Epistemology is the branch of philosophy that deals with the nature, origin, and scope of knowledge—how we know what we know. It asks questions like:
What is knowledge?
How is knowledge acquired?
What do we consider to be truth, and why?
From a biblical perspective, epistemology is not just an academic topic—it is profoundly theological and spiritual. The foundation of true knowledge is not human reason or experience, but divine revelation. In other words, God is the source of all true knowledge, and Scripture is His infallible, authoritative revelation to mankind.
How Epistemology Relates to Scripture:Scripture as the Ultimate Authority
Biblical epistemology begins with the truth that Scripture is the Word of God—inspired, inerrant, and sufficient. As 2 Timothy 3:16–17 says:
"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."
Therefore, Scripture is not one authority among many—it is the final and ultimate authority in all matters of truth and knowledge.
The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Knowledge
Proverbs 1:7 declares, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline."
According to Scripture, knowledge begins not with skepticism or inquiry, but with reverent submission to God. This is a radically God-centered epistemology.
The Noetic Effects of Sin
Because of mankind’s total depravity (Romans 3:11; 1 Corinthians 2:14), fallen human beings are unable to know or receive spiritual truth apart from the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit.
"The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him..." (1 Corinthians 2:14).
Therefore, true knowledge of God is not merely intellectual—it is spiritual, granted by grace.
Christ is the Embodiment of Truth
Jesus said, "I am the way and the truth and the life" (John 14:6). To know truth truly is to know Christ, through the Scriptures that testify of Him (John 5:39). All truth finds its ultimate meaning and coherence in the Person and work of Jesus Christ.
Faith, Not Autonomous Reason, is the Means of Knowing
Hebrews 11:3 says, "By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's command." Biblical epistemology asserts that faith is not contrary to knowledge—it is the God-ordained means of receiving true knowledge. Faith rests on the truth of God's Word, not on human opinion.
In short, epistemology matters because every claim to knowledge must be grounded either in the Word of God or the fallen reasoning of man. The Christian worldview begins with the presupposition that God exists, that He has spoken, and that His Word is the final standard for truth. Apart from this foundation, all human knowledge collapses into skepticism or idolatry.
Comparison between biblical epistemology and secular epistemology:
1. Starting Point
Biblical Epistemology:
Begins with God's self-revelation in Scripture.
Presupposes that God exists and has spoken authoritatively.
Truth is received by faith in God's Word.
(Proverbs 1:7; Hebrews 11:3)Secular Epistemology:
Begins with man’s autonomous reason, senses, or experience.
Presupposes neutrality or skepticism toward divine revelation.
Truth is pursued through empirical evidence or logic.
2. Authority
Biblical Epistemology:
The Bible is the final authority in all matters of faith and knowledge.
All other sources of knowledge are subordinate to Scripture.
(2 Timothy 3:16–17)Secular Epistemology:
Authority lies in human reasoning, science, or consensus.
Scripture is either ignored, questioned, or judged by human standards.
3. Nature of Man
Biblical Epistemology:
Man is fallen, spiritually blind, and hostile to God's truth.
Cannot understand spiritual truth without the Holy Spirit.
(1 Corinthians 2:14; Romans 3:11)Secular Epistemology:
Assumes man is neutral or capable of objective reasoning.
Believes truth can be reached by unaided human effort.
4. Means of Knowing Truth
Biblical Epistemology:
Truth is revealed by God, and known through faith and the Spirit’s illumination.
(John 17:17; Psalm 119:160)Secular Epistemology:
Truth is discovered by reason, observation, experimentation, or subjective experience.
5. Goal of Knowledge
Biblical Epistemology:
To glorify God and grow in conformity to Christ.
Knowledge is a means to worship, obedience, and sanctification.
(Colossians 1:10; 2 Peter 3:18)Secular Epistemology:
Often aims at power, progress, or self-fulfillment.
Knowledge is often pursued for utility or pride rather than divine glory.
6. Foundation of Truth
Biblical Epistemology:
God is Truth (John 14:6), and His Word is the standard.
There is absolute, objective truth because God is unchanging.
Secular Epistemology:
Truth may be seen as relative, evolving, or subjective.
Foundations shift with time, culture, or consensus.
7. Outcome
Biblical Epistemology:
Leads to wisdom, salvation, holiness, and joy in God.
Exalts Christ and humbles man.
(Psalm 111:10; 2 Timothy 3:15)Secular Epistemology:
Leads to pride, confusion, relativism, or despair.
Man becomes the measure of all things (Romans 1:22–23).
(The above was AI generated.)