Show Notes for Episode 2 with Scripture references and resources for further study of the storyline of the Bible (also called the history of salvation or history of redemption). You can find Episode 2 here to stream or download any time. Please refer to the disclaimer at the bottom of the Show Notes page regarding all views expressed by Anthony Bushnell or his guests on the air and in these notes.
Acknowledgements: I want to give significant credit to the authors and teachers listed below for helping me grow in my understanding of Scripture and helping me see how the themes in the Bible fit together into God’s grand story of salvation. Unless I noted specifically that I did not consult an article or work in preparing the program, please assume the people listed below deserve credit and gratitude for helping make this content possible.
Here Are a Few Resources that Help Explain the Storyline of the Bible Briefly and Clearly
The Whole Story of the Bible in 16 Verses, by Chris Bruno (Crossway: 2015). I recommend this book for everyone, and especially for families to read together. It is very simple and clear but nicely explains the main storyline of Scripture by showing how different Scriptures tell the story and build on each other.
How to Read the Bible Book by Book: A Guided Tour, Gordon D. Fee and Douglas Stuart (Zondervan: 2014). This book will help anyone understand the structure of the Bible and the important themes in each book of the Bible much more clearly. At the end of each chapter, Fee and Stuart include a note explaining how each book fits into the overall message of the Bible and God’s work in the history of redemption.
“The Story of the Bible: How the Good News About Jesus Is Central,” by Timothy Keller. NIV Biblical Theology Study Bible (Zondervan: 2018). Read the article free online at the link in the title.
“How Would You Summarize the Old Testament in 2,000 Words?,” by Justin Taylor, quoting Tom Schreiner’s work on Hebrews (Lexham: 2021), The Gospel Coalition. I came across this article after preparing this show, and I highly recommend it. Justin Taylor shared this summary of the storyline of the whole Old Testament in 2,000 words by Tom Schreiner from his commentary on Hebrews. Free online.
“A Biblical-Theological Overview of the Bible,” by D.A. Carson. NIV Biblical Theology Study Bible (Zondervan: 2018). Free online. This takes you a bit deeper into some more specific theology and themes, and Carson explains it wonderfully and clearly.
40 Questions About Biblical Theology, by Jason S. DeRouchie, Oren R. Martin, Andrew David Naselli (Kregel Academic: 2020). This work is more advanced and is extremely useful for looking up specific questions you might have about certain themes in Scripture that are part of the whole story of God’s work in history and salvation. I recommend starting with the books and articles above first. You can read an essay here or there about how the story of the Bible works together, or follow the whole book as it develops the important themes and connections throughout the history of salvation.
The Goals of God’s Relationship with Us
God Is the Gospel, by John Piper (Crossway: 2005). Free online. This book takes us through many Scripture passages and the unfolding story of God’s relationship with mankind over the course of the Bible in order to show that the greatest news in the gospel is not simply salvation from sin, but rather that we have fellowship with God in his glorious presence forever.