Inevitable Conclusions
From the sinlessness of Christ certain considerations follow. His sinless life gave Him a claim, by the divine law, to exemption from death. Yet He died. His death must, therefore, have been vicarious (that is, for others). "Christ died for our sins." "He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities."

The character of His life on earth showed that He was perfectly fitted to undertake the work of redeeming grace in the atoning sacrifice on the cross. We are redeemed "with precious Blood, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot, even the Blood of Christ" (1 Pet. 1:19). "Him who knew no sin, He made to be sin on our behalf; that we might become the righteousness of God in Him" (2 Cor. 5:21).

Lesson 3 - "God is Creator"
Romans 12:1-2 says, "1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."

When we are born again in Jesus Christ, our thinking and our way of looking at the world around us must change and come into line with Gods' way of thinking and looking at the world. Unfortunately, in this time of history that is now known as the "postmodern era", the traditional foundations of thinking have eroded to the point that most people have a difficult time understanding and accepting even the most basic tenets of Biblical thinking and a Biblical worldview. As we continue to look at the components of a Biblical worldview, we now move to another part of our understanding of God: that He is the all-powerful and all-knowing Creator of the universe.

This doctrine is a fundamental part of a Biblical world-view because it establishes God's authority over man, as well as over the rest of Creation. If God is the Creator, then man is accountable to Him; if God is NOT Creator, then man is accountable to no one but himself (and guess which one of these ideas sinful man would rather believe?). Without getting into the science of creation, lets' look at each part of the above stated premise.

That God is all-powerful: The term omnipotence signifies that God is all powerful. However, it does not suggest that because God is all powerful He can and does do anything or everything at random. A proper definition states: "God is all-powerful and able to do whatever he wills. Since his will is limited by his nature, God can do everything that is in harmony with his perfections." In other words, the question, "Can God create a stone so large that He could not lift it?" is not a legitimate question. God can do all things that are in harmony with His nature and Person.

Because God is Almighty, all things are possible (Matt. 19:26). The One who has formed the unborn child (Ps. 139:13-16) and created the heavens (Jer. 32:17) can do all things; nothing is too hard for Him. He does as He pleases (Ps. 115:3) and decrees all things in accordance with His will (Eph. 1:11). God cannot do things that are not in harmony with His nature. He cannot go back on His word (2 Tim. 2:13); He cannot lie (Heb. 6:18); He has no relationship to sin (Hab. 1:13; James 1:13).

That God Is all-knowing: The English word omniscience comes from the Latin words omnis, meaning "all," and scientia, meaning "knowledge" ; thus it means that God has all knowledge. A more comprehensive definition will state that God knows all things actual and possible, past, present, and future, in one eternal act. A number of things should be noted about God's omniscience.
(1) God knows all things that exist in actuality (Ps. 139:1-6; 147:4; Matt. 6:8; 10:28-30). The psalmist recognized the omniscience of God in that God knew his actions, his thoughts, his words before he even spoke them, and his entire life (Ps. 139:1-4).
(2) God knows all the variables concerning things that have not occurred. Jesus knew what Tyre and Sidon would have done had the gospel been preached to them (Matt. 11:21).
(3) God knows all future events. Because God is eternal and knows all things in one eternal act, events that are future to man are an "eternal now" to God. He knew the nations that would dominate Israel (Dan. 2:36-43; 7:4-8), and He knows the events that will yet transpire upon the earth (Matt. 2425; Rev. 6-19).

That God is Creator: Psalm 100:3 states, "Know that the LORD, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture." This is the basis for the argument against God as Creator. As stated earlier, if God is the Creator, we are accountable to Him, and have a responsibility to obey Him. If HE is not, then we are free to behave as we choose.

Lesson 4 - "God Is Still Involved"
Romans 12:1-2 says, "1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."

When we are born again in Jesus Christ, our thinking and our way of looking at the world around us must change and come into line with Gods' way of thinking and looking at the world. Unfortunately, in this time of history that is now known as the "postmodern era", the traditional foundations of thinking have eroded to the point that most people have a difficult time understanding and accepting even the most basic tenets of Biblical thinking and a Biblical worldview. As we continue to look at the components of a Biblical worldview, we will look at the fact that not only did God create the universe, but that He is still active and involved in it today. The "deists" are people who believe that there is a God, but that He has no contact with man, and does not intervene in the course of history. Essentially, the universe is a "wind-up toy" that God made, wound up, and has simply let go of to spin on its' merry way, without any interference on His part.

However, the truth of the matter is that the entire text of the Bible is a statement of God's continuing involvement in human affairs. Once the Creation is finished, we immediately begin with the story of Adam and Eve, which states that God intervened immediately following their sin by making "coats of skin" to cover them (Genesis 3:21). From that point through the fulfillment of the Kingdom of God in the Book of the Revelation (Revelation 22:12-16) we see God repeatedly acting in human affairs.

When we understand that God's will toward us is good (John 10:10), that God cares and communicates His caring to His children-as He did to Job (Job 42:10-17)-this changes everything. Faith must have a resting place. When deep suffering threatens the foundations of faith, as was the case with Job, an assault on our faith can destroy us unless we are firmly rooted in these truths.

The underlying theme is that God is a real Person who does intervene in human affairs on behalf of those who trust Him.

Lesson 5 "Salvation Is A Gift And Cannot Be Earned"
Romans 12:1-2 says, "1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."

As we continue with our study of the components of a Biblical Worldview, we need to look at the next basic item: that salvation is a gift and cannot be earned.

Romans 6:23 states, "23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."

The non-biblical worldview of this issue comes in two different areas: first, that there is no such thing as salvation; or second, that there IS such a thing as salvation, but it is based on our being "good enough", or performing a series of rituals.

The first viewpoint denies the fact of sin and its' consequences. However, the Scriptures are very clear on the fact that sin is a reality, and that its' consequences are severe. The entry of death into the world, the Flood, the necessity of the Crucifixion, the lake of fire; all these are consequences of sin.

The second viewpoint tries to make salvation a transaction based on our worthiness as seen in our works, rather than as the gift of God alone, based on the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. As Ephesians 2:8-9 says, "8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast."

Salvation is free, but it is not cheap. Salvation is a gift and costs me nothing, but it cost God everything-it cost Jesus His life. Jesus was separated from God the Father so that you and I do not have to be. This is the heart of the Atonement. The marvel of it all is that He did this while we were His enemies: "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Rom. 5:8).

Lesson 6 - "Satan Is Real"
Romans 12:1-2 says, "1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."

As we continue with our study of the components of a Biblical Worldview, we need to look at the next basic item: Satan is real. According to 1st Peter 5:8 - Who is our enemy? By denying the reality of Satan, people are really denying the validity of Scripture, and are placing themselves in total control of their own lives (in essence, denying God).

DOES SATAN REALLY EXIST?
Like the matter of the existence of angels, the existence of Satan probably could not be proved to the man who refuses to accept the evidence of the Bible on the subject. But if he did he would find ample evidence. It is (1) widespread (found in at least seven Old Testament books and referred to by every New Testament writer) and (2) based on Christ's own words (Matthew 13:39; Luke 10:18; 11:18).

Satan is a real personality. The Bible teaches that he possesses intelligence (2nd Corinthians 11:3), has emotions (Revelation 12:17) and has a will (2nd Timothy 2:26).

Satan is a creature, not the Creator (Ezekiel 28:14).

He is a spirit being. He belonged to the order of angels called cherubim (Ephesians 6:11-12; Ezekiel 28:14). Apparently he was the highest created angel (Ezekiel 28:12), and because of this retains a great deal of power even in his fallen state (see his being called "the god of this age," 2nd Corinthians 4:4, ASV margin, and "the prince of the power of the air," Ephesians 2:2).

He is an antagonist of God and His people. The very name Satan means adversary (see 1st Peter 5:8), while the word devil means slanderer (see Revelation 12:10).

His contentious character is seen also in other designations which the Scripture gives to him, namely, evil one (1 John 5:19, ASV), tempter (1st Thessalonians 3:5), murderer (John 8:44), liar (John 8:44), confirmed sinner (1 John 3:8).

In order to promote this opposition, Satan can appear like a wily serpent (Revelation 12:9), or a ferocious dragon (Revelation 12:3), or an attractive angel of light (2nd Corinthians 11:14). These abilities obviously make him more deceptive in carrying out his program.

Lesson 7 "Christians Have A Responsibility To Evangelize"
Romans 12:1-2 says, "1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."

As we continue with our study of the components of a Biblical Worldview, we need to look at the next basic item: that Christians have a responsibility to evangelize. In the modern era, Christianity is being reduced to a ghetto mentality; that is, for you to have faith is acceptable only as long as it is kept safely away from other people. It is often said that we shouldn't "push" our beliefs on other people. Biblical Christianity, on the other hand, is to be shared with those around us. Because we cannot know whom God will draw to Himself by the Holy Spirit, our job is to simply be faithful to "sow the seed".

Read Luke 8:4-15

Dallas Airport's Soul Winner
A businessman landed at the Dallas airport and realized he had one hour and 20 minutes before his next plane connection. He thought, How can I be used of the Lord here? He had a supply of Gospel tracts with him. He inserted one of his business cards inside each tract. Then he gave these to single men sitting waiting for their planes. But he didn't just hand them out and pass on. Instead he said to each man, "Pardon me. I have a little booklet here that explains how a person can become a Christian. Inside is my business card. I would like you to read this over and if you have any questions, I will be sitting over there. I have some time before my plane takes off. Or if you would like to write, my address is there." At the end of the hour and 20 minutes, men were standing four deep to ask questions about how to become a Christian. And, for weeks afterwards, the businessman received correspondence because of the business cards in the tracts. -Navigators' Log

Lesson 8 - "The Bible Is Accurate"
As we finish our study of the components of a Biblical Worldview, we need to look at the last basic item: that the Bible is accurate. On an earthbound level, there are two fundamental sources of human knowledge: reason and experience. Both are essential to our understanding of the world about us, but they are limited. They leave unanswered the most crucial questions that can be raised-Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Is there any purpose to human existence? Where is history going? Unless there is a third source of knowledge, a source that carries us beyond the limits of reason and experience, there is no hope of finding answers to these basic issues of meaning and significance.

The Bible provides this third source of knowledge. It is revelation, and the understanding that God has revealed Himself and His ways to man in Holy Scripture is the underlying axiom of the Christian world view. In it we have direct access to a revelation from the One who created all things and who is not subject to our limitations as fragile, finite creatures.

The Bible describes two forms of revelation; these are usually called general and special revelation. According to Psalm 19:1-6 and Romans 1:20, God has revealed truths about "His invisible attributes...His eternal power and Godhead" to us through His creation, and this general revelation is available to all. In addition to the external revelation of nature, He has also implanted the knowledge of His existence in every human heart, although many have chosen to suppress this truth in (Rom. 1:18). God's special revelation involves His more direct means of communicating to some people in a variety of ways, including dreams, visions, and angels, but most clearly in the person of Christ (Heb. 1:1-2) and in the pages of Scripture.

"Christian faith is not a blind leap into the dark, but is established upon firm evidence, for unlike other world religions, Christianity "rests on definite, historical facts and events-facts and historical events of such nature that if they really took place, the religion is true, and established by so direct, so strong and so great a variety of independent and converging proofs that it has been said again and again by great lawyers that they cannot but be regarded as proved under the strictest rules of evidence used in the highest American and English courts" (Irwin H. Linton, A Lawyer Examines the Bible, p. 16).