The Bible's Big-Picture StorySample

Stage 8: RELATIONSHIP RESTORED. A new heaven and earth.

This final stage in The Bible’s big picture is literally The End, that never ends. It’s a done deal!

God’s plan for restoration comes into being here, not only is the relationship restored between us and God, but everything in creation is brand new… with an upgrade! 

This part of the story comes as an incredibly creative download (vision) from God to John, one of Jesus’ closest friends.  God describes in incredible detail how the story ends. The indescribable is being described. It is visual storytelling at its finest!

John wrote this vision down, and it became the final book of the Bible called Revelation. Having this part of the story gives us hope of the things to come. Hope brings courage and perseverance for today. 

The book of Revelation powerfully describes what completely restored relationship with God looks like. It also visualises our new place of belonging in incredible detail. As we interact with it, we begin to grasp how wide, and long, and high and deep God’s love is for us, giving us a glimpse of what He has prepared for us forever!  

Revelation chapter 21, the grand finale, lists those promises and anticipations which will be fulfilled; there are 18 in total, creating a beautiful platform to build our hope on and live from today. 

God promises an eternity where we are constantly with Him, no more separation. There will be no more chaos, death, pain or suffering. An absence of any source of evil. This is what all of creation longs for, a place of wholeness and wellbeing where we have chosen to flourish forever in relationship with God and others. It’s an incredible invitation to everyone; no matter what your story is or where you are in your journey, there’s a place of belonging where you can come home!

Remember, your past does not define you but is redeemed and woven into God’s love story, beautifully, intricately and intimately!

From beginning to end, God is Love, and because of Jesus, Love wins! 

The End.

An invitation to interact with God and His life-giving Word:

You may want to go back to today’s Bible verses and chat to God about the things for which you most long. Ask Him to show you where your story fits in here and what your home with Him looks like. Allowing thankfulness to fill you for the hope of things to come. Remembering God is faithful to keep His promises.

Part of your interaction may look like visualising it with words, images, poetry, song, movement or quiet meditation… it’s all worship which brings us into a place of deeper intimacy with God and where we hear His heart for us more clearly. Enjoy!

One of the aims in creating The Infographic Bible was to visualise God’s Word and tell people the big-picture story of the Bible, showing it is one connected story. The more we know His Story, the more we know our story. God’s Word brings life and wholeness as we interact with it, and the invitation is to everyone. You can find out more at www.theinfographicbible.com