Why Stories Point to the Gospel

C.S. Lewis famously considered "the story of Christ" to be a "true myth," recognizing that many ancient narratives resonated deeply within him, pointing towards a greater truth he hadn't yet identified. The Bible affirms this inherent witness to divine reality, stating that "what can be known about God is plain" (Romans 1:19) and that "ever since the creation of the world his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made" (Romans 1:20). This means humanity possesses an innate awareness of God's existence and character, discernable through the created order itself.
From the very beginning, humanity's yearning for meaning and purpose often found expression in mythologies and narratives that contained echoes of ultimate truth. These "myths" offered frameworks for understanding the universe, morality, and the human condition, often featuring themes of divine interaction, sacrifice, and redemption. While distinct in their particulars, these stories reflected a foundational human drive to comprehend the unseen realities hinted at by the visible world. This collective search across cultures suggests a universal, pre-conceptual exposure to spiritual truths, preparing the ground for a more complete revelation.
The "true myth" of Christ then comes not as an entirely foreign concept, but as the fulfillment and ultimate reality toward which all such prior longings and stories dimly pointed. "The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world" (John 1:9), meaning an inherent capacity for spiritual understanding is present in all people. The gospel is not merely another story among many; it is the definitive story that provides the coherent meaning to all the fragmented echoes found in human experience and tradition. This understanding encourages us to see divine presence and preparation even in unexpected cultural expressions, affirming that God has been making himself known throughout history, orchestrating the human heart to recognize truth when it finally arrives in its fullness.