How Does Biblical Theology Trace God’s Plan of Redemption Through Scripture?
Biblical theology approaches the Bible as one unified story of God’s plan of redemption, unfolding through history and culminating in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Rather than treating Scripture as a disconnected collection of religious writings, it views the entire canon as a coherent narrative authored by God and conveyed through human writers. This method focuses on tracing the flow of redemptive history from creation to new creation, paying close attention to the covenants, promises, and prophetic fulfillments that give the Bible its overarching shape.
The approach is distinct from other theological methods in that it gives priority to the Bible’s own categories, chronology, and progressive revelation. It is rooted in the conviction that Scripture speaks with divine authority, that its unity is found in Christ, and that its message is understood by examining the whole story in relation to each part and each part in relation to the whole.
1. Definition of Biblical Theology
Biblical theology is the discipline that studies the theology of the Bible by tracing its message through the historical unfolding of God’s revelation. It focuses on how themes, doctrines, and promises develop from Genesis to Revelation. While it is closely related to systematic theology, it differs in that it organizes truth according to the Bible’s own narrative structure rather than by topical categories.
This discipline draws from the conviction that the Bible’s ultimate author is God (2 Timothy 3:16), that He has revealed His plan progressively, and that the key to understanding the whole of Scripture is Jesus Christ, in whom “all the promises of God find their Yes” (2 Corinthians 1:20).
2. Foundation in Progressive Revelation
Progressive revelation is the belief that God revealed His plan over time in increasing detail, each stage building on what came before. In the Old Testament, we see shadows and promises—God’s covenant with Abraham, the exodus from Egypt, the giving of the law, the promises to David—all pointing toward a greater fulfillment.
The New Testament reveals that these promises find their completion in Christ. Hebrews 1:1–2 states, “Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son.” Biblical theology studies each step in this unfolding revelation, keeping in view the end goal: God dwelling with His people in a renewed creation.
3. Role of the Biblical Covenants
The covenants of Scripture form the backbone of redemptive history. From the covenant with Noah, which preserves creation, to the covenant with Abraham, which promises blessing to the nations, to the covenant with David, which promises an eternal king, each covenant moves God’s plan forward.
The new covenant, inaugurated by Jesus’ blood (Luke 22:20), fulfills all prior covenants and secures redemption for God’s people. Biblical theology traces these covenants as a connected series, showing how they reveal God’s purposes and point to Christ.
4. Centrality of Christ in the Biblical Narrative
The entire Bible testifies about Christ (John 5:39). In Genesis, He is the promised seed who will crush the serpent’s head (Genesis 3:15). In the law, sacrifices point forward to His perfect offering (Hebrews 10:1–10). In the prophets, He is the suffering servant and reigning king (Isaiah 53; Zechariah 9:9). In the New Testament, He is the fulfillment of all these promises.
Biblical theology reads the Old Testament in light of the New Testament, understanding that Christ is the lens through which the entire story comes into focus. This is why the apostles preached the gospel as the fulfillment of Scripture’s storyline (Acts 13:32–33).
5. Unity of the Old and New Testaments
Biblical theology emphasizes the unity of Scripture. While the Old and New Testaments differ in historical setting, they form one coherent story. The promises to Israel find their ultimate fulfillment in Christ and extend to all nations, as God’s people are united in Him (Ephesians 2:11–22).
This unity explains why the New Testament writers so frequently quote and allude to the Old Testament. They saw themselves not as starting a new religion but as announcing the fulfillment of God’s ancient plan.
6. Themes in the Story of Redemption
Several key themes run through the Bible’s redemptive story:
Kingdom of God – God’s rule over His people in His place.
Presence of God – From Eden to the tabernacle, temple, and ultimately Christ and the Spirit.
People of God – The covenant community chosen and redeemed to serve Him.
Promise and Fulfillment – God’s faithfulness to His word over time.
Mission to the Nations – The spread of God’s glory to all peoples.
Biblical theology traces these themes, showing how they begin, develop, and reach their climax in Christ.
7. Relationship Between Biblical and Systematic Theology
While biblical theology focuses on tracing the storyline of Scripture, systematic theology organizes its teachings under thematic headings like God, sin, salvation, and the church. The two disciplines are complementary. Biblical theology provides the narrative foundation and historical development, while systematic theology draws out the doctrinal implications for faith and practice.
Without biblical theology, systematic theology risks becoming detached from the Bible’s story. Without systematic theology, biblical theology risks failing to apply Scripture’s truth comprehensively to life.
8. Implications for Understanding the Gospel
Viewing the Bible through the lens of biblical theology enlarges our understanding of the gospel. It reveals that the gospel is not only about individual forgiveness but also about God’s kingdom, the restoration of creation, and the fulfillment of His promises to bless all nations through Christ.
It also shows that our hope is not simply going to heaven when we die but participating in the new creation where God dwells with His redeemed people forever (Revelation 21:1–4). This broader perspective shapes how we preach, teach, and live as God’s people.
9. Eschatological Fulfillment in Christ
Biblical theology keeps the end of the story in view. The final chapters of Revelation show the culmination of God’s redemptive plan: the defeat of evil, the renewal of creation, and the eternal reign of Christ. This is the destination toward which all of Scripture points.
Understanding this goal strengthens our faith, gives context to our present trials, and fuels mission, as we labor in hope knowing that God’s plan cannot fail.
10. Biblical Theology as a Tool for Discipleship
Biblical theology is not merely an academic exercise; it is a tool for discipleship. By learning the Bible’s storyline, believers grow in their grasp of God’s purposes, deepen their confidence in His promises, and are better equipped to share the gospel in its full richness.
Churches that teach biblical theology help their members see how every part of Scripture points to Christ and how their lives fit into God’s unfolding plan.
Bible Verses About God’s Plan of Redemption
Genesis 3:15 – “He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.”
Genesis 12:3 – “In you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”
Exodus 6:7 – “I will take you to be my people, and I will be your God.”
2 Samuel 7:16 – “Your throne shall be established forever.”
Isaiah 9:7 – “Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end.”
Jeremiah 31:33 – “I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts.”
Luke 24:27 – “Beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them… the things concerning himself.”
Acts 3:21 – “The time for restoring all the things about which God spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets.”
Romans 8:30 – “Those whom he justified he also glorified.”
Revelation 21:3 – “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man.”
