The Grand Theme of the Bible

 Interpreting the Scriptures  The mysteries locked up in the book of Revelation have for long baffled sincere students of the Bible.  In God's due time, those secrets had to be unlocked, but how, when, and to whom?  Only God's spirit could make known the meaning as the appointed  time drew near.  (Revelation 1:3)  Those sacred secrets would be revealed to God's zealous slaves on earth so that they would be strengthened to make known his judgments.  (Matthew 13:10, 11) It is not claimed that the explanations  in this publication are infallible.  Like Joseph of old, we say:  "Do not interpretations belong to God?"  (Genesis 40:8) At the same time, however, we firmly believe that the explanations set forth herein harmonize with the Bible in its entirety, showing how remarkably divine prophecy has been fulfilled in the world events of our catastrophic times. 

A BIBLE provers says: "Better is the end afterward of a matter than its beginning." (Ecclesiastes 7:8)   It is in the book of  Revelation that we read the dramatic culmination of Jehovah's grand purpose to sanctify his name before all creation.  As God declared time and time again by on one of his earlier prophets: "They will have to know that I am Jehovah." - EZEKIEL 25:17; 38:23. 

Just as Revelation spells out the triumphant end of matters, so their beginning is described for us in earlier books of the Bible.   By examining this record, we are enabled to understand the issues involved and get an overall view of God's purposes. How satisfying this is!  Further, it should rouse us to action, so that we may share in the marvelous future that awaits mankind.  (Psalm 145:16, 20)   At this point, it seems appropriate to discuss the background and theme of the Bible, in order that we may  have in mind the paramount issue that now faces all humankind, as well as God's clearly stated purpose to resolve that issue. 

The Bible's first book, Genesis tells of  "the beginning" and describes GOD'S Creative works,  (not man's)  including his crowning earthly creation, man.  Genesis also sets out the first divine prophecy uttered by God himself in the garden of Eden some 6,000 years ago.  A serpent had just been used to deceive the first woman Eve, she in turn  had persuaded her husband, Adam, to join her in violating Jehovah's   law by eating from "the tree of the knowledge of good and bad."  In passing judgment on the sinful couple, God said to the serpent:  "I shall put enmity between you and the woman and between your seed and her seed.  He will bruise you in the head and you will bruise him in the heel."  ( Genesis 1:1; 2:17; 3:1-6, 14, 15)  That prophecy sets the theme for the whole Bible, including Revelation. 

Immediately after uttering the prophecy, God expelled our first parents from Eden.  No longer could they look forward to everlasting life in Paradise; they would live out their lives in the unprepared earth  outside.  Under sentence of death, they would produce sin-laden children.  (Genesis 3:24-4:1; Romans 5:12)  What, though, does the Edenic prophecy mean?  Who are involved?  How does it link up with Revelation? What message does it have for us today?  In order to gain personal relief from the effects of the tragic event that led to Jehovah's uttering that prophecy, it is of vital concern that we know the answers to these questions.

Next time: The Grand Theme of the Bible - The Principals in the Drama

From the jw.org publications