The Beginning and End of the Story

Beginning with this entry, my posts will be intended to promote worship. One of the ways to MAGNIFY God is to appreciate the beauty, symmetry, and hope of the Bible’s storyline.

The following was used as a participatory reading in one of our recent corporate worship gatherings. It is a list of comparisons and contrasts between the first and last chapters of the Bible (adapted from Wilkinson and Boa, Talk Thru the Bible). I was unable to make the columns parallel, so read #1 from Genesis followed by #1 from Revelation as you proceed through the list.

Genesis 1-3

1. “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (1:1)
2. “God made two great lights,” sun and moon (1:16)
3. Satan appears as the deceiver of mankind (3:1)
4. Shown a garden into which evil entered (3:6-7)
5. Initial triumph of the serpent (3:13)
6. “Cursed is the ground” (3:17)
7. Humanity is introduced to pain, sorrow, frustration, and death.
8. First paradise closed (3:23)
9. Access to the tree of life cut off (3:24)
10. They were driven from God’s presence (3:24)

Revelation 20-22

1. “I saw a new heaven and a new earth” (21:1)
2. “The city had no need of the sun or of the moon” (21:23)
3. Satan is banished forever (20:10)
4. Shown a city into which evil will never enter (21:27)
5. Ultimate triumph of the Lamb (22:3)
6. “There shall be no more curse” (22:3)
7. “There shall be no more death or sorrow, nor crying; and there shall be no more pain” (21:4)
8. New paradise opened (21:25)
9. Access to the tree of life restored in Christ (22:14)
10. “They shall see His face” (22:4)

Comments

[Stephen Proctor]

Eric,

I happen to be reading Revelations now. So your message this morning was very timely. I'm interested in reading your parallels between Genesis and Revelation. Its an insight that's new to me.

Steve Proctor

[Eric Flood]

I first saw this list of comparisons in college. The longer I study, the more I see how the Bible fits together as a unified story.

[www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=561049298]

Eric,

Reading Hebrews 9-10 and Exodus 25-30 this week, the comparison between the old covenant sacrificial system and Jesus are awesome in the truest sense of the word. The one practice that especially sticks out to me is the changing of the high priest's garments, an amazing type and shadow of Christ!

Hope you're well.

Bill

[Eric Flood]

Bill,

Thanks so much for writing. Hebrews goes deep, fast, when you start digging into the background.

It was good to see you at Bobbapalooza.

Eric