The Master Plot of the Bible

by Bob Prall

A common response to the title, The Master Plot of the Bible, “What do you mean by the plot of the Bible?” Webster has several definitions for the word plot, including “the plan or main story of a literary work” and “a secret plan for accomplishing an (often evil or unlawful) end.” As we proceed through the Bible, we will see its plot is not secret, evil, or unlawful, but it is more than just “the main plan or story of a literary work.” The Bible’s plot definitely includes the concept “an intelligently planned course of action designed to accomplish an end or purpose.”While the human authors of the Bible were unaware that their writings were going to become part of a larger book with a central plot, God chose to progressively reveal His plan through the writings of men whom He selected and inspired. The result is a “Book of Books” written by many men from several centuries. This book of many books has an amazing unity, and one central plot that begins in Genesis, and flows through the Bible to the book of the Revelation.To prepare you for this book, the foundation for the Bible’s plot rests on certain covenants and prophetic promises that God made in the Old Testament, which provide the basis for His actions on our behalf -- actions recorded in the New Testament. Understanding these promises within their contexts, and God’s work to fulfill them, helps us understand the Bible’s plot. When the plot is understood, the individual parts of the Bible, that rest on the primary message, become much more meaningful. When you understand the plot, it will also give you irrefutable evidence that Jesus of Nazareth was and is the Son of God -- your living Savior.Like the opening of a rose bud, the Bible’s plot unfolds gradually. When the full bloom viewed, it is a magnificent creation. It is because of this gradual development, within a very long book, that the plot is often missed by many readers. In this book, we will skip over much of the material that rests on the main plot, not because it is unimportant, but to help you, the reader, grasp the main flow of biblical truth. Then you will be prepared to joyfully appreciate the many “buds” that spring off of the “main stem.” Please be patient as you begin -- the flower will gradually reach full bloom.After reading this book, please loan it to some skeptics.

190 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 1, 1997