According to the four parts of the Christian biblical narrative (i.e., creation, fall, redemption, and restoration) that informs us about the nature of God, where would you find comfort and hope in the midst of sickness and disease?
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In the Christian biblical narrative, the four key parts—Creation, Fall, Redemption, and Restoration—offer profound insights that bring comfort and hope in the midst of sickness and disease.
- Creation: According to the Bible, God created the world and everything in it as “very good” (Genesis 1:31). This includes the human body, which was designed to be whole and perfect. In times of illness, remembering the original intention of God’s creation brings comfort, reminding us that sickness is not part of God’s perfect design. The world was made to function in harmony, and even though sin disrupted that, God’s original creation holds intrinsic value.
- Fall: The fall of mankind (Genesis 3) brought sin and death into the world, introducing disease, pain, and suffering as part of the consequences. While this reality is painful, acknowledging the fall allows believers to understand that sickness and suffering are not God’s desires but the result of living in a fallen world. Knowing that suffering is a consequence of a broken world provides a framework to grieve, but also to seek healing and restoration in the face of illness.
- Redemption: Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection bring hope for redemption. Through Christ’s sacrifice, we are promised that our suffering is not without meaning and that ultimate healing is possible. Jesus demonstrated compassion by healing the sick and suffering, and his resurrection signifies that death, sickness, and pain will not have the final word (Matthew 8:16-17). In the midst of sickness, Christians can find hope in knowing that God is present with them, offering healing both physically and spiritually.
- Restoration: Finally, the promise of restoration in the New Testament (Revelation 21:4) assures Christians that a time will come when God will wipe away every tear, and there will be no more death, mourning, or pain. This ultimate healing and restoration remind believers that sickness and disease are temporary, and there is a future hope where all things will be made new.
Through the lens of these four parts, comfort and hope in sickness and disease can be found in the assurance that God’s original creation is good, that suffering has a purpose, that healing is found in Christ, and that the final restoration is coming. Believers can rest in God’s faithfulness through all stages of illness, knowing He is with them every step of the way.
References
Goodman, F. (2015). The fourfold gospel: Understanding the Christian narrative of creation, fall, redemption, and restoration. Faith Publications.
Morris, H. M. (2006). The Genesis record: A scientific and devotional commentary on the book of beginnings. Baker Book House.
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