Six Acts, One Story

"Behold, I am making all things new."—Revelation 21:5 (ESV)

For most of my life, I have viewed the Bible in bits and pieces. However, as I have been learning from Nancy Guthrie in her books and Bible studies, it is actually one story. Craig Bartholomew and Michael Goheen’s comparison of the biblical storyline to a six-act play has helped me see how.

Act 1 Where the Story Begins

Act 1 sets the stage, as all good stories do. In Genesis 1-2, God establishes his kingdom as he creates the earth and the first man and woman. In this expository act, we learn what God intends for them and the specific rules they must obey to continue enjoying (and maturing) as humans. He also warns them what would happen if they disobey. Their sin would result in physical death and spiritual separation from God.

Act 2 Conflict Introduced

Act 2 introduces the conflict in Genesis 3. Unfortunately, the man and woman fail to obey, instead falling prey to the serpent’s lies. They rebel against their good King and are cast out. Though they graciously do not experience physical death immediately, they do know instantaneous spiritual separation from God. From that point on, sin will rule their hearts. They will be enslaved by their passions, leading to envy, murder, and corruption of every kind.

But even in this very sad point in history, God plants a seed of hope (Gen. 3:15). It is often hidden in the sadness and sin of life but it is still there. Throughout the rest of Genesis, God slowly and faithfully lays the foundations for the next act as he establishes a family line from which to further develop the story—the line of Abraham and his descendants.

Act 3 God’s Redemption Unfolds

Act 3 doesn’t start out very promising however. Though God greatly blessed Abraham’s descendants, they were enslaved by Egypt. Still, despite this painful point in the story, He rescues this lowly people in a mighty display power by leading them through the Red Sea. He makes a covenant with them and makes them a nation, Israel. Redemption is initiated here.

Unfortunately, the nation, despite her promises to obey, inevitably fail to do so. From the golden calf in Exodus 32 to the exile in 2 Chronicles, we see her vacillate in her highs and lows. In contrast, God remains steadfast and faithful. He provides manna, makes a covenant, sends judges, establishes a monarchy, and builds a temple to dwell among them. Though they are inconstant, He is not.

Despite their failure, God shows us that there is nothing humanity can do to prevent his plan from following its due course. Embedded in the psalms and prophets, we get glimpses of that plan, a descendant from the line of King David, even though he must judge their sin. Even so, He will not sway from it—He will see it through.

Act 4 Resolution in Christ

Astute readers of literature will notice that throughout the first three Acts, God has both prepared and foreshadowed his final solution. In Act 4 we see Who this is: the long-anticipated Son of David come to earth to dwell with his faithless people. You would think they would be overjoyed, but instead, they kill him in the most inglorious way possible—on a Roman cross.

Yet even in this, God’s plan is not swayed. In fact, if we understand the Old Testament rightly, we would know that it was even necessary. It is through his death that redemption is accomplished. He provides the solution hinted at in Act 2. It all culminates here when Christ cried out, “It is finished!”

From this point on, the curse instituted in Act 2 is reversed. The miraculous resurrection of Jesus from the grave that first Easter morning is the high point of this Act. Though his people must still undergo physical death, through faith in His redemptive work for them, they can begin enjoying spiritual life the moment they put their trust in Him.

Act 5 You Are Here

Act 5 sees this new band of faithful followers begin the spread of this good news. The Messiah has come! Though they tried to kill him, they did not succeed in keeping him in the grave. He is alive! They faithfully accept His commission to go and make disciples of all nations.

It is in this Act we live today. The story is still continuing! We now join the ranks of the disciples and likewise commit ourselves to growing in our faith and sharing it with others. This is what gives our lives purpose and meaning. As children of the king, we are continuing this good work that they begun by passing on the good news of the gospel to those around us—at home, at work, in our neighborhoods and churches.

But this is not the end of the story. It’s not just a life of self-improvement and good works. We do this because there is one more Act to come.

Act 6 Even Better Than Eden

The stories we enjoy are the stories that end better than we started. We see that in Act 6. Here, Jesus returns as the King, just as He promised. When He does, all those who in Christ, whether dead or alive, will be joined together with him permanently and perfectly. Our great enemy, the serpent finally be judged and every trace of sin will be removed. Even the earth will be released from its curse.

This is the ultimate in happily ever afters. Our victorious King will return to claim his Bride. We will enjoy marriage supper of the Lamb! There is rejoicing as we settle into the home we have been dreaming of all our lives. Even the old earth is made new.

Counseling and This Story

Now, as I read Scripture, I take time to understand how each passage fits in this overall Story. This is what allows me to make sense of those food laws, lists of names, and puzzling prophets. But most of all, it helps me to see Christ as God’s perfect promise. This has helped me understand his Word in a much deeper level.

As I more deeply understand the Old Testament, I also more deeply appreciate the New. Reading the Gospels and the epistles helps me to see how I live today, continuing this Story. The circumstances may differ but every era of history unfolds yet more of God’s Story. Though the canon of Scripture is closed, we can trust God has given all we need. Through the Holy Spirit in us, we can learn how to apply what He has revealed to our lives and problems today, even if they are not explicitly addressed as such.

Knowing this has changed my own perspective on my struggles and hardships. As a child of God, I know he is preparing me even now, through my difficulties, for Act 6. This gives my trials and troubles a whole new purpose. They are not random. I’m going somewhere!

This also helps me confidently share God’s Word with others. It impacts my discipleship as I help equip others to multiply disciples in their own contexts. Together, we both bear our cross and bear fruit. Instead of viewing suffering as something to escape, we trust God together in it. Instead of viewing or minimizing sin as our culture does, we join with God to fight its hold in our lives.

Dear friend, our God is going somewhere—and it is good. He is making all things new! The story is still unfolding today. You and I are living in it right now. This perspective vastly changes how we live each day. Learning to think of our lives as living in God’s story gives our life purpose and meaning and guides us in how to live faithfully as it unfolds.

Action:

If we live in between Acts 5 and 6, how does that help you to understand your personal life story on this side of the cross, as we await his coming? When someone shares a struggle with you, how might the understanding that our lives are in God’s hands and working together for His good plans help you find courage to trust and obey Him in the difficult moments?

May the fact that God will fulfill His promise to complete His Story bring you hope to press on with him today.  

For more reading: The Drama of Scripture: Finding Our Place in the Biblical Story by Craig Bartholomew and Michael Goheen