II. BIBLICAL PHILOSOPHY
A. Biblical Philosophy of Life
--A Biblical philosophy of life involves a Biblical outlook on these five basic
areas of thought:1. ONTOLOGY
The Biblical Principle:
God is the ultimate being in the Universe. He is the source of all reality.INTRODUCTION
Definition: The study of the nature of reality or ultimate substance.The Big Question--What is ultimate reality? Is reality the mind? (the view of idealism) Is reality in matter? (the view of realism) *The Biblical Answer Neither of the above is correct. Ultimate reality is in God, who is Creator of and is above both mind and matter.Lest we have an improper concept of this God, let us see what God is really like.
Colossians 2:8; 1:15-16; Hebrews 1:1-3 - God is the purpose, ___ , and sustainer of everything.
"(15)Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: (16)For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:" (Colossians 1:15-16).
"(1)God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, (2)Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; (3)Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;" (Hebrews 1:1-3).
#8
A BIBLICAL VIEW OF GOD a. God is Sovereign. Implication: He is in complete control of the Universe. Daniel 4:34-35 b. God is Personal. Implication: He is capable of communicating with His creation. Genesis 3:8-9"(8)And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden. (9)And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou?" (Genesis 3:8-9).
c. God is Holy. Implication: He demands holiness from His creatures. Psalm 99:9"Exalt the LORD our God, and worship at his holy hill; for the LORD our God is holy." (Psalm 99:9)
d. God is Infinite. Implication: His eternal plan and infinite nature are beyond human comprehension. Romans 11:33"O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!" (Romans 11:33)
e. God is Spirit. Implication: Our worship of Him must be spiritual in nature. John 4:24"God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth." (John 4:24)
f. God is Love. Implication: He extends undeserved goodness and mercy to His creatures which are an outgrowth of His love and life. I John 4:8"He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love." (I John 4:8)
g. God is Just. Implication: He cannot permit violated moral principles to go unpunished because of His nature of justice for violated principles to be punished. Genesis 18:25"That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?" (Genesis 18:25).
h. God is Immutable. Implication: His nature is eternally the same. Malachi 3:6"For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed." (Malachi 3:6)
i. God is Unlimited. Implication: Omnipotent (all powerful) Omniscient (all knowing) Omnipresent (all places) Hebrews 4:13; Job 42:3; Psalm 139:7"Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do." (Hebrews 4:13)
"Who is he that hideth counsel without knowledge? therefore have I uttered that I understood not; things too wonderful for me, which I knew not." (Job 42:3)
"Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?" (Psalm 139:7).j. God is Tri-une. Implication: God is 3 persons. Deuteronomy 6:4; John 20:28; Acts 5:1-4"Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:" (Deuteronomy 6:4).
"And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God." (John 20:28)
"(1)But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, (2)And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet. (3)But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? (4)Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God." (Acts 5:1-4)
#9
j. God is Tri-une. (1) FALSE VIEWS OF GOD'S UNITY: (a) Poly-theism (many gods) (b) Tri-theism (3 Gods: Father, Son, Holy Spirit) (c) Dualism (Good God \ Bad God) (2) BIBLICAL VIEWS OF GOD'S TRI-UNITY: (a) God is unity. - / \ Father / \ / GOD \ Son /_______\ Holy Spirit THUS: --> (b) Life is unified. God created a universe that is in all harmony with His nature. Three Practical Implications: (i) Every aspect of our lives has meaning and purpose. (ii) The unifying factor is God and His Word. (iii) Life is only fulfilling and meaningful when we have peace with God. AND THUS: --> (c) All truth is unified. * * * * * | * * \ H | Mu / * * \ | / * * NS \|/ Ma * * /|\ * * / | \ * * L | B * * *|* * Mu=Music, Ma=Math, B=Bible, L=Literature, NS=Natural Science, H=History All truth is sacred; It originates with God.
#10
2. COSMOLOGY
The Biblical Principle:
The study of the Universe (cosmos)--its origin, nature, structure, function. Orderly: it follows a cause & effect pattern, but God can intervene at any time (supernatural intervention).INTRODUCTION
Definition: The study of the Universe (cosmos)--its origin, nature, structure, and overall function.Two Contrasting Cosmologies: a. Humanistic Cosmology Five Basic Premises: (1) The eternity of matter. (2) Natural origin of the Universe. (3) The Universe follows natural laws--Uniformitarianism. (4) Closed system--No God over it. (5) Universe is destined to run down. b. Theistic CosmologyNOTE: Only Biblical cosmology is pure theistic cosmology. All other cosmologies
are humanistic.Four Major Aspects of Biblical Cosmology:
Noah's Calvary's - sin - Ark Cross o------------------------------------------------------------> ( ) ( )(1) Divine Creation (2) Divine Catastrophism (3) Divine Control (4) Divine Consummation
#11
II Peter 3 This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance:
(2)That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour:
(3)Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,
(4)And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.
(5)For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water:
(6)Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished:
(7)But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.
(8)But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.
(9)The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
(10)But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.
(11)Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,
(12)Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?
(13)Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.
(14)Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.
(15)And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;
(16)As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.
(17)Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.Peter forsees the modern
heresy of uniformitarianism
and refutes it with a discus-
sion of Biblical cosmology. (vs. 3-4)Four Major Premises:
b.
(1) Divine Creation
Cosmogony is the branch of cosmology
which is concerned with the origin of the Un-
iverse. Biblical cosmogony can be sum-
marized with these four basic facts:
(a) Source-- Created by God (v. 5)
(b) Method-- Spoken into existence. Psalm 33:6
"By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth." (Psalm 33:6)
(c) Material Used-- Out-of-nothing (exnihlo).
(d) Time-- 6,000 to 8,000 years ago.
(2) Divine Catastrophism (v. 6)
Genesis 6-8 is to be interpreted as a
literal universal flood. Biblical and
geological evidence support such a flood.
Much of the supposed evidence for un-
iformitarianism can be more easily explain-
ed on the basis of a universal flood.
(3) Divine Control (v. 7a) -- God is able to keep this Earth held together.
The Universe is sustained by God. See
Col. 1:17 and Heb. 1:3. It follows an orderly
cause-effect pattern but is "open" to super-
natural divine intervention.
"And he is before all things, and by him all things consist." (Colossians 1:17)
Every miracle is an example of God's in-
tervention in the affairs of His creation.
(4) Divine Consummation (vs. 7b,10-13)
Revelation 21 and 22 also indicate that
God has plans to consummate this present
Universe and to create new heavens and a
new earth.
-- Adapted from Biblical Cosmology and Modern Science by
Henry Morris (Craig Press)
#12
3. ANTHROPOLOGY
The Biblical Principle:
The study of man. Man is in the image of God in a sin-marred condition.
He is redeemed only through faith in Christ's redemptive work.INTRODUCTION
Definition: The study of man. The term is used in a technical sense to refer to a study of
man's customs, social relationships, and geographical distribution. A more
comprehensive and general definition of the term is used here.Four Crucial Issues in the Study of Man a. Origin of ManTwo Alternatives:
(1) Biological Evolution. As all the living forms of life are the
lineal descendants of those which lives long
before the Cambrian epoch, we may feel certain
that the ordinary succession by generation
has never once been broken, and that no cata-
clysm has desolated the whole world. Hence
we may look with some confidence to a secure
future of great length. And as natural selec-
tion works solely by and for the good of each
being, all corporeal and mental endowments
will tend to progress toward perfection.
(From: Origin of Species--p. 315., by Charles
Darwin.)(2) GOD--Divine Creation. "(26)And God said, Let us make man in our
image, after our likeness: and let them
have dominion over the fish of the sea,
and over the fowl of the air, and over
the cattle, and over all the earth, and
over every creeping thing that creepeth
upon the earth.
(27)So God created man in his own image, in
the image of God created he him; male
and female created he them." Genesis
1:26-27"And the LORD God formed man of the
dust of the ground, and breathed into
his nostrils the breath of life; and
man became a living soul." Genesis 2:7"But from the beginning of the creation
God made them male and female." Mark 10:6
#13
A NOTE TO REMEMBER"Theistic evolution" arose as an attempt on the part of compromising
theologians to reconcile Bible teachings with the supposed facts of
science."Theistic evolution" as a theory did not originate as a result of
honest Bible exegesis!b. Nature of Man"Every great pedagogical (educational) movement has its beginning consciously
or unconsciously, implicity or explicity, in a general concept of the nature
of man." --J. H. Bavinck(1) Three Contemporary Humanist Views:
(a) Basically "good" Hard to Accept Because: The wickedness of the human heart.One Element of Truth: Man is made in the image of God but it is marred by sin.
(Genesis 6:5; Romans 3:9-20; Jeremiah 17:9)(b) "Neutral" nature Hard to Accept Because: People turn out totally different in the same environment.One Element of Truth: Man is influenced by external factors.(c) Brute beast Hard to Accept Because: Man has achieved many things.One Element of Truth: One is depraved and acts like a beast.(2) Biblical View: The Biblical view of man's nature can be summarized with three basic facts: (a) FIRST--Man was created in the image of God. Genesis 1:26-28"And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth." (Genesis 1:28)
God's attributes are divided into two categories: First-- Incommunicable or those He cannot share with any of
His creatures.Second---- Communicable or those He can share with His creatures,
especially man.The "image of God" probably refers to the sum total of those
communicable divine attributes which man possesses which made him
God like.
#14
What are some of these communicable attributes? Love, holiness, wisdom, personality, spirituality, goodness, truth, etc. (b) SECOND--When sin entered the human race through Adam, the image of God in man was marred. (Compare Romans 5:12-19 and Colossians 3:9-10)"(12)Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: (13)(For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. (14)Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come. (15)But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many. (16)And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification. (17)For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.) (18)Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. (19)For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous." (Romans 5:12-19)
"(9)Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; (10)And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:" (Colossians 3:9- 10).
Genesis | James | --> 9:6 | 3:9
What truth do these verses teach?
Even after the fall of man, man still possesses God's image.
But now it is capable of breaking God's law."in the image of God made he man." (Genesis 9:6)
"we men, which are made after the similitude of God." (James 3:9)
What about these verses?
Man's fall included his intellect/reasoning capabilities.
Reason is not a totally reliable means in establishing truth.II Corinthians | II Timothy 4:3-4 | 3:7 <-- | Ephesians | Titus 4:17-18 | 1:15"(3)But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: (4)In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them." (II Corinthians 4:3-4)
"Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth." (II Timothy 3:7)
"(17)walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, (18)Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:" (Ephesians 4:17-18).
"Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled." (Titus 1:15)(c) THIRD--A means has been provided by Christ's finished redemptive work, through which man can be restored to fellowship with God. (I Corinthians 15:22,57)"(22)For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. (57)But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." (I Corinthians 15:22,57)
_ __| |__ |__ __| GOD | | SIN | | SIN |_| MAN
Note: Salvation imitates and makes possible a continuation of a renewing process
whereby the image of God can be practically restored (to some degree) in a
Christian. Colossians 3:9- 10
#15
c. History of Man (1) Humanist Views of History Humanist views of history fall into two broad categories: (1) History as an illusion (view of Eastern mysticism and other mythological historiographics) and (2) History as reality. There are three popular humanist views which fall under the latter category.
The two big questions which a philosophy of history must reckon with: Where is history --> going? How will history get --> there?The | The | The Random | Determinism | Conspirati View | View | View --------+---------------+------------ No one | Towards some | Towards knows. | predetermined | some | end and that | humanly | will vary. | prescribed | | end. --------+---------------+------------ Blind | The destiny | The destiny chance. | of history is | of history | controlled by | is | certain | controlled | irreversible | by certain | laws of | key men. | nature. |(2) Biblical View of History | .......... .......... .... .... .... .... .... -+- / \ / Earthly \ / \/ \/ \/ \/ \ | / \/ Kingdom \ o------------------------------------------------------------->---o \..../\..../\..../\..../\..../ \ /\ / \........../ \........../ Creation Redemptive Consummation work of (definite ) Jesus (definite ) (beginning) Christ (end )
#16
The preceding chart indicates four truths concerning a Biblical view of history.
(a) History began at a definite time. (b) History is moving towards a definite end. (c) History contains within its movement cycles of human responsibility. (d) History's most significant and central event is the redemptive work of the Lord Jesus Christ. d. Destiny of Man (1) The Humanist View Religious humanism considers the complete realization of human personality to be the end of man's life and seeks its develop- ment and fulfillment in the here and now. __________ RELIGIOUS --> | DEAD END | HUMANISM |__________| | | ~~~~~~~ (2) The Biblical View [God is in control]"We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord." 2 Cor. 5:8[The place of Heaven for the saved.] HOLY --> BIBLE [The place of Hell for the lost.]"(22)the rich man also died, and was buried; (23)And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments..." Luke 16:22c- 23a
#17
4. EPISTEMOLOGY
The Biblical Principle: Truth is revealed by God through general
or special revelation. It is absolute
and objective.INTRODUCTION
[Definition:] The study of knowledge. The origin, nature, methods, and
limits of knowledge.Three Approaches to Learning Truth: a. Empirical Approach (Empiricism)--Scientific. Experience --> Truth (Relative and Subjective) This is NOT a good way to define truth. Two Types: (1) Immediate (2) Mediate--they use their senses and discernment. The Scientific Method: ____________ 5 | Test of the _____________| Solution 4 | Consider | the _________| Consequences 3 | Find the ____________| Answer 2 | Defining __________| the Problem 1 | A Problem | exists (We are uneasy about it.) b. Rational Approach (Rationalism)--Philosophical. Reason --> Truth (Relative and Subjective)
#18
c. Biblical Approaches (1) Generally--by God to men. Divine Revelation --> Truth (Absolute and Objective) (2) Specifically
Note: The Christian should not say that experience and reason
are not means of learning truth. We do learn through
reason and experience. These are channels through which
God reveals some truths to man. There are some truths,
however, that God only reveals to us through His special
revelation."But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." (I Corinthians 2:14)
Experience, Reason & Divine Revelation --> Truth (Absolute and Objective) (a) Types of Revelation GOD ------- conscience -------> man / | \ / | \ / | \ / | \ man <------- Holy Bible Jesus creation -------> man | | \/ man Psalm 19:7-11 John 1:1-2,14 Romans 1:19-20; 2:14-16 Hebrews 1:1-3 Psalm 19:1-6"(7)The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. (8)The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. (9)The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. (10)More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. (11)Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward." (Psalm 19:7-11)
"(1)In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (2)The same was in the beginning with God. (14)And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth." (John 1:1-2,14)
"(19)Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. (20)For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:" (Romans 1:19-20).
"(14)For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: (15)Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;) (16)In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel." (Romans 2:14-16)
#19
(b) Biblical View of Knowledge
* ******* * * | * * . . . . * * . | . * * . * *** * . * * . * 3 * . * * . * / \ * . * * . * / 1 \ * . * *10 .6 * / \ * 7. 11* *--------*---/ \---*--------* *8 .4 * /_________\ * 5. 9* * . * * . * * . * 2 * . * * . * * * . * * . . | . . * * | * * ********* *1 = Tri-une God - the Source of all truth
2 = Creation - general revelation
3 = Redemption - special revelation
4 = Non-rational creation - nature
5 = Rational creation - man
6 = Written Word - the Bible
7 = Living Word - the Lord Jesus Christ
8 = Natural Sciences - Biology, Math, etc.
9 = Social Sciences/Studies - Language, Art, Humanities, Physical Education, Sports
10 = Bible study, Theology, Doctrines
11 = Chapel, Christian service, Worship service, WitnessingTwo Conclusions From Above Chart
(1) All subject matter is related to
and unified in God.
(2) All truth originates
in the inner circle and
is revealed to men in the
outer circle.Source: "A Christian Approach to Education" by H.W. Byrne
#20
5. AXIOLOGY
The Biblical Principle: Values are eternal and unchanging
because they are rooted in the
nature of God.INTRODUCTION
[Definition:] The study of values. The nature and types of values. Two Axiological Questions: a. What is good? (Ethics)--What is the good, Biblical (moral) thing to do? -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- This is perhaps the most difficult question which the human- ist must answer. In the area of ethics, Christianity obviously stands "head and shoulders" above the philosophies of men. -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --Three Popular Views [of Ethics]:
Aspect: Hedonism
(Playboyism)Situation Ethics
(New Morality)Code Ethics
(Christianity)Basis: Good is that
which pleases
manGood is that
which is the loving thingGood is that
which pleases
God because it is in
harmony with His natureStandard: Human Feelings
(Do it if it feels good)"godly" love
"agape"the Holy Bible Result: Empty life of Sensuality They live a life
of hypocrisy, dominated
by self (eros-love)Contented life,
godliness, spiritual
maturity
#21
b. What is beautiful? (Aesthetics)--Artistic (1) Marks of God-honoring Aesthetics (a) Durable Art (long-lasting) (b) Unity--makes sense (incoherence) (c) Integrity (truthful) (d) Impresses (makes sense and teaches something)--conveys a truth (2) Marks of Godless Aesthetics How have modern men distorted these two areas of aesthetics? (a) Modern "Art" (visual) (i) lack of design (no plan and purpose) (ii) Can not figure it out. (iii) It won't last (temporal). - deals with distortion (b) Modern "Music" - temporal--lasts a few weeks - lack of balance - hedonistic - always stresses sensual pleasure - lacks unity - discord - beat - false portrayal of life