Two Worldviews: The Biblical

There are ONLY two worldviews.

The biblical worldview can be summarized in Romans 11:36 – “Because from Him (as the Source) and through Him (as the Doer) and unto Him (as the Great Aim) are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen.” [All verses are my own translation.] This worldview says that God is everything. He is the Creator, Sustainer, Governor, Redeemer, and Judge of the universe.  Everything that happens in this world takes place under God’s overarching providence. Man does not help Him in any of these areas in any way. This is especially true when is comes to raising sinners from their death in trespasses and sins. Any doctrine that says that man makes a contribution to this work of regeneration denies what we have just quoted above. When it comes to repentance from sin and faith in Christ, no one “decides for Christ” unless God has “decided” for him. Men love the darkness and do not want to come to the light (Jn.3:19-20) unless God does something to their “wanter” (Jn.6:44).

             But perhaps most surprising of all (judging by a lot of preaching that goes on) is the fact that after a person is born again, he is just as dependent on God’s grace as before. No sinner can make himself come to Christ and no Christian can make himself holy. We are still absolutely dependent on God to be the Source, Agent and Aim of the Christian life. Paul put this succinctly in 1 Cor. 15:10 – “By the grace of God I am what I am; and His grace towards me was not without result; on the contrary, I labored more than all of them; but it was not I, but rather it was the grace of God with me.” No one labored like Paul, yet Paul tells us that God did the real work, whether in motivating him, enabling him, guiding him, teaching him, protecting him or blessing his labors and making them fruitful. The grace of God is the entire explanation for Paul’s life and ministry. And it is the same for every Christian. The Lord Jesus Himself said, “Without Me you are not able to do anything (with regard to bearing fruit).” (Jn.15:5) This statement is emphatic in the original. It should be emphatic in our thinking. When it is we will be a lot less man-centered and a lot more God-centered in our doctrine and practice.

More to come, God willing…