Biblical Worldview Essay Essay

We all have a set of values and beliefs that help shape the way we view the world. While many of us can share the same tools that shape our worldview; everyone’s is unique to themselves. Romans 1-8 provides valuable teaching regarding the natural world, human identity, human relationships, and culture. These 4 categories make up the majority of the world and life as we know it. As Christians, this passage in the Bible should hold a great influence on our worldview. I will outline what Romans 1-8 teaches us about each category and how that affects my personal view of the world. As Christians, we know that God created the universe and everything in it by simply speaking. Everything in His creation attests to Him and His glory. This allows people who may never actually hear about Christ to still be able to see Him through creation. There is a verse in Luke 19:40 that goes on to say that even the rocks will cry out if everyone is silent. Romans 1:20 says, â€Å"For since the crea tion of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.† Through the natural world, God has provided a way to show Himself to all mankind. When I am out in nature on a beautiful quiet day I can feel the Lord’s presence. When I am on a ship in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean watching the sun set, I can see the Lord. I am young and have not yet seen many of the natural wonders of this world. I have seen enough though to know that God is present throughout nature. I don’t understand how a person could look out on a beautiful scene of nature and not feel God. He truly does speak through the beauty of His creation. Our human identity is who we believe ourselves to be. Without God I know that I am a destitute and wicked creature. We are capable unspeakable evils. I have hope though through my redemption. I know that any good thing I do or obtain is not of myself but from God. God created us in His image so we can catch a glimpse of what He is truly like. However, as humans we are wicked and evil in heart. Nothing but the love of C hrist can save us. Romans 3:10-18 clearly lines just how unrighteous and devoid of hope we are within ourselves. This passage shows us our true human identity without Christ. We have hope though because we have been given Christ! Romans 8:26 tells us that Christ intercedes for us at the feet of God. Nothing can separate us from the love of Christ once we accept Him!  (Romans 8:35) Relationships make up a huge part of our lives. The Bible has a lot to say about relationships and how to treat one another. Relationships make an enormous impact on our world view because we are influenced by the people in our lives. Romans 1:28-32 lists the evils things that we do to one another such as envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice, and gossip. This is just a fraction of the sins that cause us to have damaged relationships with each other and ultimately God. How could you come before God and expect a good relationship if you have a broken relationship with someone in your life? Jesus teaches us to love one another and forgive over and over. When your heart is hardened towards another person, then you are u ltimately hurting your own relationship with God as well. The second chapter in Romans cautions us against judging others. We have to treat one another the way we would want to be treated; with kindness and mercy. We also have to be careful about what kind of people we have relationships with. If you surround yourself with evil people then you will be influenced to do evil. During the time that Paul was writing Romans, there was a religious hierarchy in place. The Pharisees were the leaders and aristocrats in the Jewish community. They were extremely strict and followed a huge list of rules. They were so caught up in their rules that they couldn’t open their hearts and minds to Jesus. Also at this time it was widely believed that only the Jewish community could be saved through following the rules and the Gentile population was doomed. Romans 3:23-25 teaches us that, â€Å"for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.† Jesus death paved the way for everyone to be saved, not just the Jews! We learn that we are saved through faith and not by works. We can never earn our salvation. Today’s culture in America is so focused on material possessions and gaining more. We are caught up in our shiny toys and items much like the Pharisees were caught up in their rules. We have to stop getting caught up in things that don’t really matter and see what God is trying to use us for. We all have a purpose and a reason for being here. If you are not living your life to further God’s message than you are wasting it. Our culture today makes it so easy to forget what we are really supposed to be living for. As Christians we must be vigilant and not let the snares of this world snag our heart and divert it from our true calling. Everyone has their own unique  view of the world and reasoning for their views. Christians build their world view with the structure that the Bible has provided us. Paul writes about the natural world, our identity as people, how to treat others, and about the culture of the world. We are not perfect and can never hope to be but the grace of Jesus offers us salvation. Romans 8:12 reminds us that we have an obligation to live a life through the Spirit and not by the flesh. Every day we must work harder and strive for righteousness and a Christ-like attitude. Our worldview affects the way we live and can have an impact on all those around us. The better our worldview, the better our light will shine for Christ.