Bible Students

Part I

What is a Worldview?

A worldview, essentially, is how someone’s beliefs and views interprets reality. A worldview is like a lens that a person sees the entire world through. As the human mind tries to derive meaning from both physical and abstract experiences, it draws upon the preconceived notions or beliefs. The output is a worldview, which is how a person interprets what is around them. 

Part II

What is Prime Reality?

Prime reality is, in short, God. God lies at the basis of all things. He is the beginning and the end (Ps. 90:2; Rev. 22:13). There are no beings that are like Him (1 Chr. 17:20). He is at the base of all reality. 

What is the nature of external reality?

The universe is something created by God. He is in all things (Eph. 4:6), yet is also separate from His creation. God created the world different from Himself, though also similar (Gen. 1:27). Like God, the universe is orderly, though it was created out of nothing by Him.

What is a human being?

A human being is one made in the image of God (Gen. 1:27). To be made in the image of God is to be one that does God’s work, in His name, like He does. A human being is one who is called to cultivate the earth into a paradise now lost. Humans are fallen and in need of God’s grace, and are eternal souls (John 10:28). 

What happens to a person at death?

At death, a person either goes to heaven (John 3:16) or hell (John 3:18). These are eternal states of being, either forever in God’s presence of grace or forever in God’s presence of wrath. 

Why is it possible to know anything at all?

God is orderly (1 Cor. 14:33), and so has created the world in an orderly way. Because the world (and universe) is orderly, humanity can observe and understand it. Even the account of creation is written in an orderly way (Gen. 1). 

How do we know what is right and wrong?

Humanity has the capacity for right and wrong due to the law written on each person’s heart (Rom. 2:15). God is a moral being, and so as creatures created in His image, we are also made as moral beings (Gen. 1:27). 

What is the meaning of human history?

History is the fulfillment of God’s promises to humanity. History shows the faithfulness of God (Josh. 21:45). History allows us to see the failures of humanity (Gen. 1:27), as well as the redemption of humanity through Christ (John 3:16), and finally the future events to come (see Revelation). 

What personal commitments are consistent with this worldview?

The personal commitments consistent with this worldview are summarized by this: Love God and love each other. If God is the basis and source of all reality, you should worship Him alone. If humanity is something God has made to be His image bearers, then love them as well. Respond to the revelation He has provided and stay in step with the commands He has given. 

Part III

How should a biblical worldview influence the way you think about, treat, and speak to others on a daily basis?

Humans are made in the image of God. They are placed on earth to fulfil the duty to sanctify it. They were made to extend the Garden of Eden from a small garden to the ends of the earth. In this way, humans are like God. Because humans have been elected as the hands of God on earth, each person should love one another. They should speak kindly, as if they are speaking to God, for they speak to the hands of God when they speak to one another. They should not think wicked things, for they are thinking these wicked things about the hands of God. They should treat one another in love and especially humility, as God had treated them. 

How should a biblical worldview influence the way you decide on a future career?

If God is the ultimate source of reality, and prime reality itself, then anything apart from Him is void and vain. A person should not dedicate their life to doing something that is apart from God. They should only do the things that worship God as the prime reality, and love His creation. For me, that means ministry. If I am to love God the best I can, then I believe for me that means going into ministry to teach others about God. I should not sit around and do something vain, apart from Him, but wholly dedicate my career to pursuing Him.