The Bible's Big Picture is rarely mentioned and possibly not even known by many.
So what is it?
For in him (God's Son) all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.
... and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.
[Colossians 1 : 16, 20 NIV]
The Big Picture in one sentence: God, through His Son, Jesus Christ, created the universe and will eventually live in harmony with it for ever.
This means that everything that happens between the beginning (creation) and the end (reconciliation) must be contributing to that end result - even bad things like sin and death.
This idea was expressed by the young Indian manager in the movie The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel in his response to complaints about deficiencies in the hotel's amenities, "Everything will be all right in the end. So if it's not all right, then it is not yet the end."
The key players in God's grand plan are named Adam - the first Adam and the last Adam.
The first man Adam became a living being; the last Adam, a life-giving spirit.
[1 Corinthians 15 : 45 NIV]
As such, each had a major role to play.
For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man.
For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.
[1 Corinthians 15 : 21 - 22 NIV]
So in all our reading of the Scriptures, in all our observation of what's happening in the world around us, it is important to keep in mind:
God created the heavens and earth and is going to live in joyful harmony with all of it in the end;
The first Adam brought death into the world and the last Adam brings life into it.
"Everything will be all right in the end. So if it's not all right, then it is not yet the end."
Let's also not be tempted to think God's grand plan is going to fail because something seems to have gone terrible wrong.
God is in charge of His universe, so will complete His project.
He assures us:
I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come.
I say, 'My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.'
From the east I summon a bird of prey; from a far-off land, a man to fulfill my purpose.
What I have said, that I will bring about; what I have planned, that I will do.
[Isaiah 46 : 10 - 11 NIV]
One of the most tragic experiences for a believer is see a close friend or a member of the family die without knowing the Lord.
We need to remember that "is not yet the end".
Sure we would have preferred that person to have known the Lord and have been part of the kingdom in the next age, and we probably worked and prayed for that to happen.
But at the end of the ages, through judgement at the GWT and refining in the LOF, everyone will be reconciled to God and enjoy eternity in harmony with Him.
Let's be assured that believers are just the firstfruits of the crop, and the main harvest is still to come.
If
For he (Christ) must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet.
[1 Corinthians 15 : 25 NIV]
and
The last enemy to be destroyed is death.
[1 Corinthians 15 : 26 NIV],
then
there will only be life remaining - which can be also be expressed this way:
For God has bound everyone over to disobedience so that he may have mercy on them all.
[Romans 11 : 32 NIV]
In brief, let's always keep the Big Picture in view.
Trusting God is in control and will complete His grand plan for His creation gives us peace now and hope for the future.
Blessings, Barry
