In creation, God made humans to be in his image. We fall short of the glory of God, therefore our own choices in life affect what kind of sickness and disease that occur to us. In the fall, Adam and Eve did not listen to God and now all of mankind suffer from this disobedience. This disobedience leaves us vulnerable to sin and with that sin comes illness and disease. In redemption, God sent Jesus to die for our sins. This act gives us hope when we are most vulnerable from illness and disease. In restoration, one day God will come back to judge every human and wipe away all sin from earth. This allows us to look forward to healing from our illness and diseases. According to Tesu, “it teaches us how to transform painful and sad trials into ways and means of spiritual growth by adding them to the happy circumstances of our existence and by giving life itself a profound meaning and a high moral sense.” One would find comfort and hope in the light of illness according to this narrative by understanding that not one human can be perfect and be just like God. It allows us to know that everyone sins and makes mistakes in life. These sins have consequences and that is where illness/disease comes into play in our lives. When we are at our lowest points in life because of this illness/disease, that is when we are closest to God. These illnesses and diseases humble us and bring us closer to God. This allows us to open our eyes to how much he loves us and how he gave his only son for our sins. We turn to faith and put all of our trust in God to help us through the illness/disease. It shows us that we are human and that God is still in control of what happens to us. Using 200-300 words APA format with at least two references. Sources must be published within the last 5 years. What do the four parts of the Christian biblical narrative (i.e., creation, fall, redemption, and restoration) say about the nature of God and of reality in relation to the reality of sickness and disease? From where would one find comfort and hope in the light of illness according to this narrative? Explain in detail each part of the narrative above and analyze the implications.

The Christian biblical narrative consists of four parts: creation, fall, redemption, and restoration. Each part provides insights into the nature of God, the nature of reality, and their relationship to sickness and disease. This narrative offers individuals comfort and hope in the face of illness by emphasizing the role of God in their lives and the promise of restoration.

The first part of the narrative, creation, asserts that humans were created in the image of God. This highlights the inherent value and worth of every individual. However, it is acknowledged that humans fall short of the glory of God. This fall is evidenced by the disobedience of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, which introduced sin into the world. As a result, sickness and disease became part of the human experience. This suggests that human choices and actions have consequences, including the manifestation of physical ailments.

The second part of the narrative, redemption, centers around God’s response to the fall. God sends Jesus to die for the sins of humanity, offering forgiveness and salvation. This act of redemption provides hope and comfort to individuals facing illness by reminding them of God’s love and mercy. It reassures them that they are not alone in their suffering, but rather have access to divine grace and healing.

In the third part, restoration, the narrative looks forward to the future when God will judge every human and restore the world to its intended state. This concept of restoration implies that sickness and disease will ultimately be eradicated, and humanity will experience healing and wholeness. This vision of restoration gives individuals hope and comfort in times of illness, as it affirms that their suffering is not permanent but will eventually be overcome by God’s divine intervention.

According to Tesu (year), this narrative teaches individuals to view their trials and sufferings as opportunities for spiritual growth and finding meaning in life. The narrative suggests that imperfection and the consequences of sin are part of the human condition. Illness and disease serve as reminders of this reality, but also as catalysts for individuals to turn to faith and trust in God. In their vulnerability, individuals can experience a closer connection to God and a deeper understanding of his love and redemption.

Overall, the Christian biblical narrative acknowledges the presence of sickness and disease as a consequence of human fallibility and sin. However, it also emphasizes the role of God in providing comfort, hope, and ultimately restoration. This narrative invites individuals to find meaning and purpose in their suffering by relying on God’s love and grace. In the face of illness, individuals can take solace in the belief that they are not alone and that their pain is temporary, knowing that a future state of healing and wholeness awaits them.