The story of how God
came to find us

Act 1 · Scene 1

Are we just used up by chance?

The Bible says that people were made in the image of God. We are not parts to be used and thrown away. We were made to be in relationship with God, to care for one another, and to tend the world responsibly.

27God created man in his own image. In God’s image he created him; male and female he created them.

Genesis 1:27

Read the surrounding context · Genesis 1:26-31

26God said, “Let’s make man in our image, after our likeness. Let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the sky, and over the livestock, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” 27God created man in his own image. In God’s image he created him; male and female he created them. 28God blessed them. God said to them, “Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, and subdue it. Have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the sky, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” 29God said, “Behold, I have given you every herb yielding seed, which is on the surface of all the earth, and every tree, which bears fruit yielding seed. It will be your food. 30To every animal of the earth, and to every bird of the sky, and to everything that creeps on the earth, in which there is life, I have given every green herb for food;” and it was so. 31God saw everything that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. There was evening and there was morning, a sixth day.

31God saw everything that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. There was evening and there was morning, a sixth day.

Genesis 1:31

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The first chapter of the Bible begins with God creating the heavens and the earth, light and life. And when God made people, it records that He made them "in the image of God." This doesn't mean people are the same as God. It can be understood to mean that we were made to know God, to be in relationship with Him, and to reflect His character into the world.

So in the Bible, a person's worth doesn't come from ability or usefulness. Someone who is sick, someone who is old, someone who hasn't accomplished anything yet — each one bears the image of God. At the same time, people were given responsibility. God entrusted them with ruling over and caring for the world. Dignity, relationship, and responsibility — these three are the foundation of what it means to be human.

God looked at everything He had made and said it was "very good." The story begins not with brokenness but with goodness. That also means the confusion and pain we experience now were not how things were meant to be from the start.

Think further Would you take a moment to think about what you've been trying to prove your worth with?

Narration script

Are we just used for a while and then thrown away? The first chapter of the Bible says otherwise. It says God made people in His own image. So a person's worth doesn't come from ability or usefulness. Someone who is sick, someone who hasn't accomplished anything yet — each one bears the image of God. God entrusted people with being in relationship with Him, caring for one another, and tending the world responsibly. And He looked at everything He had made and said it was very good. The story begins not with brokenness but with goodness.

Act 1 · Scene 2

What was broken?

The Bible says people chose to trust their own judgment over God's word. Before sin is a handful of bad actions, it is a direction: not trusting God and putting myself at the center. From then on, our relationship with God, with ourselves, with our neighbors, and with the world all cracked together.

6When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took some of its fruit, and ate. Then she gave some to her husband with her, and he ate it, too.

Genesis 3:6

Read the surrounding context · Genesis 3:1-13

1Now the serpent was more subtle than any animal of the field which Yahweh God had made. He said to the woman, “Has God really said, ‘You shall not eat of any tree of the garden’?” 2The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat fruit from the trees of the garden, 3but not the fruit of the tree which is in the middle of the garden. God has said, ‘You shall not eat of it. You shall not touch it, lest you die.’ ” 4The serpent said to the woman, “You won’t really die, 5for God knows that in the day you eat it, your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” 6When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took some of its fruit, and ate. Then she gave some to her husband with her, and he ate it, too. 7Their eyes were opened, and they both knew that they were naked. They sewed fig leaves together, and made coverings for themselves. 8They heard Yahweh God’s voice walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of Yahweh God among the trees of the garden. 9Yahweh God called to the man, and said to him, “Where are you?” 10The man said, “I heard your voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; so I hid myself.” 11God said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?” 12The man said, “The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit from the tree, and I ate it.” 13Yahweh God said to the woman, “What have you done?” The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.”

23for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God;

Romans 3:23

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In Genesis 3, people eat the fruit God had forbidden. The serpent planted the suspicion that God was hiding something good from them, and they chose to trust what looked good in their own eyes over God's word. The result showed right away. They hid from God, blamed each other, and hurried to cover their shame.

Sin, as the Bible describes it, is this twisted state of relationships. Having left God, we become strangers even to ourselves (shame and fear), our relationships with others break down (shifting the blame), and our relationship with the world goes wrong too (toil and pain). And the Bible says this is not the story of just a few people. It says that everyone has sinned and falls short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23).

But there is something to be careful about. This does not mean that every conflict and pain in the world is caused by that person's own sin. Some people are harmed unjustly, and some suffering can't be called anyone's fault. Even as the Bible says the whole world is broken, it does not quickly condemn those who suffer.

Think further Of these four relationships, which one feels most cracked for you these days?

Narration script

What was broken? In Genesis 3, people choose to trust their own judgment over God's word. Before sin is a handful of bad actions, it is a direction: not trusting God and putting myself at the center. After that, people hid from God, felt ashamed, blamed each other, and their toil on the land became painful. Our relationship with God, with ourselves, with our neighbors, and with the world all cracked together. The Bible says this is everyone's story. But that doesn't mean every hurt comes from that person's own sin. It means the whole world is broken.

Act 1 · Scene 3

Why is sin so serious?

Sin doesn't end as a simple mistake or weakness. It is real evil that harms people, and its responsibility remains before God. The Bible says clearly that the result of sin is separation from God, death, and judgment.

23For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 6:23

Read the surrounding context · Romans 6:20-23

20For when you were servants of sin, you were free from righteousness. 21What fruit then did you have at that time in the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. 22But now, being made free from sin and having become servants of God, you have your fruit of sanctification and the result of eternal life. 23For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

6who “will pay back to everyone according to their works:” 7to those who by perseverance in well-doing seek for glory, honor, and incorruptibility, eternal life;

Romans 2:6-7

Read the surrounding context · Romans 2:5-8

5But according to your hardness and unrepentant heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath, revelation, and of the righteous judgment of God; 6who “will pay back to everyone according to their works:” 7to those who by perseverance in well-doing seek for glory, honor, and incorruptibility, eternal life; 8but to those who are self-seeking, and don’t obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, will be wrath, indignation,

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Sometimes we'd like to think of sin as just "a few shortcomings." But the Bible takes sin far more seriously. Lies destroy trust, greed takes what belongs to others, and violence wounds people deeply. Sin has real victims.

The Bible says that the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23). A life that has left God, the source of life, is headed toward death in the end. The Bible also says God is a righteous judge who repays each person according to what they have done (Romans 2:6). That can sound frightening. But think about it: a world without judgment would be even more frightening for those who have been wronged. That God does not look the other way at evil also means He does not forget the tears of those who have been hurt.

This scene isn't meant to scare you. Just as you have to know how serious an illness is to understand why treatment is needed, when we look honestly at the weight of sin, we begin to see how great the salvation God has prepared really is. The same verse goes on to say that the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Think further When you hear that God does not simply let evil pass, does it sound like fear to you, or like comfort?

Narration script

Why is sin so serious? We'd like to think of sin as just a few shortcomings, but that's not what the Bible says. Sin has real people who get hurt, and its responsibility remains before God. The Bible says that the wages of sin is death, and that God is a righteous judge who repays each person according to what they have done. The word judgment sounds heavy, but that God does not look the other way at evil also means He does not forget the tears of those who have been wronged. And the same verse goes on to say that the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Act 1 · Scene 4

Can trying harder fix it?

Doing good matters. But good deeds can't erase sins already committed, or repair our broken relationship with God on our own. What we need isn't a way to get a little better; it's salvation from sin and death.

8for by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9not of works, that no one would boast. 10For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared before that we would walk in them.

Ephesians 2:8-10

Read the surrounding context · Ephesians 2:1-10

1You were made alive when you were dead in transgressions and sins, 2in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the children of disobedience. 3We also all once lived among them in the lusts of our flesh, doing the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest. 4But God, being rich in mercy, for his great love with which he loved us, 5even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— 6and raised us up with him, and made us to sit with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7that in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus; 8for by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9not of works, that no one would boast. 10For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared before that we would walk in them.

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"Couldn't I just live a better life from now on?" It's a natural question. Becoming more honest and more kind really is good, and the Bible values good works too. But the Bible distinguishes between what good deeds can do and what they can't.

Someone in debt may resolve to live responsibly from now on, but the debt they already owe doesn't disappear. Someone who has broken a relationship can try as hard as they like on their own, but if the other person doesn't forgive, the relationship isn't restored. It's the same with our relationship with God. A broken relationship isn't mended by the efforts of the one who broke it. Restoration has to begin from God's side.

That's why the Bible says that we are saved by grace through faith, and that this is not from ourselves or from our works, but is the gift of God (Ephesians 2:8-9). And right after that, it says we were created "for good works" (Ephesians 2:10). Good works are not the price of salvation; they are the path that saved people walk. The order must not be reversed.

Think further What have you thought you could hold out to God so that He would accept you?

Narration script

Can trying harder fix it? Becoming more honest and more kind is good, and the Bible values good works too. But just as living responsibly from now on doesn't make a debt you already owe disappear, good deeds can't erase sins already committed or mend our broken relationship with God on our own. Restoration has to begin from God's side. The Bible says that salvation is God's gift, received by grace through faith. And it says we were created for good works. Good works are not the price of salvation; they are the path that saved people walk. What we need isn't a way to get a little better; it's salvation from sin and death.

Act 2 · Scene 5

Did God abandon people?

No. Even after the brokenness, God did not give up on people. He called Abraham and promised that through him all nations would be blessed, and He carried that promise forward through a long history. That promise leads to Jesus.

2I will make of you a great nation. I will bless you and make your name great. You will be a blessing. 3I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who treats you with contempt. All the families of the earth will be blessed through you.”

Genesis 12:2-3

Read the surrounding context · Genesis 12:1-3

1Now Yahweh said to Abram, “Leave your country, and your relatives, and your father’s house, and go to the land that I will show you. 2I will make of you a great nation. I will bless you and make your name great. You will be a blessing. 3I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who treats you with contempt. All the families of the earth will be blessed through you.”

7How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news, who proclaims salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns!”

Isaiah 52:7

More scripture (2) · Isaiah 40:9, Isaiah 53:5-6

9You who tell good news to Zion, go up on a high mountain. You who tell good news to Jerusalem, lift up your voice with strength! Lift it up! Don’t be afraid! Say to the cities of Judah, “Behold, your God!”

Isaiah 40:9

5But he was pierced for our transgressions. He was crushed for our iniquities. The punishment that brought our peace was on him; and by his wounds we are healed. 6All we like sheep have gone astray. Everyone has turned to his own way; and Yahweh has laid on him the iniquity of us all.

Isaiah 53:5-6

Read the surrounding context · Isaiah 53:4-6

4Surely he has borne our sickness and carried our suffering; yet we considered him plagued, struck by God, and afflicted. 5But he was pierced for our transgressions. He was crushed for our iniquities. The punishment that brought our peace was on him; and by his wounds we are healed. 6All we like sheep have gone astray. Everyone has turned to his own way; and Yahweh has laid on him the iniquity of us all.

1. Creation God made the world and people good.
2. Brokenness People turned away from God, but God promised restoration (Genesis 3:15).
3. Abraham Through you, all the families of the earth will be blessed (Genesis 12:3).
4. Exodus and the Law God rescued a people in slavery and showed them the way to live with Him.
5. David God promised that from David's descendants would come a King who would reign forever.
6. The Prophets They announced the good news "Your God reigns," and a servant who would bear the people's sins in their place (Isaiah 52-53).
7. Jesus The promised King, who is also the suffering servant, has come.

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The Bible after Genesis 3 is a story of human failure after failure, but even more it is the story of God faithfully keeping His promise. Genesis 3:15 says that the woman's offspring will crush the serpent's head. The New Testament understands this promise as fulfilled in Christ. It isn't a sentence where a first-time reader would immediately recognize Jesus, but its meaning becomes clearer and clearer as the story unfolds.

When God called Abraham, He promised that all the families of the earth would be blessed through him (Genesis 12:3). God chose one family, one people, not so that only they would be blessed, but so that blessing would flow through them to the whole world. Israel's history holds the rescue of the Exodus, the Law, kings and the temple, and repeated disobedience met by God's long patience.

The word "gospel" also comes from within this promise. Isaiah sang of how beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the one who brings good news, who announces peace, and who says to Zion, Your God reigns (Isaiah 52:7). The gospel, the good news, was originally the news that "God reigns as King." It is God's promise to set the broken world right again under His rule.

Yet the same book of Isaiah also shows how that reign will come. The prophet sang of a "suffering servant" who would bear the sins of the people in their place. He was pierced for our wrongdoing and crushed for our sins (Isaiah 53:5). The reign of the King and the suffering that bears sin in our place — these two threads meet in one person. The New Testament writers testify that these words were fulfilled in Jesus. The Old Testament is not a collection of coded predictions; it is the long story of God keeping His promise.

Think further Has there been someone who didn't give up on you and waited for you to the end? How is that like the way God treats people?

Narration script

Did God abandon people? No. Even after the brokenness, God promised restoration. He called Abraham and said that through him all the families of the earth would be blessed. The long history of Israel that follows holds rescue and law, kings and temple, and again and again, disobedience met by God's patience. Isaiah sang the good news: "Your God reigns." The word gospel originally meant the news that God rules as King. And the same Isaiah sang of a suffering servant who would carry the sins of the people, wounded because of our wrongdoing. The New Testament testifies that these promises were fulfilled in Jesus.

Act 2 · Scene 6

Who is Jesus?

In Galilee, Jesus announced that the time had come and the kingdom of God had come near, and he called people to repent and believe the good news. He is the Son of God who became human, and by his words and actions he showed that he is the long-promised King (the Messiah). But his kingdom was the reverse of the kingdoms of this world.

14Now after John was taken into custody, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the Good News of God’s Kingdom, 15and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and God’s Kingdom is at hand! Repent, and believe in the Good News.”

Mark 1:14-15

14The Word became flesh, and lived among us. We saw his glory, such glory as of the one and only Son of the Father, full of grace and truth.

John 1:14

Read the surrounding context · John 1:1-14

1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2The same was in the beginning with God. 3All things were made through him. Without him, nothing was made that has been made. 4In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness hasn’t overcome it. 6There came a man, sent from God, whose name was John. 7The same came as a witness, that he might testify about the light, that all might believe through him. 8He was not the light, but was sent that he might testify about the light. 9The true light that enlightens everyone was coming into the world. 10He was in the world, and the world was made through him, and the world didn’t recognize him. 11He came to his own, and those who were his own didn’t receive him. 12But as many as received him, to them he gave the right to become God’s children, to those who believe in his name: 13who were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. 14The Word became flesh, and lived among us. We saw his glory, such glory as of the one and only Son of the Father, full of grace and truth.

More scripture (2) · Mark 10:43-45, Matthew 5:44-45

43But it shall not be so among you, but whoever wants to become great among you shall be your servant. 44Whoever of you wants to become first among you, shall be bondservant of all. 45For the Son of Man also came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Mark 10:43-45

Read the surrounding context · Mark 10:42-45

42Jesus summoned them, and said to them, “You know that they who are recognized as rulers over the nations lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 43But it shall not be so among you, but whoever wants to become great among you shall be your servant. 44Whoever of you wants to become first among you, shall be bondservant of all. 45For the Son of Man also came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

44But I tell you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat you and persecute you, 45that you may be children of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the just and the unjust.

Matthew 5:44-45

Read the surrounding context · Matthew 5:43-45

43“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44But I tell you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat you and persecute you, 45that you may be children of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the just and the unjust.

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John's Gospel begins like this: in the beginning was the Word, the Word was with God, and the Word was God. Then it goes on to say that the Word became flesh and lived among us (John 1:1, 14). Jesus is more than a great teacher sent by God. He is God who became human and came to live among us. We did not climb up to God; God came down to us.

The first news Jesus announced was this: the time has come, the kingdom of God has come near, so repent and believe the good news (Mark 1:15). The kingdom of God is the reality of God ruling as King. Jesus was announcing that the good news Isaiah sang about, "Your God reigns," had now come near in him. Jesus healed the sick, told a man that his sins were forgiven, a forgiveness only God can give (Mark 2:5-7), and appointed twelve disciples, calling to mind the twelve tribes of Israel. By his actions he showed that the promised King had come.

But his kingdom was the reverse of the kingdoms of this world. The kings of this world order people around, but Jesus said that whoever wants to be great among you must become your servant, and that the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:43-45). Instead of hating enemies, he told us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us (Matthew 5:44).

At the table of that kingdom sat even people known as tax collectors and sinners. Jesus said that it is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick (Mark 2:17). No one had to become a decent person first in order to come to Jesus. Yet Jesus did not leave them as they were; he called them into the new life of his kingdom. The kingdom of God is not a social reform plan or a political movement that people build; it is the reign God began in Jesus.

Think further How does the idea of "a kingdom where the one who serves is great" clash with the measure of success you have known?

Narration script

Who is Jesus? Jesus announced that the time had come and the kingdom of God had come near, and he called people to repent and believe the good news. It is the news that the kingdom where God rules as King has come near in Jesus. John's Gospel says that the Word became flesh and lived among us. Jesus is the Son of God who came as a human being, and by healing the sick and forgiving sins he showed that he is the promised King. But his kingdom was the reverse of the kingdoms of this world. He said that the one who serves is great, and he told us to love our enemies. And he sat at the table with people called sinners, calling them into the new life of his kingdom.

Act 2 · Scene 7

What happened on the cross?

On the cross, Jesus bore our sins and died. The Righteous One took the place of us, the unrighteous, in order to bring us to God. He was not forced into this; in love, he gave himself freely.

8But God commends his own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 5:8

Read the surrounding context · Romans 5:6-11

6For while we were yet weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 7For one will hardly die for a righteous man. Yet perhaps for a righteous person someone would even dare to die. 8But God commends his own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we will be saved from God’s wrath through him. 10For if while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we will be saved by his life. 11Not only so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.

18Because Christ also suffered for sins once, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring you to God, being put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the Spirit,

1 Peter 3:18

More scripture (5) · 2 Corinthians 5:21, Mark 15:17-18, Mark 15:26, Mark 15:39, Mark 10:45

21For him who knew no sin he made to be sin on our behalf; so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

2 Corinthians 5:21

Read the surrounding context · 2 Corinthians 5:18-21

18But all things are of God, who reconciled us to himself through Jesus Christ, and gave to us the ministry of reconciliation; 19namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself, not reckoning to them their trespasses, and having committed to us the word of reconciliation. 20We are therefore ambassadors on behalf of Christ, as though God were entreating by us: we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 21For him who knew no sin he made to be sin on our behalf; so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

17They clothed him with purple, and weaving a crown of thorns, they put it on him. 18They began to salute him, “Hail, King of the Jews!”

Mark 15:17-18

Read the surrounding context · Mark 15:16-20

16The soldiers led him away within the court, which is the Praetorium; and they called together the whole cohort. 17They clothed him with purple, and weaving a crown of thorns, they put it on him. 18They began to salute him, “Hail, King of the Jews!” 19They struck his head with a reed, and spat on him, and bowing their knees, did homage to him. 20When they had mocked him, they took the purple off him, and put his own garments on him. They led him out to crucify him.

26The superscription of his accusation was written over him, “THE KING OF THE JEWS.”

Mark 15:26

39When the centurion, who stood by opposite him, saw that he cried out like this and breathed his last, he said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!”

Mark 15:39

Read the surrounding context · Mark 15:33-39

33When the sixth hour had come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour. 34At the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?” which is, being interpreted, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” 35Some of those who stood by, when they heard it, said, “Behold, he is calling Elijah.” 36One ran, and filling a sponge full of vinegar, put it on a reed, and gave it to him to drink, saying, “Let him be. Let’s see whether Elijah comes to take him down.” 37Jesus cried out with a loud voice, and gave up the spirit. 38The veil of the temple was torn in two from the top to the bottom. 39When the centurion, who stood by opposite him, saw that he cried out like this and breathed his last, he said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!”

45For the Son of Man also came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Mark 10:45

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God showed his own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). God did not wait for us to get better before he loved us. While we were still turning our backs on him, he acted first.

Peter explains it this way: Christ died for sins once, the righteous one in place of the unrighteous, to lead us to God (1 Peter 3:18). As we saw earlier, the result of sin was separation, death, and judgment. On the cross, Jesus carried that weight in our place. Paul says that God made the one who never knew sin to bear sin in our place, so that in him we could become God's righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21).

Don't mistake the cross for a scene of an angry Father set against a kind Son. God loved the world so much that he gave his Son (John 3:16), and Jesus laid down his life, saying he gave it up of his own accord (John 10:18). The cross is where God's justice and love are revealed together. Sin was not taken lightly, and sinners were not abandoned.

Mark's Gospel tells the road to the cross like an upside-down coronation. The soldiers dressed Jesus in purple, pressed a crown woven of thorns onto his head, and knelt in mock homage, hailing him as King of the Jews (Mark 15:17-19). On the cross hung the written charge: "The King of the Jews" (Mark 15:26). It was mockery, but Mark shows that the words were true. Here is the paradox: the place where the King took his throne was the cross. And standing before that cross, the centurion confessed that this man truly was the Son of God (Mark 15:39).

Jesus spoke of this path ahead of time: the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45). Jesus being King and Jesus bearing our sins in our place are not separate stories. This King does not conquer by force; he reigns by giving up his own life to rescue us from sin.

The cross shows that Jesus suffered for us, and it also shows that he came all the way down to where suffering people are. Even to someone who has suffered unjustly, the cross says, "God is not unaware of your pain."

Think further How does it sound to you that Christ died for us while we were still sinners?

Narration script

What happened on the cross? The Bible says that God showed his love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Earlier we saw the result of sin: separation, death, and judgment. On the cross, Jesus carried that weight in our place. The Righteous One took the place of us, the unrighteous, in order to bring us to God. He was not forced into this. God loved the world so much that he gave his Son, and Jesus said he came to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. Mark's Gospel paints this scene like an upside-down coronation: a crown of thorns, mocking homage, and the charge, "The King of the Jews." The place where the King took his throne was the cross. At the cross, sin was not taken lightly, and sinners were not abandoned.

Act 2 · Scene 8

Why can't the resurrection be left out?

Jesus died and was buried, and on the third day he rose again. The Bible presents the resurrection not as a symbol but as an event that really happened, and it testifies that many people saw the risen Jesus. The resurrection is God's declaration that death does not have the last word.

3For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 5and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. 6Then he appeared to over five hundred brothers at once, most of whom remain until now, but some have also fallen asleep.

1 Corinthians 15:3-6

Read the surrounding context · 1 Corinthians 15:1-8

1Now I declare to you, brothers, the Good News which I preached to you, which also you received, in which you also stand, 2by which also you are saved, if you hold firmly the word which I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. 3For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 5and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. 6Then he appeared to over five hundred brothers at once, most of whom remain until now, but some have also fallen asleep. 7Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, 8and last of all, as to the child born at the wrong time, he appeared to me also.

20But now Christ has been raised from the dead. He became the first fruits of those who are asleep. 21For since death came by man, the resurrection of the dead also came by man. 22For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive.

1 Corinthians 15:20-22

1. The empty tomb The women were the first to see the empty tomb.
2. Witnesses Cephas, the Twelve, and more than five hundred brothers and sisters testified that they had seen the risen Jesus.
3. The living Lord The disciples who had scattered in fear risked their lives to proclaim the resurrection.
4. The future resurrection Jesus became the first fruits. Those who believe will also be raised one day.

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Paul sums up the most important news he received like this: Christ died for our sins and was buried, and he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures; he appeared to Cephas, then to the Twelve, and then to more than five hundred brothers and sisters at one time, most of whom were still living (1 Corinthians 15:3-6). He was saying that there were witnesses still alive whom people could go and ask.

The Gospels do not hide that the tomb was empty, that women were the first to see it, or that at first even the disciples did not believe. They also record how the disciples, who had scattered in fear, were changed and risked their lives to proclaim, "Jesus is risen."

Why can't the resurrection be left out? Paul goes so far as to say that if Christ has not been raised, your faith is in vain (1 Corinthians 15:17). In the world's eyes, the cross looked like the King's crushing defeat. But by raising Jesus from the dead, God confirmed that the coronation on the cross was not a failure. The resurrection declares that sin and death did not win, and it is God's testimony that the one who hung on the cross is the true King. And this is not about Jesus alone. Christ has been raised from the dead as the first fruits of those who have died (1 Corinthians 15:20). First fruits mean that more fruit will follow. Those who believe in Jesus will also be raised one day.

Think further If death is not the last word, what might change about the fears you are holding onto today?

Narration script

Why can't the resurrection be left out? Jesus died and was buried, and on the third day he rose again. The Bible presents this not as a symbol but as a real event. The tomb was empty, and Cephas, the Twelve, and more than five hundred brothers and sisters testified that they had seen the risen Jesus. The disciples who had scattered in fear came to risk their lives to proclaim the resurrection. Paul says that if Christ had not been raised, our faith would be in vain. The cross looked like the King's defeat, but by raising Jesus, God confirmed that it was not a defeat. The resurrection is God's declaration that sin and death did not win. And Jesus became the first fruits. Those who believe will also be raised one day.

Act 2 · Scene 9

So, the gospel is

Jesus, the Son of God, came as the promised King, died on the cross for our sins, rose again on the third day, and now reigns as Lord of the whole world, that is, as King. Those who believe this news are saved by grace.

3For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,

1 Corinthians 15:3-4

Read the surrounding context · 1 Corinthians 15:1-4

1Now I declare to you, brothers, the Good News which I preached to you, which also you received, in which you also stand, 2by which also you are saved, if you hold firmly the word which I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. 3For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,

9that if you will confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

Romans 10:9

Read the surrounding context · Romans 10:9-10

9that if you will confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10For with the heart, one believes resulting in righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made resulting in salvation.

1. ComingThe Son of God became human and came to live among us.
2. CrossHe bore our sins in our place and died.
3. ResurrectionHe rose again on the third day and conquered death.
4. LordshipJesus is King. He reigns as the living Lord and calls us to faith and new life.

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Gathered onto one screen, the story so far looks like this. God made people good. People turned away from God, and the result was separation, death, and judgment. We could not solve that problem on our own. Just as he had promised, God sent his Son Jesus, who bore our sins in our place, died, and rose again.

Paul called this the gospel that you received, in which you stand, and through which you are saved (1 Corinthians 15:1-2). And he tells us how to respond: if you openly confess that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved (Romans 10:9).

To confess him as Lord is to declare, "Jesus is King." The gospel holds two things together: the news that Jesus bore our sins in our place and rescued us from sin and death, and the news that this same Jesus has begun to reign as King of the kingdom of God. Neither one replaces the other. The one who died for us is our King, and the one who is our King died for us.

So the gospel is not just information to know and be done with; it is a call about whom you will trust and follow.

Think further Of these four, which feels hardest to believe? It's all right to hold onto that question and keep exploring.

Narration script

So what is the gospel? Jesus, the Son of God, came as the promised King. He died on the cross for our sins. He rose again on the third day. And now he reigns as the living Lord, that is, as King. The one who died for us is our King. The Bible says that if you openly confess that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. The gospel is not information to know and be done with; it is a call about whom you will trust and follow.

Act 3 · Scene 10

How do we receive grace?

Grace is not a reward earned by work but a gift given freely. A gift is received by faith, that is, by trusting the one who gives it. Even faith is not a merit we have earned.

8for by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9not of works, that no one would boast.

Ephesians 2:8-9

12But as many as received him, to them he gave the right to become God’s children, to those who believe in his name:

John 1:12

Read the surrounding context · John 1:11-13

11He came to his own, and those who were his own didn’t receive him. 12But as many as received him, to them he gave the right to become God’s children, to those who believe in his name: 13who were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

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A paycheck is what you earn for your work; a gift is received because of the giver's heart, whether or not you deserve it. The Bible says salvation is not a paycheck but a gift. It does not come from us; it is the gift of God, not the result of works, so that no one can boast (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Just as you hold out your hands to receive a gift, grace is received by faith. John's Gospel says that to all who received him, those who believe in his name, he gave the right to become children of God (John 1:12). To receive Jesus means to believe who he is and to welcome him into your life as Lord.

But if we think of faith as the final good deed we managed to pull off, we lose our way again. Whether our faith is big or small, or how fervent it is, is not the basis of salvation. The basis of salvation is the one we believe in: Jesus Christ and what he has done. Even a small faith is enough when the one it holds onto is sure.

Think further Have you ever received a gift you felt you didn't deserve? How did it feel?

Narration script

How do we receive grace? A paycheck is earned by work; a gift is received because of the giver's heart. The Bible says salvation is a gift. It does not come from us; it is God's gift, not the result of works. Just as you hold out your hands to receive a gift, grace is received by faith. The Bible says that to those who receive Jesus, those who believe in his name, God gave the right to become his children. Yet even faith is not a merit we have earned. The basis of salvation is not the size of our faith, but Jesus Christ, the one we believe in.

Act 3 · Scene 11

What are repentance and faith?

Repentance is not staying stuck in guilt; it is turning away from whatever you have served as king (yourself or some other idol) and turning to God, the true King. Faith is trusting and following the one who saves you, Jesus the King. Jesus called people to repent and believe the good news. He did not tell them to come only after they had become perfect.

15and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and God’s Kingdom is at hand! Repent, and believe in the Good News.”

Mark 1:15

21testifying both to Jews and to Greeks repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus.

Acts 20:21

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Guilt and repentance can look alike, but they are different. Guilt can leave us stuck in place, blaming ourselves and asking, "What is wrong with me?" Repentance is turning around from that place and going to God. In the Bible, repentance means a change of mind and direction. It is admitting that what was wrong was wrong, and turning away from that path. Think of Jesus saying that the kingdom of God has come near, so repent. Repentance is also turning away from whatever we have set on the throne of our lives, ourselves or idols like money, approval, or success, and returning to the true King.

Faith is what the one who has turned holds onto. It is relying not on our own effort but on what Jesus has done for us, and trusting and following that Jesus as King. Paul summed up what he had preached as repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 20:21). Repentance and faith go together, like two sides of a coin.

For example, imagine there is a wrong you have hidden for a long time. Holding it to yourself, afraid of being found out, is guilt. Bringing it out before God just as it is, saying, "I was wrong," and asking for forgiveness is repentance. And holding on, saying, "Jesus died for this sin, so I rely on him," is faith. If that wrong hurt someone else, repentance also leads us to consider our responsibility to make it right.

Jesus did not tell people to fix themselves first and then come. He called them to come back just as they are. But that call does not mean staying just as we are. Jesus leads those who return onto a new path.

Think further Is there anything you are holding onto alone that you haven't been able to bring before God?

Narration script

What are repentance and faith? Guilt can leave us stuck in place, blaming ourselves and asking, "What is wrong with me?" Repentance is turning around from that place and going to God. It is turning from ourselves, or whatever else we have set on the throne of our lives, back to the true King. It is bringing the wrongs we have hidden before God just as they are and asking for forgiveness. Faith is how the one who has turned relies not on their own effort but on what Jesus has done. Jesus called people to repent and believe the good news. He did not tell them to come only after they had become perfect. He calls us to come back just as we are, and he leads those who return onto a new path.

Act 3 · Scene 12

What happens to my relationship with God?

People who believe in Jesus are declared righteous before God, are reconciled to God, and become God's children. And the Holy Spirit is with them. The Bible explains this with several pictures, and no single one tells the whole story.

1Being therefore justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ;

Romans 5:1

15For you didn’t receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” 16The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God;

Romans 8:15-16

More scripture (1) · Ephesians 1:13-14

13In him you also, having heard the word of the truth, the Good News of your salvation—in whom, having also believed, you were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, 14who is a pledge of our inheritance, to the redemption of God’s own possession, to the praise of his glory.

Ephesians 1:13-14

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There is the picture of a courtroom. Since we have been made right with God through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1). Being declared righteous means that God, the Judge, declares us righteous because of Christ. It isn't pretending there was never any sin; it's because the price has already been paid.

There is also the picture of a family table. You did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave to fear again, but the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry out, "Abba, Father" (Romans 8:15). We don't become servants anxiously watching our step; we become children who sit at the Father's table.

There is also the picture of walking together. The Bible says that the Holy Spirit comes to those who believe and is the guarantee of our inheritance (Ephesians 1:13-14). The Spirit testifies in our hearts that we are God's children (Romans 8:16), walks with us in everyday life, and helps us grow.

Holding on to just one picture can lead to misunderstanding. Look only at the courtroom, and the relationship can feel cold; look only at the table, and the problem of sin can seem light. When you see the three pictures together, what God has done for us comes into fuller view.

Think further When you think of God — as Judge, as Father, or as the One who walks beside you — which picture feels the most unfamiliar?

Narration script

What happens to our relationship with God? The Bible explains it with three pictures. First, the courtroom. Those who believe are declared righteous before God because of Christ, and they have peace with God. Next, the table. We become not servants watching our step, but children who call God "Abba, Father." And then, walking together. The Holy Spirit is with us, testifies that we are God's children, and helps us grow day by day. No single picture can explain it all. When we see the three together, what God has done for us comes into fuller view.

Act 3 · Scene 13

I want to believe, but I'm not sure

Assurance of salvation doesn't come from how strong your feelings are or how well you prayed. Its foundation is what Christ has done and what God has promised. Wherever you are right now, you can choose your next step from right there.

24“Most certainly I tell you, he who hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life, and doesn’t come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.

John 5:24

11The testimony is this, that God gave to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12He who has the Son has the life. He who doesn’t have God’s Son doesn’t have the life. 13These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.

1 John 5:11-13

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Jesus said that whoever hears his word and believes the One who sent him has eternal life, will not come into judgment, and has passed from death to life (John 5:24). And John wrote in his letter that he was writing to those who believe in the name of the Son of God so that they may know they have eternal life (1 John 5:13).

Feelings change like the weather. Today you may feel full of confidence, and tomorrow doubts may creep in. But that doesn't change God's promises. Assurance grows not by examining the state of your heart, but by looking to Jesus and his promises.

Choose below whichever is closest to your heart right now. Any choice is okay. What you choose is not saved anywhere.

Think further Which of these three is closest to where your heart is right now?

Narration script

Do you want to believe but feel unsure? Jesus said that whoever hears his word and believes the One who sent him has eternal life and has passed from death to life. Feelings change like the weather. Today you may feel sure, and tomorrow doubts may come. Even so, God's promises do not change. Assurance of salvation doesn't come from your feelings or from how well you prayed; it comes from what Christ has done and from God's promises. Wherever you are right now, you can choose your next step from right there.

Act 4 · Scene 14

What does new life change?

Anyone who is in Christ becomes a new creation and begins to live as a citizen of the kingdom of God. Identity and direction are made new. But that doesn't mean every problem disappears overnight. Small changes keep growing within grace.

17Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old things have passed away. Behold, all things have become new.

2 Corinthians 5:17

Read the surrounding context · 2 Corinthians 5:14-17

14For the love of Christ constrains us; because we judge thus, that one died for all, therefore all died. 15He died for all, that those who live should no longer live to themselves, but to him who for their sakes died and rose again. 16Therefore we know no one after the flesh from now on. Even though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now we know him so no more. 17Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old things have passed away. Behold, all things have become new.

10For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared before that we would walk in them.

Ephesians 2:10

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If anyone is in Christ, they are a new creation; the old has gone, and the new has come (2 Corinthians 5:17). This is a declaration that the standing of someone in Christ has fundamentally changed. I am no longer someone condemned, but someone reconciled to God; no longer someone who lives for myself, but someone who lives for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:15).

Still, it doesn't mean that the moment you believe, every habit, wound, heartache, and hardship in life vanishes. Saying so only makes people who are still struggling think, "I must not have faith," and fall apart even more. New life begins like a seed and grows. Where counseling or treatment is needed, you can keep growing while receiving that help.

Change usually shows up in small ways. Admitting a mistake you once would have hidden. Praying, even briefly, for someone you used to resent. Thinking of God once as you start your day. The Bible says we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works (Ephesians 2:10). We are a work of art that God is still shaping.

Think further What is one thing, however small, that has changed in you lately?

Narration script

What does new life change? The Bible says that anyone in Christ is a new creation. From someone condemned to someone reconciled to God, from someone living for myself to someone living for Christ — our identity and direction change. But it doesn't mean every problem disappears the moment we believe. New life begins like a seed and grows. Admitting mistakes we used to hide, praying briefly for someone we used to resent — change usually shows up in small ways. We are a work of art that God is still shaping.

Act 4 · Scene 15

What does the fruit of the Spirit look like?

In those who believe, the Holy Spirit produces the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. The fruit is not a scorecard; it is a picture of growth. It isn't something you squeeze out by your own effort — it ripens as you live by the Spirit.

22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, 23gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Galatians 5:22-23

Read the surrounding context · Galatians 5:16-25

16But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you won’t fulfill the lust of the flesh. 17For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, that you may not do the things that you desire. 18But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19Now the deeds of the flesh are obvious, which are: adultery, sexual immorality, uncleanness, lustfulness, 20idolatry, sorcery, hatred, strife, jealousies, outbursts of anger, rivalries, divisions, heresies, 21envy, murders, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these; of which I forewarn you, even as I also forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit God’s Kingdom. 22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, 23gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24Those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and lusts. 25If we live by the Spirit, let’s also walk by the Spirit.

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The people of the kingdom of God come to resemble its King. Those who follow the King who came to serve become people who serve, and those who follow the King who loved his enemies learn love instead of hatred. Because we can't do this by our own strength alone, the Holy Spirit works within us. Paul tells us to walk by the Spirit and describes the fruit this way: the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). The word "fruit" (singular) shows that these nine are not separate tasks, but qualities growing together from a single life.

The fruit must not be used as a score to judge whether someone is saved. Some days our patience runs out; some days we aren't gentle. At those times, what we need is not to grade ourselves, but to lean on the Holy Spirit again and return to God. Fruit takes time to ripen.

Tap each fruit below. We've given examples of what that fruit might look like at home, at work, and among your neighbors. They aren't right answers — just scenes to help you imagine.

Think further Of these nine, which fruit do you most want to ask God for these days?

Narration script

What does the fruit of the Spirit look like? The Bible calls love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control the fruit of the Spirit. This fruit is not a scorecard for judging salvation. Some days we may run out of patience, and some days we may not be gentle. At those times, instead of grading ourselves, we can lean on the Holy Spirit again and return to God. The fruit isn't something we squeeze out by our own effort; it ripens over time as we live by the Spirit.

Act 4 · Scene 16

Is it enough to believe on my own?

Faith is personal, but it isn't meant to be lived alone. The first believers learned the Word, shared fellowship, broke bread together, and prayed. A life of worshiping God begins within community and in the middle of ordinary days.

42They continued steadfastly in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and prayer.

Acts 2:42

Read the surrounding context · Acts 2:42-47

42They continued steadfastly in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and prayer. 43Fear came on every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 44All who believed were together, and had all things in common. 45They sold their possessions and goods, and distributed them to all, according as anyone had need. 46Day by day, continuing steadfastly with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread at home, they took their food with gladness and singleness of heart, 47praising God, and having favor with all the people. The Lord added to the assembly day by day those who were being saved.

24Let’s consider how to provoke one another to love and good works, 25not forsaking our own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

Hebrews 10:24-25

More scripture (1) · Romans 12:1-2

1Therefore I urge you, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service. 2Don’t be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God.

Romans 12:1-2

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The book of Acts describes the first church this way: they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, to fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer (Acts 2:42). They learned together, ate together, prayed together, and shared what they had with anyone in need (Acts 2:44-45). It was a fitting picture of the people of the King who came to serve. Hebrews urges us not to give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but to encourage one another (Hebrews 10:25).

If you've been hurt by a church, these words may feel heavy. They don't mean that community is always safe or perfect. Even so, faith was made to grow in relationships where people encourage and care for one another. There's no need to rush. In "Next Steps" below, we also share some guidelines for recognizing a healthy community.

Paul urges us to offer our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, which is our spiritual worship (Romans 12:1). Worship isn't just one hour on Sunday; it's the whole of daily life — working, eating, resting, and dealing with people. Living as a citizen of the kingdom of God begins less in grand things than in small acts of service: being the first to pour water for others at the table, giving credit to others at work, being the first to greet a difficult neighbor. 3s3k's morning, midday, and evening devotions are meant to support exactly that kind of everyday worship. Missing a devotion doesn't shake your salvation. It's simply a table to help you live your day in the Word.

Think further Is there even one person who comes to mind with whom you could comfortably talk about faith?

Narration script

Is it enough to believe on my own? The first believers learned the Word together, shared fellowship, broke bread together, and prayed. Faith is personal, but it isn't meant to be lived alone. For those who have been hurt by a church, this may feel heavy. It doesn't mean community is always perfect. Even so, faith was made to grow in relationships where people care for one another. And the Bible tells us to offer our bodies to God as a living sacrifice, and says this is our spiritual worship. Worship is the whole of daily life — working, eating, resting, and dealing with people.

Act 4 · Scene 17

Does suffering remain even after I believe?

Yes, it does. The Bible does not promise that believers will be spared from suffering. Instead, it promises that no suffering can separate us from the love of Christ. Even in suffering, there is hope.

18For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which will be revealed toward us.

Romans 8:18

Read the surrounding context · Romans 8:18-27

18For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which will be revealed toward us. 19For the creation waits with eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. 20For the creation was subjected to vanity, not of its own will, but because of him who subjected it, in hope 21that the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of decay into the liberty of the glory of the children of God. 22For we know that the whole creation groans and travails in pain together until now. 23Not only so, but ourselves also, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for adoption, the redemption of our body. 24For we were saved in hope, but hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for that which he sees? 25But if we hope for that which we don’t see, we wait for it with patience. 26In the same way, the Spirit also helps our weaknesses, for we don’t know how to pray as we ought. But the Spirit himself makes intercession for us with groanings which can’t be uttered. 27He who searches the hearts knows what is on the Spirit’s mind, because he makes intercession for the saints according to God.

28We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, for those who are called according to his purpose. 29For whom he foreknew, he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.

Romans 8:28-29

More scripture (1) · Romans 8:38-39

38For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from God’s love which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:38-39

Read the surrounding context · Romans 8:31-39

31What then shall we say about these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32He who didn’t spare his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how would he not also with him freely give us all things? 33Who could bring a charge against God’s chosen ones? It is God who justifies. 34Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, yes rather, who was raised from the dead, who is at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. 35Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Could oppression, or anguish, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36Even as it is written, “For your sake we are killed all day long. We were accounted as sheep for the slaughter.” 37No, in all these things, we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from God’s love which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

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Romans 8 doesn't hide "the sufferings of this present time." It says that creation groans, that we too groan inwardly, and that the Holy Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words (Romans 8:22-26). Faith isn't pretending not to hurt.

We know that for those who love God, those called according to his purpose, all things work together for good (Romans 8:28). This verse must not be read as a promise of success, that things will eventually turn out well. The very next verse tells us what that "good" is: that we would be conformed to the image of his Son (Romans 8:29). God can use even suffering to make us more like Christ.

Please don't blame illness, depression, loss, or harm someone has done to you on a lack of faith. Seeking practical help such as treatment, counseling, or legal support alongside prayer is also a form of faith. If you are in danger, please first let a safe person or organization know.

And hold on to this promise: neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:38-39).

Think further If you were to tell God honestly about the difficulty you're going through now, how would you want to begin?

Narration script

Does suffering remain even after I believe? Yes, it does. The Bible doesn't promise that believers will be spared from suffering. Rather, it says that creation, we ourselves, and the Holy Spirit groan together. Even the words that all things work together for good for those who love God are not a promise that things will go well, but a promise that God is making us like Christ. Please don't blame illness, depression, or harm you've suffered on a lack of faith. Seeking treatment, counseling, and practical help is also a form of faith. And hold on to this promise: nothing can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus.

Act 4 · Scene 18

Where is the story heading?

The Bible's story doesn't end with souls simply floating off above the clouds. God will raise the dead bodily, make heaven and earth new, and live together with people. The relationships that were broken at the beginning will be fully restored.

42So also is the resurrection of the dead. The body is sown perishable; it is raised imperishable. 43It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power. 44It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body and there is also a spiritual body.

1 Corinthians 15:42-44

Read the surrounding context · 1 Corinthians 15:42-57

42So also is the resurrection of the dead. The body is sown perishable; it is raised imperishable. 43It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power. 44It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body and there is also a spiritual body. 45So also it is written, “The first man, Adam, became a living soul.” The last Adam became a life-giving spirit. 46However that which is spiritual isn’t first, but that which is natural, then that which is spiritual. 47The first man is of the earth, made of dust. The second man is the Lord from heaven. 48As is the one made of dust, such are those who are also made of dust; and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. 49As we have borne the image of those made of dust, let’s also bear the image of the heavenly. 50Now I say this, brothers, that flesh and blood can’t inherit God’s Kingdom; neither does the perishable inherit imperishable. 51Behold, I tell you a mystery. We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, 52in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we will be changed. 53For this perishable body must become imperishable, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54But when this perishable body will have become imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then what is written will happen: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” 55“Death, where is your sting? Hades, where is your victory?” 56The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

24Then the end comes, when he will deliver up the Kingdom to God, even the Father, when he will have abolished all rule and all authority and power. 25For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. 26The last enemy that will be abolished is death.

1 Corinthians 15:24-26

Read the surrounding context · 1 Corinthians 15:24-28

24Then the end comes, when he will deliver up the Kingdom to God, even the Father, when he will have abolished all rule and all authority and power. 25For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. 26The last enemy that will be abolished is death. 27For, “He put all things in subjection under his feet.” But when he says, “All things are put in subjection”, it is evident that he is excepted who subjected all things to him. 28When all things have been subjected to him, then the Son will also himself be subjected to him who subjected all things to him, that God may be all in all.

More scripture (1) · Revelation 21:3-5

3I heard a loud voice out of heaven saying, “Behold, God’s dwelling is with people, and he will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. 4He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; neither will there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain, any more. The first things have passed away.” 5He who sits on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” He said, “Write, for these words of God are faithful and true.”

Revelation 21:3-5

Read the surrounding context · Revelation 21:1-5

1I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth have passed away, and the sea is no more. 2I saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared like a bride adorned for her husband. 3I heard a loud voice out of heaven saying, “Behold, God’s dwelling is with people, and he will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. 4He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; neither will there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain, any more. The first things have passed away.” 5He who sits on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” He said, “Write, for these words of God are faithful and true.”

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Paul compares the resurrection body to a seed. What is sown perishable is raised imperishable; what is sown in dishonor is raised in glory; what is sown in weakness is raised in power (1 Corinthians 15:42-43). And at last he cries out, asking death where its victory is (1 Corinthians 15:55). Death may seem to have won, but it is not the final victor.

That day is the day the King's reign is made complete. Paul says that Christ must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet, and that the last enemy to be destroyed is death (1 Corinthians 15:25-26). The kingdom of God that has already begun now will, on that day, be revealed openly to the whole world.

The final scene of Revelation is a new heaven and a new earth. God's dwelling is with people, and he will live with them (Revelation 21:3). God will wipe away every tear, and there will be no more death, mourning, or pain (Revelation 21:4). This scene is pictured not so much as people going up to God, but as God coming down to live with people. The garden at the beginning of the story, where God was with people, is brought to an even greater completion.

Think back to the four relationships that were broken in the first scene: with God, with yourself, with your neighbors, and with the world. In the new creation, all of those relationships will be fully restored. So the Christian hope is not to abandon and leave this world, but to wait for the world God will make new — and to begin living that kingdom today.

Think further When you imagine the day every tear is wiped away, whose face comes to mind first?

Narration script

Where is the story heading? The Bible's story doesn't end with souls simply floating off above the clouds. That day is the day the King's reign is made complete. Even death, the last enemy, will be destroyed; God will raise the dead bodily and make heaven and earth new. Revelation says that God's dwelling will be with people, that God will wipe every tear from their eyes, and that there will be no more death, mourning, or pain. The relationships broken at the beginning — with God, with ourselves, with our neighbors, and with the world — will be fully restored. So the Christian hope is not to leave the world behind, but to wait for the world God will make new, and to begin living that kingdom today.