Arguments abound over what makes a perfect story. Is it the characters—mysterious heroes and sinister villains? What about an engaging plot with intense conflict? Perhaps the unique settings and compelling themes make the story. While all those elements are important, they are worthless without a purpose. A story without a purpose is not worth telling, or hearing.

The creation account is just one element in the larger “story” God explains in His Word, a story with a definite purpose. God wrote the script, created the characters, and designed the plot. He even made the theatre and outfitted the stage for the unfolding drama. The story is called Redemption, and it’s the grand design of the universe. Here’s how John explains it . . .