Why is this version of the Gospel story needed, and how is it different?

The first four books of the New Testament, known as the Gospels, provide separate viewpoints of Jesus’ earthly life. The differences in details and events lend great credence to their reliability as independent eyewitness accounts. And there is great value in reading and studying each separately. There’s also a certain simplicity and value in reading the combined message that includes all the details and events from the four parts. With permission from Biblica to use the NIV text, this work weaves all those details and events into a single storyline to provide a complete view of Jesus’ life, teachings, death, and resurrection.

At first glance, this book may appear thick and intimidating, but almost half is a reference document in the back that shows where every word is found in scripture. The book alone is much shorter.

Though not the first attempt at a harmony, this approach combines the following elements:

 • Only the exact words from the scriptures are used and are intertwined throughout to provide the complete account, as detailed in the reference section.

 • Fifty-nine Old Testament Prophecies are included where fulfilled in Jesus’ life. Without undertaking a lengthy study of the Old Testament, many of the ancient messianic prophecies could easily be missed. By placing them at the points fulfilled, the connection is made between the Old and New Testaments so as to leave no doubt that Jesus was the prophesied Messiah.

 • In the few areas where the four versions initially appeared to differ, diagrams helped visually analyze and reconcile them to harmony. Three are shown in the appendix, and each includes a short statement of the conclusions gleaned. 

 • Lastly (firstly?), the Introduction includes a big picture overview of Old and New Testament basic understandings generally recognized by most who accept scripture as the inerrant Word of God.

Since the words are from the Scriptures, God is clearly the author. The Bible includes numerous references to scripture being “God-breathed,” and “inspired by God” and prophet writers being “led by the Holy Spirit.” Therefore, we cannot refuse to accept those parts of scripture we may not be able to fully understand in the moment. Some might call that “Cafeteria Christianity.” As St. Augustine of Hippo said, “If you believe what you like in the Gospel, and reject what you don’t like, it is not the Gospel you believe, but yourself.”

Not all who hear these words will believe. As Paul the apostle said, “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God” (1 Corinthians 1:18).