A Christian worldview is a comprehensive framework of beliefs, values, and principles through which a Christian individual interprets the world and interacts with it. At its core, a Christian worldview is based on the teachings of the Bible and the belief that God created the universe and continues to be actively involved in it.
Some of the key elements of a Christian worldview include:
- Belief in one sovereign God who exists eternally in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19).
- Belief that God created the universe and everything in it from nothing, including humans who are made in His image (Genesis 1:1, 26-27).
- Belief that humans, though created good, are fallen into sin through the disobedience of Adam and Eve and are in need of salvation (Genesis 3; Romans 3:23).
- Belief that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, died to pay the penalty for sin, rose again, and will one day return to establish His eternal kingdom (John 1:1, 14; 1 Corinthians 15; Revelation 21).
- Belief that salvation is a free gift of God’s grace, received through faith alone in Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 3:21-26).
- Belief that the Bible is the inspired, inerrant, and authoritative Word of God which teaches humankind who God is, who we are, and how to live (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21).
- Belief that the Holy Spirit indwells believers to help them understand God’s Word, grow in Christlikeness, and live obediently in service of Christ (John 14:26; Romans 8:9; Galatians 5:22-23).
- Belief that the Church is the global body of believers in Jesus Christ who are called to worship God, grow in community, and fulfill the Great Commission by making disciples (Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 2:42-47).
- Belief that Jesus Christ will return to establish a new heavens and new earth where those who have trusted in Him will enjoy eternal life in God’s presence (Revelation 21:1-5).
This biblical worldview shapes a Christian’s perspective on all areas of life. A Christian with a biblical worldview believes that God’s principles and purposes revealed in Scripture are relevant to every domain of human knowledge and experience. Christianity gives a coherent and consistent lens through which to examine the world.
A Christian worldview provides a framework for ethics and moral decision making. The Bible gives clear moral principles and values centered on loving God and loving one’s neighbor (Matthew 22:37-40). A Christian seeks to make moral decisions based on biblical commands and wisdom, rather than cultural trends.
A Christian worldview sees human beings as created in God’s image with intrinsic value, dignity and worth (Genesis 1:27). But it also recognizes the brokenness of the world due to sin and the need for redemption. This moves Christians to treat all people with love, compassion, justice and mercy.
A Christian worldview acknowledges God as Creator and Lord over every sphere of the universe. Therefore, all aspects of creation are to be stewarded and studied with wonder, wisdom and care. Christians are called to be faithful stewards utilizing their God-given gifts and abilities for God’s purposes.
In regard to suffering, a Christian worldview grapples with the existence of pain and evil but trusts in the sovereignty and goodness of God even amidst trials. There is hope in God’s promise to one day erase all suffering and make all things new (Revelation 21:4).
A Christian worldview sees human cultures and achievements as part of God’s created order, yet impacted by the fall. Christians seek to thoughtfully engage culture, uplift what is good and true, and redeem what is corrupted by sin.
In short, a Christian worldview is comprehensive and all-encompassing. It is much more than a set of beliefs or doctrines. It shapes one’s identity, sense of meaning and purpose, values, relationships, decision making, vocational calling, and approach to all of life. The Bible provides the interpretive lens through which a Christian processes their experiences and interactions. A Christian worldview is transformational, reorienting every aspect of a person’s life towards God and His desires.
There are many key biblical concepts that shape the Christian worldview:
1. God
The Bible reveals God as the eternal, all-powerful, all-knowing, sovereign Creator of the universe who rules over all things (Genesis 1:1; Psalm 90:2; Isaiah 40:28). He is perfectly holy, righteous and just, yet also merciful, gracious and loving (1 John 4:8; Exodus 34:6-7). God exists eternally in three co-equal persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19).
This understanding of God shapes the Christian worldview in significant ways. Belief in God’s sovereignty reassures believers that He remains in control amidst life’s circumstances. God’s holiness is the moral standard to which followers of Christ seek to live. God’s gracious love compels Christians to worship God and reflect His character. Through Christ, Christians have intimacy with God as a loving heavenly Father.
2. Humanity
The Bible teaches that human beings, both male and female, were uniquely created in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:26-28). But through the disobedience of Adam and Eve, sin entered the world and corrupted human nature (Genesis 3). The result is that all people are sinners by nature and by choice (Romans 3:23) and are alienated from God and one another (Colossians 1:21). Yet, humans still reflect God’s image and have intrinsic worth and dignity. A Christian worldview balances seeing the brokenness of humanity due to sin and the goodness of humans as God’s unique creation.
This shapes the Christian perspective on human value but also the need for redemption. It motivates Christians to treat all people with love while also realizing that sin has impacted all aspects of human nature and society.
3. Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ, the incarnate Son of God, is the focal point of all Christian doctrine. Scripture presents Jesus as the promised Messiah who uniquely reveals God, provides the only way of salvation, and will one day return to fulfill God’s purposes on earth (Luke 24:27; John 14:6; Acts 4:12). The gospel – the life, death and resurrection of Jesus for the forgiveness of sins – is the power of God to save all who believe (Romans 1:16).
This shapes the Christian worldview by centering one’s entire identity and purpose on Jesus Christ. A Christian seeks to view all of life through the lens of following, knowing and making Christ known. Christ restores a person’s relationship with God and provides cleansing from sin.
4. The Kingdom of God
The kingdom of God refers to God’s supreme reign and the full manifestation of His will on earth and in heaven (Matthew 6:10). While the kingdom is present in part now through the Church, Christians look forward to the return of Christ when God’s kingdom rule will be established over a renewed creation (Revelation 11:15). This future hope provides meaning and motivation for kingdom-focused living today.
The concept of the kingdom shapes the Christian’s priorities toward advancing God’s purposes. Christians are called to seek first God’s kingdom rather than earthly goals (Matthew 6:33). One day God will decisively deal with all evil and suffering, bringing eternal life for believers.
5. The Bible
The Bible is the inspired, authoritative and inerrant Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Through the Bible, God reveals Himself, His purposes and His plan of salvation centering on the person and work of Christ. Scripture provides absolute moral truth to guide the lives of believers. All of a Christian’s core beliefs come from the Bible.
This shapes the Christian worldview by establishing the Bible as the ultimate source of truth, wisdom and moral authority. Correct theology, principles for living and answers to life’s questions are sought in Scripture. The Bible is central to Christian faith and practice.
6. Salvation
Due to human sin and separation from God, all people are in need of salvation which comes through faith in Jesus Christ alone. Salvation is made possible by Christ’s atoning death and resurrection and is appropriated freely by God’s grace, not human works (Ephesians 2:8-9). Through repenting of sin and believing in Christ, Christians are forgiven, reconciled to God and promised eternal life (John 3:16).
This shapes the Christian worldview with gratitude for God’s redemptive grace and dependence on Christ’s finished work rather than personal merit. A Christian’s primary desire is to glory God by bearing spiritual fruit.
7. The Church
The Church consists of all believers in Jesus Christ who are spiritually united as the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12-13). Local churches are expressions of the universal Church. The mission of the Church is to worship God, edify and serve fellow Christians, and proclaim the gospel to fulfill the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20).
This shapes the Christian worldview with a commitment to the local church for spiritual growth, community and service. It also instills a global perspective to advance God’s kingdom worldwide.
8. Eschatology
God’s plans and purposes for human history will culminate in the glorious return of Christ and the final judgment (Acts 17:30-31). Believers will be resurrected to eternal life while those who reject Christ face eternal separation from God (Revelation 20:11-15). God will usher in a new heaven and new earth free from sin and suffering (Revelation 21:1-4).
This shapes the Christian worldview with motivation to prepare for Christ’s return. It provides hope and perspective amidst suffering. Life’s trials and injustices will not last forever. God’s purposes will be fulfilled.
In summary, a Christian worldview is comprehensive in scope and centered on God’s revelation in Scripture. It provides an interpretive framework to understand the world, anchor one’s identity in Christ, create meaning and purpose, establish moral clarity, transform relationships and approach life in light of eternity. The Christian worldview shapes every aspect of life.