Explore Bible Topics
A beginner-friendly guide to the major events and themes of Scripture. Choose a topic to read a short summary, then follow the link to learn more.
NOTE: This website uses KJV for Bible quotations because it is in the Public Domain and is not subject to copyright limitations as are NKJV, ESV, and NIV. Please read using the translation of your choice.
Expore the Foundations of the Bible
Old Testament
The story of creation, God’s covenant with his people, and the nation of Israel.
Creation
The opening verse in the Bible is Genesis 1:1 and it says “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth”. God created the earth and everything on it in 6 actual days and rested on the seventh.
Man’s Fall in Eden
Adam and Eve lived in harmony with God in the Garden of Eden until they ate the forbidden fruit. Their disobedience brought sin and death into the world and set the stage for God’s promise of a Redeemer.
The Flood
As human wickedness spread, God sent a worldwide flood. Noah, his family, and the animals were saved in the ark, and God promised never again to destroy the earth by water, sealing it with the rainbow.
The Abrahamic Covenant
God called Abraham to leave his homeland and promised him a land, countless descendants, and a blessing for all nations. This covenant is the foundation of Israel’s story and of God’s plan of salvation.
The Exodus
God freed the Israelites from slavery in Egypt through Moses, the ten plagues, and the parting of the Red Sea. At Mount Sinai he gave them the Law and made them his covenant people.
The Kings of Israel
Israel asked for a king and God gave them Saul, then David, then Solomon. After Solomon the kingdom divided, and a long line of kings led the people either toward or away from God.
The 12 Tribes of Israel
Jacob’s twelve sons became the twelve tribes of Israel. Each tribe received its own land and role, and together they formed the nation through which God worked out his purposes.
King David
David was the shepherd boy from Bethlehem whom God chose to be Israel’s second king. He faced Goliath, wrote many of the Psalms, made Jerusalem his capital, and received God’s promise of a throne that would last for ever, a promise kept in Jesus Christ, the Son of David.
New Testament
The life and work of Jesus, the birth of the church, and the hope of his return.
Jesus’ Ministry
Jesus taught, healed the sick, and called twelve disciples. Through parables, miracles, and the Sermon on the Mount, he proclaimed the Kingdom of God and revealed who he is.
The 12 Disciples
Jesus chose 12 men to follow Him and and become His primary teachers of the Gospel message.
The Crucifixion
Jesus was arrested, tried, and crucified under Pontius Pilate. Christians believe he died to pay for the sin of the world and rose again on the third day, defeating death.
The Church Is Created
At Pentecost the Holy Spirit came upon Jesus’ followers, and the church was born. The book of Acts tells how the message spread from Jerusalem to the wider world.
Jesus Returning
The New Testament promises that Jesus will return in glory to judge the living and the dead and to make all things new. Believers are called to live faithfully and watchfully until that day.
Key Christian Terms
Plain-language explanations of the Bible’s big words: what each one means, an everyday picture of it, the key verses, and how it fits with the others.
Righteousness
Being right with God: a gift received through Jesus, not earned, that then grows into the way we live.
Justification
God’s verdict of “not guilty” for everyone who trusts in Jesus, because He paid the penalty in our place.
Salvation
God’s rescue from sin and its penalty, and the gift of new life with Him, now and forever.
Grace
God’s free, undeserved kindness: His love, forgiveness and help given to people who have earned none of it.
Repentance
Changing your mind and turning around: turning away from sin and back to God, who is waiting with open arms.
Born Again
Receiving new life from God: the Holy Spirit makes a person new on the inside, a fresh start that only God can give.
Redemption
Being bought back and set free: Jesus paid the price with his own life to free us from sin and make us God’s own.
Faith
Trusting God: believing what He says is true and relying on Jesus to keep His promises.
Atonement
How Jesus’ death deals with our sin, so that people separated from God can be made one with Him again.
Covenant
A binding agreement: God committing Himself to His people with promises He will never break, leading to the new covenant in Jesus.
Sanctification
Being set apart for God and then, day by day, being made more like Jesus by the Holy Spirit.
Incarnation
God the Son became a real human being, Jesus of Nazareth, without ever ceasing to be God.
Trinity
One God who exists eternally as three persons, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, in perfect love.