Building a Christian World and Life View
Thinking Christianly: Part 2
Seeing the World Through God’s Eyes
Everyone has a worldview - a lens through which they interpret reality. A worldview shapes how we answer life’s biggest questions: Where did we come from? Why are we here? What’s wrong with the world, and how can it be made right? For Christians, the Bible provides a comprehensive and transformative framework for understanding the world, often summarized in the “meta-narrative” of Creation, Fall, Redemption, and Restoration.
This lesson will guide you through the foundations of a biblical worldview, explore how it answers life’s fundamental questions, and examine how it integrates into all areas of life. By understanding and applying this God-centered perspective, we can live faithfully and think Christianly in a world filled with competing ideas.
1. The Christian Meta-Narrative: Creation, Fall, Redemption, and Restoration
Creation: God as the Source of All Things
The Bible begins with the profound declaration: “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). Everything exists because of God, and all creation reflects his power, wisdom, and goodness (Psalm 19:1-4). Humanity holds a special place in creation, being made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27), which gives us inherent dignity, purpose, and responsibility.
Implications for a Christian Worldview:
God is the Creator and Sustainer of all life, and he defines what is good and true.
Our identity is rooted in being image-bearers of God, not in personal achievements or societal status.
The created world has purpose and meaning because it originates from God.
The Fall: The Entrance of Sin
While creation was “very good” (Genesis 1:31), humanity’s rebellion against God brought sin and brokenness into the world (Genesis 3). The Fall corrupted every aspect of life - our relationship with God, others, and creation itself. Sin distorts our thinking, values, and actions, leading to chaos and suffering.
Implications for a Christian Worldview:
The world’s problems - suffering, injustice, and death - are rooted in humanity’s separation from God.
Human reason and morality are affected by sin and must be renewed by God’s grace.
Our ultimate need is not self-improvement but redemption.
Redemption: God’s Plan to Rescue and Restore
God’s response to sin is the Gospel - the good news that through Jesus Christ’s life, death, and resurrection, he reconciles sinners to himself (John 3:16; Colossians 1:19-20). Redemption isn’t limited to individual salvation; it extends to the restoration of all creation (Romans 8:19-21).
Implications for a Christian Worldview:
Salvation is a gift of grace, transforming our hearts and minds to align with God’s truth.
Jesus is Lord over all of life, not just “spiritual” matters.
Redemption provides hope for a broken world, empowering us to live as ambassadors of Christ.
Restoration: The Fulfillment of God’s Kingdom
The Bible ends with the promise of a new heaven and a new earth, where God will dwell with his people and all things will be made new (Revelation 21:1-5). This ultimate restoration is the culmination of God’s plan, offering hope and motivation for faithful living in the present.
Implications for a Christian Worldview:
History is moving toward the fulfillment of God’s purposes, giving our lives eternal significance.
Our mission is to participate in God’s work of renewal by proclaiming the Gospel and living as faithful stewards of his creation.
2. Answering Life’s Fundamental Questions
Who Is God?
God is the Creator, Sustainer, and Sovereign King over all creation (Colossians 1:16-17). He is holy, just, loving, and merciful, revealing himself through Scripture and his works. A biblical worldview begins with the acknowledgment that God is ultimate reality.
Who Are We?
We are created in God’s image (Genesis 1:27) but are fallen and in need of redemption. Our worth comes not from our achievements but from God’s love and the value he places on us as his image-bearers.
What Is Our Purpose?
Our primary purpose is to glorify God and enjoy him forever (Isaiah 43:7; 1 Corinthians 10:31). This includes loving God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength and loving our neighbor as ourselves (Matthew 22:37-39).
By grounding our answers to these questions in Scripture, we can live with clarity, purpose, and hope in a chaotic and fallen world.
3. Integrating Biblical Truth into All Areas of Life
Faith That Shapes Every Sphere
A Christian worldview is not confined to “spiritual” matters but encompasses every aspect of life: family, work, culture, politics, ethics, and more. Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 10:31, “Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
Family: Biblical truth shapes our roles and relationships, emphasizing love, respect, and discipleship (Ephesians 5:22-6:4).
Work: Work is a form of worship and stewardship, reflecting God’s creativity and purpose (Colossians 3:23-24).
Culture: Engaging with culture requires discernment and a commitment to truth, beauty, and goodness (Philippians 4:8).
Conflict with Secular Worldviews
Secular worldviews, such as materialism, relativism, and expressive individualism, often stand in stark opposition to biblical truth. For example:
Materialism denies the spiritual dimension of life, reducing everything to physical processes.
Relativism rejects absolute truth, claiming that morality and meaning are subjective.
Expressive individualism exalts personal autonomy, often at the expense of community and responsibility.
A Christian worldview provides a coherent and hope-filled alternative to these distortions, offering a foundation for truth, meaning, and purpose.
Building a Life on God’s Truth
A biblical worldview isn’t merely an intellectual framework; it’s a way of life rooted in God’s truth and empowered by his Spirit. By understanding the meta-narrative of Creation, Fall, Redemption, and Restoration, we can answer life’s deepest questions and live faithfully in every area.
In the next lesson, we’ll explore how to engage with culture thoughtfully and winsomely, applying the biblical worldview to the challenges and opportunities of our time. For now, consider how the truths we’ve studied can shape your thinking, actions, and relationships.
Key Principles
The meta-narrative of Creation, Fall, Redemption, and Restoration provides a coherent framework for understanding reality. It reveals God as Creator, humanity as his image-bearers, and Jesus as the Redeemer of all things. This truth shapes how we see ourselves, others, and the world.
Scripture reveals who God is, who we are, and what our purpose is. By rooting our answers in God’s Word, we gain clarity and hope in a world filled with competing ideas. These truths direct our lives toward glorifying God and loving others.
Faith isn’t limited to “spiritual” matters but shapes how we live in every sphere, from family to work to culture. By integrating biblical truth into all areas, we reflect God’s glory and stand as witnesses to his redemptive power.
Bible Study Questions
What does Genesis 1:1 teach about God’s role as Creator? How does this shape your understanding of life’s purpose?
How does being made in God’s image (Genesis 1:27) impact your view of human dignity and relationships?
In Genesis 3, how did the Fall affect humanity’s relationship with God, others, and creation?
What do John 3:16 and Colossians 1:19-20 teach about God’s plan for redemption?
How does Revelation 21:1-5 give hope for ultimate restoration?
How does Isaiah 43:7 define our purpose as God’s creation?
Read 1 Corinthians 10:31. How does this verse apply to everyday decisions?
What does Philippians 4:8 teach about integrating biblical truth into culture?
How does Romans 8:19-21 describe the restoration of creation?
What competing worldviews (e.g., materialism, relativism) do you encounter in your life, and how does the biblical worldview provide a better foundation?
Questions for Discussion and Personal Reflection
How does understanding God as Creator change the way you view yourself and others?
In what ways do you see the effects of the Fall in your own life and the world around you?
How does the hope of redemption and restoration impact your daily decisions and relationships?
What specific areas of your life need to be more aligned with a biblical worldview?
How do cultural values around you conflict with biblical truth?
In what ways can you live more intentionally for God’s glory in your work or vocation?
How can your understanding of the Christian meta-narrative help you share the gospel?
What practices can help you integrate biblical truth into your thoughts and actions?
How can your church better equip you to develop and live out a biblical worldview?
What gives you hope when facing challenges in a broken world?
Action Steps
Reflect on areas where your thinking has been shaped by secular worldviews. Write these down and compare them with biblical principles to identify where change is needed.
Spend time studying key passages like Genesis 1-3, Colossians 1:15-20, and Revelation 21:1-5. Write a summary of how Creation, Fall, Redemption, and Restoration shape your understanding of reality.
Choose one specific area of life - work, family, or culture - and write down practical ways you can reflect a biblical worldview in your actions and priorities this week.