If you’ve ever been garage sale bargain hunting, you’ve seen the large box of neglected Legos. Lots of colored shapes and sizes that belong to several different sets.

Just a box of mismatched and random Lego pieces. You have no idea what the original design was for these pieces. You’re sure they go together but not sure what is the big picture or design. 

For some people, the Bible seems like a random collection of stories and verses. We know it’s the inspired Word of God (or should) but if we are honest, we can’t tell what the big picture is or how it all fits together.

I grew up thinking that the Old Testament was for the Jews and the New Testament was for the church. 

Is there a unifying theme or storyline of the Bible? Is God working all things for His glory and according to His purposes?

Author Jonty Rhodes answers that question in a loud and affirming voice. There is a storyline through the Bible of God redeeming His people to save them from their sins. Beginning in Genesis and ending in Revelation, God unfolds his plan to save His elect. 

The author starts with Matthew 26:28, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” We read that every time we partake in Communion. 

What is Jesus saying here? Thirty years earlier, before Jesus was born, his uncle had sung a hymn of praise to God. As Zechariah looked forward to the birth of his son, John the Baptist, he praised the Lord who was about “to show the mercy promised to our fathers and to remember his holy covenant, the oath that he swore to our father Abraham.” Luke 1:72-73. 

A covenant is a conditional promise. Or as the author explains, “A covenant is an agreement between God and human beings, where God promises blessings if the conditions are kept and threatens curses if the conditions are broken.

Rhodes begins with Adam, who was given a covenant to keep that required perfect obedience. If the covenant was kept, it promised blessing through eternal life in paradise and the presence of God.

If the covenant was broken, the curse of sin and death was promised. We all know how that worked out. Adam sinned and as our Federal Representative, we are cursed with a sin nature and stand condemned.

But the Last Adam, Jesus (Romans 5, 1 Cor. 15), did obey perfectly and did what we couldn’t do ourselves. As our representative, he secured eternal life and rest for those who trust in Him. 

Jonty Rhodes explains how the covenants made with Abraham and Moses and David point to Christ. He unfolds how the Triune God planned before time to save humanity (John 17). 

The arc or trajectory of scripture is pointing ultimately to Christ. The storyline of scripture unfolds seamlessly and with clarity.

Read this book and you will be blessed and encouraged to see the unity of scripture and the beauty of God’s plan to save his people. And it will impact your worship as you declare the glory and majesty of God Almighty.