How to be Reconciled to a Holy God: The Bible’s Redemption Story
Welcome to this series of weekly studies designed to take us on a journey through the central chapters of the Bible, revealing God’s unfolding plan for humanity and His purposes of redemption. In these 52 studies, we will explore key moments from Genesis to Revelation that provide a broad understanding of God’s Word and how the entire biblical narrative fits together to tell one grand story—His story of love, grace, and salvation.
The Purpose Behind this Series
From the creation of the world to the promise of the new heaven and earth, the Bible reveals God’s relationship with mankind. Through His covenants, prophets, and most perfectly in Jesus Christ, we see God’s relentless pursuit of a people to call His own. Our study will take us through the rise and fall of nations, the highs and lows of human faithfulness, and ultimately, the victory of Christ that secures eternal life for those who believe.
This series has been thoughtfully arranged to help you gain a comprehensive overview of Scripture. By understanding how the individual parts of the Bible connect into one cohesive narrative, you will better grasp how God’s plan unfolds across time. Each chapter chosen is a milestone in that journey, highlighting God’s work in creation, His covenants with His people, His promises of a Redeemer, the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, and the formation of the Church, all pointing to the final fulfillment of His redemptive purposes in the end times.
The goal of this study is not only to gain knowledge but to deepen your relationship with God, understanding His heart and purpose for humanity—and for you. As we walk through these foundational chapters, you will see how every part of Scripture speaks of His love, justice, mercy, and grace, drawing you into greater faith, hope, and obedience.
Whether you are new to the Bible or a seasoned reader, this journey will help you see how each book, each chapter, and each story fits into the grand narrative of God’s redemptive plan. By the end of the year, you will have not only a broad understanding of Scripture but also a clearer sense of how your own story fits into God’s eternal plan for His creation.
The Story of the Bible
Embarking on a journey through the Bible can be both enlightening and transformative. By dedicating yourself to read and reflect on just one chapter each week, you can soon gain a deeper understanding of how unholy sinners can find forgiveness and reconciliation with their Creator.
1. Creation and the Fall: The Beginning of God’s Story
In the first phase of God’s plan, we see the creation of the world, the introduction of mankind, and the tragic fall into sin. These foundational chapters lay the groundwork for understanding our broken relationship with God and the need for redemption.
- Week 1: Genesis 1 – Creation of the world
- Week 2: Genesis 2 – Creation of mankind
- Week 3: Genesis 3 – The Fall of man
2. Covenant and Promise: God’s Plan to Redeem Humanity
After the fall, God initiates His plan of redemption by calling individuals and establishing covenants. His promises to Abraham, Israel, and David are key to understanding how God intends to bless all nations and ultimately bring salvation.
- Week 4: Genesis 12 – The calling of Abraham
- Week 5: Genesis 22 – Abraham’s faith and God’s provision
- Week 6: Exodus 3 – God calls Moses to Rescue the Israelites
- Week 7: Exodus 12 – The Passover and deliverance from Egypt
- Week 8: Exodus 20 – The Ten Commandments
- Week 9: Leviticus 16 – The Day of Atonement
- Week 10: Deuteronomy 6 – The Shema: Loving God
- Week 11: 1 Samuel 16 – The Anointing of David
- Week 12: 2 Samuel 7 – God’s covenant with David
3. Kings, Prophets, and the Hope of a Savior
In the time of the kings and prophets, God reveals more of His plan to restore His people and bring salvation to the world. The prophecies of Isaiah and Jeremiah point to a coming Savior and a new covenant that will transform hearts.
- Week 13: 1 Kings 18 – Elijah Reveals God’s Supremacy on Mount Carmel
- Week 14: Isaiah 6 – Isaiah’s call and vision of God’s holiness
- Week 15: Isaiah 53 – The Suffering Servant
- Week 16: Jeremiah 31 – The promise of the New Covenant
4. Worship, Wisdom, and the Human Condition
The Psalms, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes explore the realities of life, human nature, and our relationship with God. These books provide insight into worship, repentance, trust, and the ultimate purpose of fearing God and obeying Him.
- Week 17: Psalm 1 – The way of the righteous and the wicked
- Week 18: Psalm 23 – The Lord is my shepherd
- Week 19: Psalm 51 – David’s heartfelt prayer of repentance
- Week 20: Psalm 103 – Bless the Lord and His mercy
- Week 21: Proverbs 3 – Trust in the Lord with all your heart
- Week 22: Ecclesiastes 12 – The conclusion of the matter: fear God
5. The Life and Ministry of Jesus: Fulfillment of God’s Plan
The coming of Jesus Christ marks the climax of God’s redemptive plan. In His life, teachings, death, and resurrection, we see God’s promise fulfilled and the way to salvation opened to all who believe.
- Week 23: Matthew 1 – The birth of Jesus
- Week 24: Matthew 5 – The Sermon on the Mount (Beatitudes)
- Week 25: Matthew 6 – The Lord’s Prayer and seeking God’s kingdom
- Week 26: Matthew 13 – Parables of the Kingdom
- Week 27: Matthew 27 – The crucifixion of Jesus
- Week 28: Matthew 28 – The resurrection and Great Commission
6. The Church and Salvation: Spreading the Good News
After Christ’s ascension, the apostles spread the message of salvation, forming the early Church. These chapters show how the gospel transforms lives and how believers are called to live in light of the cross.
- Week 29: John 1 – The eternal Word became flesh
- Week 30: John 3 – You must be born again
- Week 31: John 10 – Jesus, the Good Shepherd
- Week 32: John 15 – Abide in Christ, the True Vine
- Week 33: Acts 2 – The Day of Pentecost and birth of the Church
- Week 34: Acts 9 – The conversion of Saul (Paul)
7. Living in Christ: Growing in Grace and Knowledge
In this phase, Paul and other New Testament writers teach us how to live as followers of Christ. These chapters emphasize salvation by grace, the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, and the call to love, serve, and persevere in faith.
- Week 35: Romans 3 – All have sinned, and justification through faith
- Week 36: Romans 5 – Peace with God through Christ
- Week 37: Romans 8 – Life in the Spirit and God’s love
- Week 38: Romans 12 – Living sacrifices and renewing the mind
- Week 39: 1 Corinthians 13 – The supremacy of love
- Week 40: 2 Corinthians 5 – Reconciliation through Christ
- Week 41: Galatians 5 – Freedom in Christ and fruit of the Spirit
- Week 42: Ephesians 2 – Saved by grace through faith
- Week 43: Philippians 2 – The humility of Christ
- Week 44: Colossians 1 – The supremacy of Christ
8. The End of the Story: Judgment and New Creation
The Bible’s narrative concludes with a vision of the end times, the return of Christ, and the final judgment. God’s promise of redemption is fully realized in the new heaven and new earth, where sin and death are no more, and believers dwell with God forever.
- Week 45: 1 Thessalonians 4 – The coming of the Lord
- Week 46: Hebrews 4 – Rest in Christ
- Week 47: Hebrews 11 – The hall of faith
- Week 48: James 2 – Faith without works is dead
- Week 49: 1 Peter 1 – Living hope through the resurrection
- Week 50: 1 John 1 – Fellowship with God and walking in the light
- Week 51: Revelation 21 – The new heaven and new earth
- Week 52: Revelation 22 – The return of Christ and the final invitation
This structure is intended to guide you through the unfolding phases of God’s redemptive work, helping you understand how the Bible’s grand narrative reveals the depths of His love, justice, and grace throughout history.
How Will You Respond?
As we reach the culmination of this 52-week journey through the Story of the Bible, we invite you to reflect on the profound narrative of love, redemption, and hope that has unfolded before you. The Bible is not just a collection of ancient texts but a living testament to God’s unwavering love for humanity, culminating in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
If you have felt a stirring in your heart, a call to something greater, we urge you not to delay. Embrace the transformative power of faith, repent of your life of sin, and believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. In Him, you will find forgiveness, purpose, and an eternal promise of life. The invitation is open, and the time is now—step into the light of His grace and begin a new chapter filled with hope and peace. (See John 3:16, Romans 6:23,10:9-10,13.)