Usually, when I study, I focus on books or passages, or even words, with the intent of seeing the deep details God incorporates into His word. I love studying that way. However, sometimes it’s good to remember that the Bible for all its diversity in authorship, time and style is one coherent story. This one story is told in three parts, each marked by the word “finished” (or “done,” depending on your translation).
Creation is finished.
And on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done. Genesis 2:2
Salvation is finished.
So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit. John 19:30
Final redemption is finished.
And He said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts. Revelation 21:6
He created us. He saved us. He will one day bring us into His eternal presence. He initiated each step in the plan and He brought it to completion. Keeping the larger narrative in mind helps refocus our attention on God and His plan. In focusing on and glorifying God that way, we fulfill the true purpose of all Bible study — worship.
