Biblical Worldview

Monotheist – Trinitarian – Christian

The common knowledge definition of the term religion could typically be summed up as “The practice of observing ritual and ceremony as part of ascribing worship or recognition of a deity.” This is the what the average person means when they ask if a person is “religious”. However, the Bible not only defines but differentiates “true” religion from “false” religion in the book of James:

• James 1:26-27 “If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless. Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.” (NKJV)

As the Bible is clearly theist, it is more specifically monotheist:

• One God “Hear, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord is one!” – Deut 6:4

Not only does the Bible communicate a monotheistic God, even more specifically it communicates a Triune (not unitarian) monotheistic God: One God in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Jesus Is God:

• Old Testament: “For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. – Isa 9:6
• New Testament: “For by Him (Jesus) all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him.” – Col 1:16

The Holy Spirit is God:

• “But Peter said, ‘Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back some of the price of the land? While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not 1under your control? Why is it that you have conceived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.” – Acts 5:3-4

The God of the Bible preached by Moses, the prophets and the Apostles possesses the following unique attributes:

He is Triune:

• “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name (singlular) of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit” – Mat 28:19

He is eternal:

• “Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. – 1 Tim 1:17 (NASB)

He possesses divine intellect, will and emotion:

• “Come now, and let us reason together,” Says the Lord, “Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool.” – Isaiah 1:18 (NKJV)

He is fully good and the very source of all that is good:

• “This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all.” – 1 John 1:5 (NASB); “Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.” – James 1:16-17 (NASB)

He is eternally unchanging:

• See James 1:17 above, also
• Hebrews 13:8 “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, and forever.” (NASB)

He alone possesses aseity – He is a necessary being which transcends His own creation and is fully distinct from it. This is the answer to the atheist who attempts to ask, “If all things have a beginning, who created God?” –

• “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’” – Isaiah 46:9-10 (NASB);
• “The God who made the world and everything that is in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made by hands; nor is He served by human hands, as though He needed anything, since He Himself gives to all people life and breath and all things; and He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation, that they would seek God, if perhaps they might feel around for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; for in Him we live and move and exist, as even some of your own poets have said, ‘For we also are His descendants.’ Therefore, since we are the descendants of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by human skill and thought.” – Acts 17:24-29 (NASB)

The Bible communicates an exclusivity of approach and relationship to those who come through Jesus Christ the Son of God and 2nd person of the Trinity:

Access to Him is exclusively through Christ His Son:

• “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” – John 14:6

Political Philosophy: Contrary to popular belief among many of the conservative Christian churches in America, the Bible does not advocate a militant revolutionary philosophy of politics where Christians are somehow called to “take up arms against tyranny and defend liberty”. This is rebellion and in 1 Samuel 15:23, the Lord refers to this mindset as the sin of witchcraft. This neo-conservative/pro revolutionary philosophy is more in keeping with a militaristic populism which is decidedly unbiblical.

The political philosophy as communicated in the Bible is more closely compared to that of pacifism whereby believers are commanded to obey local and national authorities in so far as they they contradict the commands of God in Scripture

• Acts 5:27-29 “And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest asked them, saying, “Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this name? And look, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this Man’s blood on us!” But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: “We ought to obey God rather than men.” (NKJV)

And the paying of taxes (even oppressive ones) as communicated by the state:

• Rom 13:1-7 Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves…Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same… But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake. For because of this you also pay taxes…Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor.
• Mat 22:21 “15 Then the Pharisees went and plotted how they might entangle Him in His talk. And they sent to Him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that You are true, and teach the way of God in truth; nor do You care about anyone, for You do not regard the person of men. Tell us, therefore, what do You think? Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, “Why do you test Me, you hypocrites? Show Me the tax money.” So they brought Him a denarius. And He said to them, “Whose image and inscription is this?” They said to Him, “Caesar’s.” And He said to them, “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”

Political Ascension/Descension : The Biblical worldview of world (and local) leadership is that of a sovereign appointment by the God of the Bible. He appoints one and removes another, he appoints evil leaders as judgement over a disobedient people and godly leaders as a blessing of grace to a disobedient people (there is no people group that is “obedient” to God but all are in rebellion toward him apart from believers who have repented and trusted in Jesus for the forgiveness of their sins.

• I Sam 2:6-8 “‘The Lord kills and makes alive; He brings down to the grave and brings up. The Lord makes poor and makes rich; He brings low and lifts up. He raises the poor from the dust And lifts the beggar from the ash heap, To set them among princes And make them inherit the throne of glory.” (NKJV)
• Psalm 75:6-8 “For exaltation comes neither from the east Nor from the west nor from the south. But God is the Judge: He puts down one, And exalts another. For in the hand of the Lord there is a cup, And the wine is red; It is fully mixed, and He pours it out; Surely its dregs shall all the wicked of the earth Drain and drink down.
• Dan 2:20-22 – “‘Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, For wisdom and might are His. And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise And knowledge to those who have understanding. He reveals deep and secret things; He knows what is in the darkness, And light dwells with Him.'” (NKJV)

Economic Politics:

(Stewardship) – The Biblical worldview is in direct opposition to socialism and communism with regards to stewardship of funds. The Bible communicates the need to give to those in need as opposed to socialism and communism which dictate that the people give only to the state who will then redistribute this to those in need. The problem here is that all of mankind is corrupt (Romans 3:10-12,Psalm 14:1-3,Psalm 53:1-3) socialist and communist governments have consistently failed to distribute their compulsory funding to those in need causing runaway poverty in those nations.

Biblical stewardship – care for the poor and widows (I Timothy 5:1-16) but first and foremost to care for those in the church:

• Gal 6:9-10 “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.”

Biblical meritocracy: The Biblical worldview of meritocracy is in direct opposition to the socialist worldview of entitlement in that the Bible teaches that if a man does not work, neither does he eat.

• 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12 “For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies. Now those who are such we command and exhort through our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness and eat their own bread.

Biblical private ownership is also in opposition to socialism and communism which dictates governmental ownership of most or all and severely limited private ownership or no private ownership at all for :

• Rom 13:8-10 “Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet,” and any other commandment, are summed up in this word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.”

“YOU SHALL NOT STEAL, YOU SHALL NOT COVET,” socialism and communism are based on coveting a neighbour’s possessions and wealth and then commissioning the government to take those possessions and wealth by way of taxes (steal them) and then redistribute the possessions and wealth among the community. The problem here is that while the communist and socialist governments have been very good at taking these possessions and the wealth from the what was once considered the “middle class” and rich, these governmental systems are really bad at actually redistributing these to the lower class or those in need. This is why most communist and socialist leaders are multi millionaires while their citizenry languishes in squalor.

Biblical Teleology (Meaning and Purpose of Life)

James 1:17 “All good things come down to us from the Father of lights.”

Although there are many “theist” world views, some of which we have covered already, there is only one theistic worldview which possesses a perfect internal consistency within itself and an external consistency with the world in which it operates and that is the historical Biblical Christian faith.

To the biblical Christian, there is a full and complete purpose and meaning to the lives we live which was given to us at the point of turning from our sins and turning to the Lord Jesus Christ in faith for the forgiveness of those sins.

Our eyes are opened to the fact that God created man and woman, Adam and Eve, to be perfect in existence and in perfect fellowship with Himself in order to bring glory to the only One who is truly worthy of all glory. The One from whom all good things come to us: food, drink, friendship, laughter, satisfaction, fulfillment, family, etc.

However, due to the fall of mankind through the sin of Adam, we lost that purpose and meaning through our own sinful thoughts, words and deeds. Our hearts were darkened and our spirits dead to God without hope. But by the grace of God, the good news of the Messiah, Jesus Christ was preached to us. We realized that if we turned from our sin and subsequently turned to Jesus the Son of God, we could have full forgiveness of our sins and be restored to fellowship with God; walking our daily life with Him and hearing from Him in His word, the Bible.

• Fear God and obey Him is the duty of ALL mankind
  Ecclesiastes 12:13-14
  “Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.”
• Know the One true God and His only begotten Son
  John 17:3
  “Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.”
• Live a Repentant Life: Dying to self-centered living while living to other-centered living in Christ Jesus:
  Romans 12:1
  “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”
  Romans 14:8
  “If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.”
• Created for Good works – divinely prepared for us before we were born
  Ephesians 2:10
  New King James Version
  10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
• Do justly, love mercy and walk humbly with the One true God
  Micah 6:8 – He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?
• It is here that we discover that the chief purpose and meaning of life is to glorify God the Creator and enjoy Him forever.

This purpose and fulfillment is available to all of mankind, male, female, young and old. The Bible says in Romans 10:12-13 ” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

This “calling upon” means a cry of mercy for our sins and forgiveness for our eternal trespasses.

Biblical Methodology:

A Biblical methodology might be closest to a form of hierarchicalism whereby living starts with a right relationship to God which then enlightens the highest authority in our life, His word the Bible which then is used to achieve a correct and renewed mind:

• Heb 12:2,5 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
• 2 Corinthians 10:5 We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.” (NKJV)
  

The hierarchical structure can be summed up as follows:

1. Right relationship to God

|

2. The Bible

|

3. Our Mind (consisting of intellect, will and emotion)

|

3a. Our Intellect

|

3b. Our Emotions

|

3c. Our active will (methods)

The Biblical worldview also includes a bit of opportunism (quickness to grasp favorable opportunities and to modify one’s conduct or policy in accordance with them) in the methodological world view:

• Eph 5:15-16 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

And also a moderate form of altruism in that we are asked to “lay down our life for a friend” which benefits them but may be costly for us which emulates what Jesus did for believers on the cross:

• John 15:13 “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”

There is also necessary preconditionalism in the Biblical worldview in that the relationship to God must first start with the pre-existing condition of faith.

• Heb 11:6 “But without faith it is impossible to please God, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

This preconditionalism of faith then drives a daily life of faith and prayerfulness by the believer:

• Phil 4:6 “Be anxious in nothing but in everything with prayer and supplications let your requests be known to God.

• Romans 1:17 “For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.”

• Galatians 3:11 “But that no one is justified by the law in the sight of God is evident, for “the just shall live by faith.”

• Hebrews 10:38 Now the just shall live by faith; But if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him.”

Biblical Futurology:

The Bible contains both a holistic futurology – all things either end in complete destruction or go on for eternity. This ultimate destiny follows a systemic futurology whereby the systems of the universe, seen and unseen, heavens and earthly life have differentiated destinies. The current earth and heavens will pass away with the earth and all that is in it destroyed by fire by God’s judgement:

• 2 Pet 3:5-7 “For this they willfully forget: that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of water and in the water, by which the world that then existed perished, being flooded with water. But the heavens and the earth which are now preserved by the same word, are reserved for fire until the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.” (NKJV)

The only creatures not annihilated with fire are those destined for eternity which are humanity and the angelic spirits (both good and evil). These creatures will spend eternity either present with the Lord in righteousness peace and joy or separated from Him in agony, regret and torment.

• Rev 20:11-15 “Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.” (NKJV)

Biblical Ethics / Morality
The Bible demonstrates a form of Moral Absolutism – The Law Above All:

The Bible teaches that God’s moral law is absolute and no other entity takes greater precedence or priority in consideration. This would include cultural norms which seek to gain priority over the God’s moral law. This includes worldwide, national and civic legislation (cf book of Acts)

• Acts 5:27-29 “And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest asked them, saying, “Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this name? And look, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this Man’s blood on us!” But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: “We ought to obey God rather than men.” (NKJV)

The Bible also makes the claim that God’s moral law is summed up in loving God and loving our neighbour:

• Math 22:36-40 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” And He (Jesus) said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’This is the great and foremost commandment. And the second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang the whole Law and the Prophets.” (LSB)

The Biblical worldview would also express moral universalism – The Law For All:

The Bible declares that all of mankind (believer and unbeliever) have God’s moral law written on their hearts and are responsible for it:

• Rom 1:18-21 “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.” (NKJV)
• Acts 17:24-30 “God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands. Nor is He worshiped with men’s hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives to all life, breath, and all things. And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their pre-appointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings, so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; for in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are also His offspring.’ Therefore, since we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, something shaped by art and man’s devising. Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, 31 because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead.” (NKJV)
• Rom 5:12-14 “Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all mankind, because all sinned — for until the Law sin was in the world, but sin is not counted against anyone when there is no law. Nevertheless death reigned from Adam until Moses, even over those who had not sinned in the likeness of the violation committed by Adam, who is a type of Him who was to come.”

For at least 30 years many people (including those that call themselves ‘Christian’) have parroted the phrase “You can’t legislate morality!” But is this true? God’s moral law can be found in the 10 commandments or “decalogue” and we see several morals which are indeed legislated all around the world:

1. Thou shalt not commit murder – this is legislated – abortion is murdering a tiny human being
2. Thou shalt not steal – this is legislated – doesn’t matter the value
3. Thou shalt not bear false witness – legislated – if this is done to a police officer or in a court of law – the ramifications are steep.

Other areas of God’s moral law not found in the decalogue have been legislated as well.

• Rape – God forbids men to forcibly lie with women – this has been legislated
• Homosexuality – God forbids men to lie with other men as with a woman and women to lie with other women as with a man – this has been legislated through “Sodomy” laws all over the world (although many countries are abandoning God’s view on homosexuality in order to curry political favour.)
• Beastiality – God forbids men to lie with animals – this has been legislated.

The truth is, this moral law is written on the very hearts of all mankind and because of this, we find this moral law being legislated all over the world regardless of culture, custom or world view.

• Rom 2:12-16 ” For as many as have sinned without law will also perish without law, and as many as have sinned in the law will be judged by the law (for not the hearers of the law are just in the sight of God, but the doers of the law will be justified; for when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things in the law, these, although not having the law, are a law to themselves, who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them) 16 in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel.”

The biblical worldview on morality declares that all men violate God’s moral law which results in a complete and total separation from Him and if we die in this fallen moral state, we receive the wages for our violations (sin) which is eternal separation from God (hell). However, the Bible also communicates the way out of this detrimental predicament through faith in Jesus for the forgiveness of our moral failures. Jesus, the Son of God was and is morally perfect and by trusting in Him to save us we have this righteousness of Christ applied to our account positionally:

• 2 Corinthians 5:21 “He made Him who knew no sin to be sin in our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” (NASB)

Our response to this free gift from God is a life of repentance and faith where we forsake our own moral code or worldview and have a changed mind to take up His prescribed moral worldview found in the Bible:

• Philippians 2:5-15 “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,” (NKJV)

Epistemology: EPISTEMOLOGY:
Epistemology is that aspect of our worldview which pertains to knowledge and justified belief and how we acquire them. This acquisition is either before sensory experience (a priori) or after sensory experience (a posteriori). Our epistemology communicates how we perceive and process information and differentiate between truth and falsehood.
For instance, do you believe that some beliefs are properly basic e.g. the knowledge of God? Or are you one to believe that personal beliefs are constructed from a web of many other beliefs? Let’s take a quick look at the epistemology which is communicated by the truth of scripture.
The Bible reveals that we can know something via a combination of both innatism (mind is born with already-formed ideas, knowledge, and beliefs) and revelation (knowledge and truth are illuminated to us, thereby making us aware of them) The bible states that we are born with a level of internal knowledge which God Himself has put there by way of the “conscience” while additional knowledge and truth are revealed to us in both a general and a divine sense:

• “The secret things belong unto the Lord our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law. – Deut 29:29 (KJV)

General revelation:

• “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. – Rom 1:18-20

Divine revelation:

• “Seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. – 2 Pet 1:3
• All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. – 2 Tim 3:16

As for truth, the God of the Bible is Himself the God of truth

• John 4:23-24 “But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” (NKJV)

All moral and ethical truth is God’s truth:

• Deuteronomy 32:3-4 “For I proclaim the name of the Lord: Ascribe greatness to our God. He is the Rock, His work is perfect;
  For all His ways are justice. A God of truth and without injustice; Righteous and upright is He.” (NKJV)
• Psalm 33:4-5 “For the word of the Lord is right, And all His work is done in truth. He loves righteousness and justice; The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.” (NKJV)

He also refers to Himself as the truth:

• “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.'” John 14:6

The order of knowledge and truth acquisition for the unbeliever begins with a general revelation through nature of the existence of God, then the internal witness of the truth of God’s moral law and our violation of it by way of the moral conscience. The knowledge and truth provided by these two entitites are sufficient to lead a person to seek God and thereby receive divine revelation from His word; first the revelation of righteous condemnation for one’s sin then the provision of God’s Son on the cross and finally, the prompting for a repentant faith in Jesus resulting in salvation. Take another look at the passage from Romans chapter 1:
“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. – Rom 1:18-20
If an individual chooses to reject this knowledge and truth provided by God, they are considered to be “suppressing the truth in unrighteousness” and this can have grave eternal consequences. However, if an individual arrives at a living, repentant faith in Jesus for the forgiveness of their sins, they are given a new heart and the illumination of God’s word guides them into all necessary truth and knowledge thereafter which we see in the passage from 2 Timothy 3:16 above and from the following Psalm.

• Psalm 119:104-105 “From Your precepts I get understanding; Therefore I hate every false way. Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path. (NASB)

Metaphysical Worldview:
The Biblical metaphysical worldview can be broken down into three subcategories:

1. Cosmological
2. Ontological
3. Teleological world views of the Bible:

The Biblical Cosmology is creationism –

“If there is a building there must be a builder, if there is a design there must be a designer and if there is a creation, there must be a Creator” – Ray Comfort.

This Biblical cosmology is in direct contrast to the humanist, naturalist cosmology of evolution and the Big Bang theory. So-called Christians have tried to marry the two contradictory but without success as the Bible is clear that sin entered humanity through ONE man – not multiple variations of an ape and then half men half apes etc:

• Rom 5:12-14 “Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all mankind, because all sinned — for until the Law sin was in the world, but sin is not counted against anyone when there is no law. Nevertheless death reigned from Adam until Moses, even over those who had not sinned in the likeness of the violation committed by Adam, who is a type of Him who was to come.”
• By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible. – Heb 11:3
• Col 1:15-18 “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or [e]principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.”

The Biblical ontology – The study of “beings” – communicates that the cosmos are an ordered construct of a divine being

• Gen 1:1-2,14-1“In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters…v14 And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years: And let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth: and it was so. And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also. And God set them in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth, And to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness: and God saw that it was good.

Human beings constitute a material and immaterial reality (dualism)

• And He said to him, “‘YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.’ – Math 22:37

Human beings are made in the image of God:

• “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. – Gen 1:27

Jesus confirms the literal truth of Genesis directly quoting this passage:

• Mark 10:6-9 “But from the beginning of the creation, God ‘made them male and female.‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’; so then they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.”

The Biblical Teleology: telos (end) logos (reason/word) this is the study of the end purpose, goal or function. The Biblical teleology is beautifully summed up in the Westminster Confession:
“The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever” which is found in the following scriptures:

• Revelation 4:10-11 “The twenty-four elders will fall down before Him who sits on the throne, and they will worship Him who lives forever and ever, and will cast their crowns before the throne, saying, “Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and because of Your will they existed, and were created.” (NASB)
  
• Revelation 5:13 (ESV) And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!”
• 1 Corinthians 10:31 “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all things for the glory of God. ” (NASB)
• “God’s Word the Bible reveals His plan and purpose for humanity: “So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11 (ESV)
• “The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.” – Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 (ESV)