CHRISTIAN METAPHYSICS

GENESIS 1:1–5

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth

(Genesis 1:1).

Metaphysics is the study of that which lies above and beyond the scope of the physical and observable world. The Bible tells us that there are two such metaphysical realms. The first, of course, is God Himself. The second is heaven, the realm of the angels and the departed spirits.

While modern philosophy is concerned largely with epistemology, asking how (or even if) it is possible to know anything at all, ancient philosophy was concerned with metaphysics. “What lies beyond this world?” asked the ancient Greek philosophers. “Where did everything come from and what is its purpose?”

Within metaphysics, the study of ontology is concerned with where things came from and why they are as they are. Ontology seeks to answer the question of what something is, not what it does. The most common explanation of ontology today is the Big Bang theory. The Big Bang says that billions of years ago the universe exploded into being. But what was it that exploded? Some say that nothingness exploded into existence, a clearly nonsensical notion.

Others say that the universe simply exists and moves back and forth between big bangs and big crunches. But what set this “oscillating universe” in motion? Nothing? Nonsense! Therefore, we have to say God did it. But if this God is more than just a convenient idea, then we are pushed toward the God of the Bible, the Creator. Such a Creator also created the mind, and thus He can and does communicate with the minds He has made. In Genesis He has told us how He created the world and what its purpose is.

Teleology is the branch of metaphysics that deals with the purposes and goals of things. What is the goal and purpose of the universe? Again, modern philosophy and science provide us nothing. The universe is either winding down toward ultimate dissipation or headed for a Big Crunch and then another Big Bang. Such views have no purpose in life.

Christian teleology says that all things were made to glorify God, and God will call all things before His throne at the end, transforming them. Thus, everything has a purpose, and everything in history makes sense in terms of a Plan.

CORAM DEO

Matthew 1–4

The Christian has an ontology in Genesis and a teleology in the Revelation. The rest of the Bible fills in the details. The secularist, however, has neither an ontology nor a teleology. Think through today’s lesson again and understand its arguments. Be prepared and ask God to give you opportunity to discuss this with a friend.

For further study: Psalm 33:1–11 • John 17:20–23 • Rom. 11:33–36

wednesday

october