“Remember the former things long past, for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is no one like Me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things which have not been done, saying, “My plan will be established, and I will accomplish all My good pleasure”; calling a bird of prey from the east, the man of My purpose from a distant country. Truly I have spoken; truly I will bring it to pass. I have planned it, I will certainly do it.” (Isaiah 46:9-11)
There are two main, generally stated meta-narratives undergirding the beliefs of students of the Bible. The first narrative posits that God orchestrated everything, possesses everything, remains unchanging, does not depend on us, is not indebted to us, is flawless, and that His ultimate goal is His own glory. However, God in this narrative, did obligate Himself by oath (Hebrews 6:18) to humans, in Christ. God has fully communicated that.
The alternative narrative proposes that God created everything, yet was subsequently surprised by the fall of humanity and made adjustments to the plan; that He owns all things, yet requires the freewill consent of humans; that He is accountable by His oath to all, but disappoints many; that He has saving love for all, but cannot override free will choices; and that the ultimate purpose of God is potential for human salvation.
The first narrative necessitates Divine intervention. "If any man be in Christ he is a new creation." (2 Cor. 5:17) The second narrative relies on pride to re-write the narrative provided by God in a way that is less challenging to the delicate sensitivities offended or shocked that God's Story is for His Glory, and not theirs. Frankly, everyone is shocked and offended by that because of sin. Sin though, does not make truth less true.
