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:

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:

Secular Epistemology:


2. Authority
Biblical Epistemology:

Secular Epistemology:


3. Nature of Man
Biblical Epistemology:

Secular Epistemology:


4. Means of Knowing Truth
Biblical Epistemology:

Secular Epistemology:


5. Goal of Knowledge
Biblical Epistemology:

Secular Epistemology:


6. Foundation of Truth
Biblical Epistemology:

Secular Epistemology:


7. Outcome
Biblical Epistemology:

Secular Epistemology:

    (The above was AI generated.)