God does not change, but his purposes unfold – this is what creates linear history.

The Bible does not tell its story the way we tell history. It is theological.

When we say that the Bible is 'theological,' we mean that it tells its story in a way that emphasises the significance of events from a religious or spiritual perspective, rather than just presenting historical facts.

We must be cautious about defending the Bible according to modern notions of factuality. The Bible gives us facts, but it selects facts according to significance and presents a pattern of events that might clash with what a secular historian might come up with. All records of history do this.

The Bible is true in that it highlights what is most important in history for us all.

As Christians, we’ve been given the greatest story ever told and been invited to be a part of it. But is that how we view, read and apply our reading of the Bible? What difference then does it make to understand the Christian faith as a story?

Reading the Bible as a grand narrative or ‘story’ rather than merely a system of theological ideas and values is crucial for understanding its overarching message and the continuity of God's plan throughout history.

Every worldview, whether religious, philosophical, or secular, is essentially a narrative or ‘story’ that people accept on faith. These stories provide a framework for understanding the world, guiding our reasoning and interpretation of life events. For example, a Christian worldview is based on the biblical story of creation, fall, redemption, and restoration. This story shapes how Christians understand their purpose, morality, and destiny. Similarly, a secular humanist might base their worldview on the narrative of human progress and rationality, believing in the power of science and reason to improve the human condition. These stories, although often unacknowledged, influence our values, decisions, and actions. So how do we go about authenticating the truth of a 'story' or meta-narrative? Ultimately, the authenticity of a meta-narrative can only be validated by living it out.