(Please use your Bible to lookup all passages to confirm what it is saying. Don’t be afraid to read context as well.) This lesson is designed to give a brief outline of the basic theme of the Bible in one quick, general overview. With this as the foundation, we can build upon this and open our understanding to the whole of the message of God in the Scriptures. Our endeavor is: 1. To show that the Bible is inspired by God, and that it is the only infallible source of truth. 2. To demonstrate the existence of a Central Theme. 3. To provide you with confidence in the Bible message. Numbers 14:21 The Divine motive! All scripture is to be understood in this context. It is about God, and how he is to be revered. It is the fundamental principle in the creative process. (See Revelation 4:11) Isaiah 45:18 15 God created the earth to be the dwelling place for mankind. He intends to give it for an everlasting habitation to those who do His will and glorify His name . Psalm 115:16 The earth was so designed that man might live and develop in an environment favorable his best interests. In spite of his ambitious space program, man’s destiny is earthbound. Genesis 1:26-27 God has honored man by creating him in His own image and after His likeness, indicating a purpose for man above and beyond all the rest of His creation. These verses bear out this thought in the words “have dominion over.” Genesis 2:7 This reference shows the physical make up of man, IE how he was created,  and the motivating force that gave him life. (note: living soul = being) Genesis 3:15 The reason this verse is important as a reference in the Central Theme is to emphasize the key word “seed.” This ultimately is prophetic and refers to Christ. (This will be developed in a later article without endeavoring to qualify it by an extensive explanation at this time.) The purpose is to establish that Jesus Christ is vital to the purpose in the Central Theme of God’s plan.  Without Jesus Christ, the rest of the Bible has little to offer, since he is the key to dealing with the sin that entered the world. The significance of this word “seed” will become evident as we move through the following references. Genesis 12: 1-3 Abram is a faithful “seed” and is in the lineage that leads to Christ. Very specific promises are made to him of  blessings for his faith in God. That he would be a “great nation indicates his descendants will be multiplied greatly as . Again there is  confirmation of the future “seed” as “in him shall all families of the earth be blessed. (in Christ) Genesis 13:14-17 Faithful Abram is also given the promise of the land. This is a key to understanding the whole of the scriptures. Abram’s inheritance is to be on the earth, for he received God’s promise in these words, “For all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed for ever.” This same promise is made to Abraham’s son Isaac, and to his grandson, Jacob (Israel) Genesis 49:8-10 Anticipation and prophecy of a King in Jacob’s blessing of Judah. The scepter (symbol of royal power) would remain in Abraham’s family line until Shiloh (Christ) comes to gather the people. The purpose of this reference is to show Jesus’ geneology continues through Judah, the 4th son of Jacob. The importance of establishing this is demonstrated in the following references. 2 Samuel 7:12,13 Another descendant through the line of Abraham is David. In this passage note the following points and promises are made: 1. A seed (Christ) is promised to David. 2. This seed is to rule God’s Kingdom. 3. His throne and kingdom is to be established forever. Isaiah 9:6, 7 This is one of the most comprehensive Messianic prophesies we have in the entire Bible. It is stimulating to see the similarity in this prophecy and the following New Testament reference. Luke 1:32,33 Note how closely the angel follows the prophecy in Isaiah 9:6,7 in informing Mary of the significance of the son (seed) she will bear. Before he is born, this child is given the name Jesus (meaning savior) due to his role in the purpose of God (as declared from our very first reference above). Jesus was the “Christ” which means the anointed one. He was anointed with the Holy Spirit and began his ministry which was to lead the descendants of Abraham back to their God! They rejected him and had the occupying Romans crucify him even though he had never sinned against God or man. However because he did no sin, God raised him from the dead. However, to date he has not sat on the throne of David. This is yet to be fulfilled and has become the hope of the Christian believers. Acts 1:10,11 For forty days after his resurrection Jesus taught His disciples from the whole scriptures. He commissioned them to go into all the world and preach the Gospel concerning Jesus Christ and the Kingdom of God. We can put strong emphasis on the angel’s statement “this same Jesus will come again in like manner …. Acts 3:19-21 The return of Christ became the basis of the apostles’ teaching. The words “shall come,” in verse 19, are important and the word “until» in the 21st verse is also significant. This reference demonstrates that God’s purpose from creation has been consistent and the restitution of all things changed by the sin of Adam will through Christ be restored as prophecied. Acts 17:30-34 The important point in this reference is the introduction of a time factor – a particular day in which God will judge the world. Verses 32-34 show the attitude of the people who heard Paul’s teaching regarding the resurrection. Some mocked, excluding themselves from salvation. Some were impressed but uncertain while others believed unto life eternal. People also take these same attitudes today but salvation still depends on our own acceptance and belief. Revelation 22:12 and 20 When we read the words of Jesus “Surely I come quickly” we fervently join John in his response “Even so, come, Lord Jesus.” This serves as a general overview of the Theme of the Bible. God has a Purpose. The next lesson expand on the time frame that God has for his plan.