A worldview is the lens through which a person views the world, namely reality, and how such a view impacts one’s moral, societal, and eschatological beliefs. It is vital that a Christian have a strong and accurate worldview through the lens of the Bible. This is important in order to, first, be anchored in one’s own beliefs in the Bible; and second, to be able to make a defense for the absolute truth only found in God by means of His Word.
Such anchors of truth are how a believer can combat the ever-influencing philosophies in the world at large as they skydive faster and farther away from revelatory truth and seek to define reality based on rationalism, empiricism, and existentialism.
There are four components that make up a biblical worldview: epistemology, metaphysics, ethics, and socio-political philosophy. These four components build upon one another starting with epistemology and working up to socio-political philosophy. This article will attempt to define the biblical worldview through these four components solely by means of God’s Word.
Epistemology
Epistemology is the study of knowledge. It asks the question, “how can a person know what is and is not true?” Without starting with epistemology, how can a person know with certainty what is true in order to determine the other three components that constitute one’s worldview (Metaphysics, Ethics, Socio-political philosophy)?
Ultimate Source of Authority
In order to begin this journey, the first step is to determine one’s ultimate source for authority; and then, have the faith to base everything else from that initial source. For the Christian, the Bible is the Word of God and is the ultimate source of authority. But how can one be certain that the Bible is true, and its eternal author can be known and understood?
First, King Solomon gives encouraging words in Proverbs 1:2, that such wisdom and instruction are knowable, and it is possible to discern understanding. Second, He starts his epistemology with the presupposition that God exists; and by fearing God, one can obtain knowledge, wisdom, and understanding (Proverbs 1:7; 9:10). This metaphysical supposition of existence must be assumed as an actuality before it can be tried, understood, or accepted as certain truth.
The path to finding certainty is seeking with an attentive ear, with a heart inclined to understanding, and with a cry for discernment (Proverbs 2:1–4; c.f. James 1:5). Only then will a person discern the fear of the LORD and discover the knowledge of God (Proverbs 2:5; 9:10). All these things (wisdom, understanding, and knowledge) come from the LORD by means of His mouth (Proverbs 2:6); and by hearing these words, one begins to receive these three things.
Old Testament Revelation
God’s communication to mankind is known as “special revelation.” No prophecy of Scripture came about by one’s own interpretation; but men were moved by the Holy Spirit when speaking God’s words (2 Peter 1:20–21). In the past (creation to Jesus’ birth), God spoke through the prophets and the Old Testament is the record of what was spoken (Hebrews 1:1).
The Old Testament provides evidence for the revelation of God and its truthfulness in the lessons and accurate historical facts. Such evidence is shown through world renowned stories like Noah and the Flood (Genesis 6–8); the creation of a nation through Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Genesis 12–50); the constitution of commandments which outline a universal moral code (Exodus 20); the construction of God’s temple and its destruction (1 Kings 5–8; Daniel 9:24–36; circa 70 A.D.) and the prophecies of a coming Messiah (Isaiah 7:14; 53:1–12; Micah 5:2; etc.).
New Testament Revelation
In these last days, God’s words were spoken by His son, Jesus Christ (Hebrews 1:2—God’s personal revelation). Jesus recognized the authority of the Old Testament Scriptures as God’s word, just as He spoke with authority the words the Father gave Him (John 5:19; 8:28; 12:49). Jesus is called the Word, who was in the beginning with God, who is God, who created everything, and who became flesh (John 1; Colossians 1; Hebrews 1).
The apostles, after receiving the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1–4), recorded the words and teachings of Christ since they were witnesses of His ministry (John 15:26–27). They also wrote letters to the establishing churches which are considered inspired Scriptures (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 3:16). The exemplification of their faith has shaken the world (Acts 17:6) even to this day. The history, legacy, and future prophecies are recorded as the New Testament.
Truth and Certainty
The totality of writings in the Old and New Testaments make up all God’s words which He has chosen for man to have. These words of truth are all given by one Shepherd (Ecclesiastes 12:9–11; John 10:11–18; Hebrews 13:20–21) in whom is found strong confidence and refuge (Psalms 46; 118; Proverbs 14:26). It is through this one Shepherd which truth for reality and beyond can be based from and lived by (John 14:6; 2 Timothy 3:16–17). Therefore, these words of truth are the ultimate source of authority; and by them, one can have certainty (Proverbs 22:17–21).
Metaphysics
Metaphysics is the study of reality and asks the question, “what exists.” For example, Science is limited to the physical and natural world in its explanation. By such an avenue, all that can be observed and measured is what exists and can exist; however, reality demonstrates that it extends beyond the physical and natural world. This means that there must be a knowledge outside the physical realm, and the only way to know that, is if that knowledge revealed itself by means of what can be known physically.
As mentioned above, it is evident that the Biblical model begins with the existence of God in order to have knowledge (Proverbs 1:7; 2:6; 9:10). For this reason, God has revealed Himself in three ways: general revelation – creation (Genesis 1; Romans 1); special revelation – the original writings of the Scriptures (2 Timothy 3:16–17; 2 Peter 1:20–21); and personal revelation – God Himself coming to earth in flesh as Jesus Christ (John 1; Colossians 1; Hebrews 1).
The Existence of God
Rather than building a framework of knowledge to God; the Bible builds it from Him, starting with creation. God existed in the beginning and is the author of creation (Genesis 1–2). Such knowledge about God is evident within mankind, because His invisible attributes and divine nature exists experientially through His general revelation (Romans 1:19–20; c.f. Psalm 19:1–4). Men suppress this truth (Romans 1:18) and choose not to acknowledge or honor God or give thanks to Him (vs. 21a). In the futility of their speculations of God, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible for corruptible beings and their foolish hearts were darkened (vv. 21b–23).
King David, in Psalm 14:1, confirms the foolishness of not beginning with God, and it results in corruption and the committing of abominable deeds. Therefore, the fear of the LORD is crucial in one’s understanding of reality. To fear God is to not only have reverence for His position of authority as the Creator; but is to be utterly terrified of Him because of His perfect characteristics and role as Judge over everything (Ecclesiastes 12:13–14; Romans 2:6; Hebrews 10:30–31).
When one properly fears God, it provides the lens through which one views reality and conducts one’s self within it. In order to understand that lens, one must understand God’s perspective of reality.
God’s Ultimate Standard
When God created everything in Genesis chapter one, He called everything good. In fact, he called it very good (vs. 31). Since God is the author of a “very good” creation, He must, by definition, be good in order to determine what good is (Psalm 23; 86:5; Matthew 19:17; James 1:17; c.f. Luke 18:19). So, what is good?
Good indicates something satisfying and valuable (e.g. God’s feeling after creation), something beautiful (Genesis 24:16; 1 Samuel 16:12), and moral uprightness (Proverbs 2:20–21; Micah 6:8; c.f. Deuteronomy 6). To be pleasing in God’s sight is to be good in relation to His morality (Isaiah 5:20–24; Habakkuk 1:13). This is known as the “holiness of God,” because He is separate from anything common (Hosea 11:9), evil or unsacred (Isaiah 1:4; 17:7–8; 30:11; Habakkuk 1:12–13). He, therefore, places Himself as the standard by which humans need to live by (Leviticus 19:2; c.f. 1 Peter 1:15–16).
The Result of the Fall
Such a divine standard is impossible to uphold or attain by humans in their own power. This is evident through the story of “The Fall” in Genesis chapter three. Human beings were created good and innocent in God’s sight and was given one command to follow – “Do not eat from the tree of knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 2:15–16).” They disobeyed the command (Genesis 3:6; c.f. Romans 1:26–3:20), resulting in sin and death entering the world (Romans 5:12). Sin is missing the mark of God’s holy standard, causing mankind to fall short of His glory (3:23).
Humans continually exchange God’s glory (God in His entirety) for the glory of corruptible things and creatures (Romans 1:18–25). By denying God, they do not honor Him for who He is and what He stands for. The wages of their sin is death, but the gift of God’s grace and righteousness means eternal life (6:23).
All for God’s Glory
Fortunately, God loved the world (John 3:16; Romans 5:8) so much that He sent His son, Jesus to die on the cross for the payment of sins; so that the righteousness of God would be given to whoever has faith in Jesus’ name (Rom 4–11; Heb 12:1–3). Christ did not stay in the grave, but was raised to life again, conquering death. This is crucial to the Christian faith because if Christ is dead then any hope of eternal life is gone after death. If Christ is not resurrected from the dead, then Christian faith is in vain (1 Corinthians 15), the Bible is false, and God is a liar (c.f. Romans 3:4; Hebrews 6:18).
If God the Creator is dead; then there is no Judge for anyone’s actions, leaving morality to be defined by the individual with no consequences (c.f. Ecclesiastes 12:13–14). But God has raised Christ from the dead and seated Him on the throne of God, giving Him the name above all names by which every knee will bow to the glory of God (Philippians 2:5–11; Hebrews 1:3).
All things were created for God’s glory (Psalm 19:1; Isaiah 42:8; 42:7; Colossians 1:16; Revelation 4:11); are to be done for God’s glory (1 Corinthians 10:31); will result in God’s glory (Matthew 5:16; 1 Corinthians 6:20; 2 Corinthians 9:12–13; 1 Peter 2:12); and in the end, God’s glory will fill everything (Isaiah 6:3–4; 1 Peter 5:10–11; Revelation 21:10–11; 22:5).
Have a Transformed Mind
In summary, Paul’s description of reality in Romans 1–11 lays the framework for his prescription of what to do about it. Because of the mercies of God, one is to offer their body as a living and holy sacrifice, which is their spiritual act of worship (Romans 12:1). He urges not to be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of the mind; so that the good and acceptable and pleasing will of God will be proven in one’s life (Romans 12:2; Ephesians 5:1–2; 9–10; Colossians 1:9–11).
“The way to be transformed is to hear God’s words (the Scriptures) and allow them to change one’s life. They hold the prescription for living rightly and equipping believers for good works (Psalm 111:10; 2 Timothy 3:16–17).”
Thus, ethics is known.
Ethics
Ethics is the study of what should be done in light of what reality is. As determined already, God exists as the all-mighty Creator of all things; and thus, is the arbiter of truth and life. It is very clear in the Bible that God commands people to be holy as He is holy (1 Peter 1:14–16). To be holy is to be perfect in all goodness and morality; in other words, set apart from evil or anything opposite God’s moral character. Therefore, it is evident that there is one ethical standard: the holiness of God.
Obedience by the Law
Before the period of Moses receiving the Ten Commandments (Genesis 1–Exodus 19), it was evident that there were good and evil actions that could be done to a person and by a person. The first offense done to another person was the murder of Abel by his brother Cain (Genesis 4). Morality went downhill from there (Gen 4–6).
God established the universal mandate that if a man kills another man, then the murderer shall be put to death (Genesis 9:6). The reason for this is because man is made in God’s image (Genesis 1:26) and an attack on man is attacking God. Being made in God’s image also allows one to choose right from wrong; and God gave a tutor to teach this moral code (Exodus 20). This is the Mosaic Law and has been the basis for morality from the Old Testament period to today.
The Law was given to God’s people, Israel; but Gentiles also try to follow it, having it instinctively written in their conscience (Romans 2:14–16). It is evident that one cannot perfectly follow the Law, and one needs a Savior to pay the penalty for disobedience to it. Thus, the Law is a tutor which leads one to Christ (Galatians 3).
Therefore, there is an ethical distinction for those who are in Christ (believers – Galatians 2:20), and for those who do not believe in Christ (Romans 3:23; 6:23).
Unbelievers
To do what is good in God’s sight is to “act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God (Micah 6:8; Deuteronomy 6:18; c.f. Matthew 19:17).” But without accepting Christ for the forgiveness of sins and for regeneration of the mind and heart, no one can do good or become righteous (Psalm 14). For unbelievers, the proper response would be to give up their foolishness and fear God as the Creator and Judge of all (Ecclesiastes 12:13–14; Proverbs 1:7; Romans 1:18–25). They need to believe in Christ and allow the Holy Spirit to do good works through them. If they do not believe, then all their “works” will burn up at the Judgment and the eternal fire of Hell will be waiting for them (2 Thessalonians 1:5–10; Revelation 20:11–15; 21:8).
Believers
Paul makes it clear that a believer is not under the Mosaic Law but under the law of grace for salvation and sanctification (Galatians 3:24–26; Ephesians 2:8–10). This law, known as the “royal law” (James 2:8) is summed up in one command: “Love the Lord God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength” (Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 22:37–40; 1 Corinthians 16:22). God is over the Mosaic Law and sanctification is found in obedience through love for God (and love to others—Matthew 7:12; 22:37–40; Galatians 5:13–18).
To love God is to be obedient to His Word (John 14:15, 21, 24, 15:10; 2 Corinthians 6:12–13; 1 John 5:2–3). In order to be obedient, believers must walk by the Spirit so that they can crucify the passions of the flesh (Galatians 5:22–25). They are to set their minds on things above (Romans 8:1–14; Colossians 3:1–17) and walk in a worthy manner (Romans 12:1–21; Ephesians 4:1–5:21; Philippians 1:27–2:5; 1 Thessalonians 4:1–12; 5:12–24).
Ultimately, God has called all human beings to live at peace with one another (Romans 12:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:13; c.f. Mark 9:50). This is only possible through Christ (Ephesians 2:14; 4:3; Colossians 3:14–16; Hebrews 12:14; c.f. 13:20–21) and living in obedience to Him (Proverbs 3:3–4; 16:6). This is to be done, not only to fellow believers, but to outsiders as well (Psalms 11:10; Colossians 4:5–6); regardless of how one is treated (1 Peter 3:8–17). However, there are standards for societies at large and systems put into place in order to keep justice and peace. This is where ethics expands from the individual to society.
Socio-political Philosophy
Socio-political philosophy studies ethics on a societal scale and seeks to answer the question of how communities and societies should behave. The Bible shows that the ultimate standard for individuals to follow is God’s holiness. The Law was given to show what good and evil are; and that humans cannot measure up to God’s standard. In addition to this, God established the use of non-theocratic governments (Romans 13:1–5; 1 Peter 2:13–17).
Governments
There are two types of governments according to the Bible: earthly and Christ’s.
Earthly Governments
Governing authorities have historically varied in their rule from obeying God’s standard to doing evil (1 Chronicles–2 Chronicles to present day). Though the execution by authorities is not always right, the purpose of governments is to maintain order by punishing evil and praising good behavior (Romans 13:3). They are ministers of God who bear the sword to be used on those who do evil (vs. 4). Therefore, one is to be subject to such authorities (vs. 5). This includes paying taxes, dues, honor, and fear to authorities, for they are devoting their lives to this cause (vv. 6–7).
If one owes nothing but love to their neighbor, then all laws will be fulfilled, and they will be able to live properly in society (vv. 8–14). This can only be done truly by putting on Christ (vs. 15); and above all, loving God and fearing Him over any authority. This will result in proper respect for others; and by living rightly, the foolish will be silenced (1 Peter 2:13–17).
Christ’s Government
Until Christ’s second coming, the government will be given to both good and evil people. When Christ returns during the Millennium Kingdom (Revelation 20:1–6), He will rule with the scepter of righteousness (Psalm 45:1–7), and the government will rest on His shoulders (Isaiah 9:2–7). Thereafter, He will sit on the throne in the New Jerusalem and evil will be no more; for God’s glory and righteousness will fill all of the new heaven and earth (Revelation 21–22).
Summary
True knowledge comes when one identifies the proper perspective they must have towards God—to fear Him as the Judge and to pay Him reverence as the Creator and ultimate authority (Proverbs 1:7; 2:6; 9:10; Ecclesiastes 12:13–14; Philippians 2:9–11; Colossians 1).
One can have certainty in the truth of the Scriptures (Proverbs 22:17–21) for they are God’s words and are also profitable for learning how to live rightly (2 Timothy 3:16–17).
God’s holy nature is the standard one must attain in order to be righteous before God (Matthew 5:48; 1 Peter 1:17). Because all have sinned and fall short of God’s glory and perfect standard (Romans 3:23), Christ came and died for the payment of sin (6:23; 5:8) and to give His righteousness to those who believe (3:22–25a).
Unbelievers must recognize God for who He is and believe in Christ for salvation. Believers can live for Christ (Galatians 2:20) and live righteously by walking in the Spirit (Galatians 5:16–25) and following the greatest commandment to love God and others (Matthew 22:37–40; 1 John 4:7–11). In doing this, good works will abound for the glory of God (Matthew 5:16; Ephesians 2:10; 1 Corinthians 10:31; 1 Peter 2:12).
As the individual lives righteously, it will carry over into the community and society at large. The government is established to bear the sword for those who do evil (Romans 13:1–5; 1 Peter 2:13–17), however, those who fear God live at peace with every person.
If you are curious about what it means to be a Christian or to accept its worldview, check out the article “The Ultimate Guide to Salvation in Jesus Christ.”