Here is a full, clear, structured timeline showing how the relationship between God and Man unfolds in the Bible:
Timeline of the Relationship Between God and Man (According to the Bible)
Creation (Genesis 1–2)
God creates the heavens, earth, animals, and mankind.
Man is made in God’s image to know Him, walk with Him, and rule over creation under His authority.
Relationship: Perfect fellowship — no sin, no separation.
The Fall (Genesis 3)
Adam and Eve disobey God by eating the forbidden fruit.
Sin enters the world; death and suffering begin.
Humanity is separated from God spiritually.
Relationship: Broken by man’s rebellion — fear, shame, and exile from Eden.
Early Humanity and Judgment (Genesis 4–11)
Cain murders Abel; violence and corruption spread.
God sends a worldwide flood (Noah’s Ark) but saves Noah’s family.
Humanity again rebels (Tower of Babel); God scatters languages.
Relationship: God preserves a remnant but man’s general tendency is toward sin.
The Covenant with Abraham (Genesis 12–50)
God calls Abraham, promising his descendants land, and revealing that “through you all nations will be blessed” (pointing toward a future Redeemer, the Messiah).
Abraham, Isaac, Jacob (Israel), and Joseph: the patriarchs.
Relationship: God initiates a covenant of blessing through faith.
The Nation of Israel (Exodus–Deuteronomy)
God delivers Israel from slavery in Egypt through Moses.
At Mount Sinai, God gives the Law to teach them how to live as His people.
Relationship: Covenant based on obedience; blessings for faithfulness, curses for rebellion.
The Promised Land and the Judges (Joshua–1 Samuel)
Israel enters Canaan but repeatedly sins.
God raises up judges to rescue them after periods of sin and oppression.
Relationship: Cyclical — sin → punishment → repentance → deliverance.
The Kings and the Prophets (1 Samuel–2 Kings)
Israel demands a king; Saul, then David, then Solomon.
David receives a promise (the Davidic Covenant) that his throne will endure forever.
Most kings after David lead Israel into idolatry and sin.
Prophets (like Isaiah, Jeremiah) call people back to God and predict future redemption.
Relationship: Tense; God is patient but warns of judgment.
Exile and Return (2 Kings–Nehemiah)
Israel (Northern Kingdom) and Judah (Southern Kingdom) are conquered.
Israel deported to Assyria.
Judah exiled to Babylon due to unfaithfulness.
A remnant returns to rebuild Jerusalem and the Temple.
Relationship: God disciplines but preserves His covenant people.
The Coming of the Messiah (Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John)
Jesus Christ is born as Messiah and Savior, fulfills the prophecies.
Jesus teaches, heals, and reveals the message of salvation by grace and faith.
Jesus dies on the cross to atone for the sins of all who believe in HIm.
Jesus rises bodily from the grave, Jesus ascends to heaven, promises to return.
Relationship: God initiates a new covenant of grace, accessible by faith in Jesus.
The Church and the New Covenant (Acts–Jude)
Jesus’ followers spread the Gospel throughout the world.
The Holy Spirit dwells within believers, transforming lives from the inside out.
Relationship: Restored spiritually now; living by faith through grace.
The Final Restoration (Revelation)
Jesus will return to judge evil and establish a new heaven and new earth.
God will dwell with redeemed humanity forever.
There will be no more sin, suffering, or death.
Relationship: Perfect, eternal fellowship — fully restored.
Timeline Summary Chart
Creation – Eden (Genesis 1–2) Perfect fellowship
Fall – Sin enters (Genesis 3) Broken, separated
Early Humanity – Flood, Babel (Genesis 4–11) Preserved remnant
Covenant with Abraham – Chosen people (Genesis 12–50) Covenant promise
Nation of Israel – Exodus, Sinai Law Obedience expected
Kings and Prophets – Israel’s monarchy and fall Cycles of faith and rebellion
Exile and Return – Babylonian captivity Discipline, hope
Coming of the Messiah – Life, death, resurrection Redemption offered
The Church – New Covenant spread Restored spiritually by faith
Final Restoration – New Heaven and Earth Full, eternal fellowship
Key Themes Throughout
God initiates — always God reaching out first.
Man rebels — consistently choosing self over God.
God redeems — through covenants, sacrifices, and ultimately Christ.
God restores — a future where sin and death are defeated.