity through covenants such as with Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, and finally through Christ.
– Prophecy and Fulfillment – Hundreds of Old Testament prophecies are fulfilled in the life of Jesus and the New Testament church.
– Ethics – The Bible gives guidance for how to live a godly life, caring for others and living with integrity.
– Wisdom – Scripture contains great practical wisdom for navigating life well.
– Future Hope – Jesus will bodily return to establish his eternal kingdom. Believers will be resurrected to eternal life.
The Old Testament walks through God’s interaction with humanity after creation and the fall into sin. God forms the nation of Israel as His chosen people and enters into a covenant relationship with them. The prophets speak for God, calling Israel to repentance. Their warnings look forward to future judgment but also future hope.
The New Testament fulfills these prophesies in Jesus Christ. His life, death for sin, and resurrection accomplish salvation. The book of Acts shows the gospel going forth through the apostles to all nations. The epistles provide teaching and instruction for Christian living as the church expands. Revelation gives a glimpse into future prophetic events when Christ returns to fully consummate His kingdom, defeating evil forever and establishing the new creation.
Some key events covered in the Bible include:
– Creation – God creates the universe and mankind in Genesis 1-2
– The Fall – Adam and Eve sin, breaking fellowship with God in Genesis 3
– Noah and the Flood – Noah’s family and animals are saved from God’s judgment in Genesis 6-9
– Abraham’s Call and God’s Promise – God promises to bless all peoples through Abraham’s lineage in Genesis 12, 15, 17.
– Exodus from Egypt – God delivers Israel from slavery under Moses’ leadership in Exodus 1-15
– Giving of the Law – God gives the 10 Commandments and laws to Israel in Exodus 20, Deuteronomy 5.
– Entering the Promised Land – Joshua leads Israel to conquer Canaan in Joshua 1-12
– Establishment of Kings – Israel transitions from judges to an established monarchy under Saul, David, Solomon starting in 1 Samuel
– Divided Kingdom – The united kingdom splits into Israel and Judah after Solomon’s rule in 1 Kings 12
– Exile and Return – Israel and Judah are conquered and exiled but a remnant later returns and rebuilds in 2 Kings, Ezra, Nehemiah
– Birth of Jesus – Jesus is born to Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem in Matthew 1-2, Luke 1-2
– Jesus’ Ministry – Jesus preaches the kingdom, heals, forgives sins, and trains disciples for 3 years in the 4 Gospels
– Death and Resurrection – Jesus is crucified for sin and rises from the dead conquering death in the Gospels
– Coming of the Spirit – The Holy Spirit is poured out on believers at Pentecost in Acts 2
– Early Church Growth – The gospel spreads rapidly in the Roman world through apostles and missionaries in Acts
– Paul’s Missionary Journeys – Paul takes the gospel to Gentiles on 3 missionary journeys in Acts 13-20
– Paul’s Letters – Paul writes epistles teaching doctrine and application to churches and individuals
– John’s Revelation – John receives a prophetic vision of future events and Jesus’ return in Revelation
While containing many different books by various authors, the Bible has an overall unity as God’s revelation focused on salvation through Jesus Christ. Here is a broad outline:
Old Testament
– Pentateuch – 5 books of Law recording early history from creation through Israel’s exodus from Egypt and wanderings in the wilderness
– Historical Books – 12 books chronicling Israel’s history from entering Canaan under Joshua through the exile in Babylon
– Wisdom/Poetic Books – Books like Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes containing poetry, wise sayings, songs, lament, praise
– Major Prophets – 5 lengthy prophetic works by Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel
– Minor Prophets – 12 shorter prophetic works by Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi
New Testament
– Gospels – 4 books telling Jesus’ life from different perspectives: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John
– History – Acts records early church history and growth after Jesus’ ascension
– Paul’s Letters – 13 epistles by the Apostle Paul to churches and individuals with doctrine and application
– General Letters – 8 epistles by other authors like Peter, James, John, Jude, Hebrews
– Prophecy – Revelation gives a vision of prophetic events around Jesus’ second coming
The Bible was written over 1500 years by prophets, kings, shepherds, scholars, fishermen, priests, and doctors. Despite having over 40 different authors from different times and places, it has a unified message and tells one story from beginning to end.
The Bible teaches revealed truth from God that could not be discovered any other way. Yet it is also historically reliable, with archaeological findings confirming many details. Fulfilled prophecy also validates the Bible’s truthfulness. Hundreds of prophecies made centuries before Christ were fulfilled in His life and ministry.
The Bible also had a profound influence on Western civilization, providing the moral framework behind ideas like human rights and equality. It has inspired great literature, music, and art through the centuries, and still motivates humanitarian work today.
The Bible has unique power to change lives. Reading it can bring conviction, wisdom, comfort, guidance, and hope. The Holy Spirit uses Scripture to make people aware of their need for Christ, to grow and sanctify believers, and to equip Christians for doing good works.
No other book has been translated into more languages, published in greater quantity, or read by more people. The Bible is the bestselling book in history, with an estimated 5 billion copies sold and distributed.
Studying the Bible reveals God’s truth, brings the reader closer to Christ, and provides stability in a changing world. Regular Bible intake is vital for spiritual health. There is always more to learn from its pages through continual reading, study, meditation, and application.
The Bible is a literary masterpiece, a guide for life, a historical record, a book of wisdom, and a revelation of truth and redemption from God. It illuminates God’s plan to rescue fallen humanity through Jesus Christ. From beginning to end, the Bible tells the story of creation, fall, redemption, and new creation. Those who read it with faith and humility can experience salvation and become equipped for a faithful walk with God.
