The Bible in One Word (Psalm 119:105)
What word would you use to describe the Bible? Find which word and theme best explain the full story of the Bible.
Psalm 119:105
Today's Scripture Passage
A Few Thoughts to Consider
If you were to summarize the Bible in one word, which one would you choose?
“Redemption” is a good place to start. Going back to our first devotional from Isaiah 43:1, God tells his people, “Fear not, for I have redeemed you.” As Bible scholar Sandra Richter writes, “The Bible, in all its parts, is intended to communicate to humanity the realities of redemption.”[1]
From Genesis to Revelation, we can see God’s hand working to redeem sinful humanity to himself. There is one key common denominator between the first chapter of Genesis and the last chapter of the Revelation. Satan is absent. This tells us God the Father’s plan for perfect redemption is a world without Satan.
This redemptive process aims to conform our lives to the character of His Son, Jesus. As John Oswalt points out, “The goal of redemption is transformed character, and unless that goal is achieved mere deliverance from a sense of condemnation is misshapen at best and abortive at worst.”
Consider a few of these verses:
- Ephesians 1:7 | “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace.”
- Galatians 3:13 | Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, because it is written, Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.”
- Psalm 111:9 | “He has sent redemption to his people. He has ordained his covenant forever. His name is holy and awe-inspiring.
The theme of redemption is on every page of Scripture, and when you start looking for it, you can’t miss it.
A Meditation to PRAY
Praise | Thank you, God, for your redeeming work in my life. I worship you for saving me from sin and giving me eternal life. It’s because of you I can have freedom over sin’s grasp.
Release | Because of the life I find in you, I give you my desire to control life on my terms.
Ask | Help me to read Scripture through the lens of your redeeming work. As I read through the Bible this coming year, help me see your redemptive power.
