Metaphysics, derived from the Greek term meta (beyond) and physika (the physical), refers to the study of what lies beyond the physical realm. It asks foundational questions about the nature of reality, existence, and being, which are also core concerns of theology. While metaphysics attempts to understand the essence of reality from a philosophical standpoint, Christian theology provides revealed truths through Scripture, giving a theistic framework for understanding existence.
The study of metaphysics often deals with questions such as "What is real?" and "What is the nature of being?" In contrast to philosophical speculations, the Bible provides clear answers about the origin, nature, and purpose of reality. Genesis 1:1 declares, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth,” establishing that all physical and metaphysical realities find their source in Jehovah. This foundational truth contradicts many secular metaphysical theories that deny a Creator, positing instead that the universe either has always existed or emerged from nothing. Christian theology asserts that Jehovah is the uncaused cause, the ultimate reality upon which everything depends (Colossians 1:16-17).
What is the Nature of Being According to Christian Metaphysics?
In metaphysics, the study of being, or ontology, seeks to answer questions about what it means to "be" or "exist." In secular ontology, various theories attempt to explain being without reference to a divine Creator. Some materialist views hold that being is purely physical, while others suggest a dualistic view in which both material and immaterial realities exist.
Christian metaphysics, however, starts with the premise that Jehovah is the ultimate being, the "I am" of Exodus 3:14. When Jehovah revealed His name to Moses as “I am who I am,” He declared His self-existence and eternal nature. Unlike created beings who have a beginning and are contingent upon something else for their existence, Jehovah is the only necessary being—He exists independently and is the source of all other beings.
Furthermore, the Bible teaches that human beings are unique in their ontological nature. Genesis 1:27 states, “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” Humans, therefore, are not merely physical creatures but spiritual beings endowed with the capacity for relationship with God. This stands in stark contrast to materialist metaphysical views that see humans as nothing more than highly evolved animals.
Is Reality Material or Immaterial?
One of the central questions of metaphysics is whether reality is material, immaterial, or both. Materialism holds that only the physical world exists and that everything, including thought and consciousness, can be explained by physical processes. In contrast, dualism posits that both material and immaterial realities exist, while idealism claims that only the mind or spirit is real.
The Bible clearly teaches a dualistic view of reality. In addition to the material world, there is an immaterial, spiritual realm. Hebrews 11:3 tells us that “by faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.” This verse underscores the existence of a reality beyond the physical—one that is spiritual and eternal.
Moreover, Jesus affirmed the existence of both the material and immaterial when He spoke of storing treasures in heaven rather than on earth (Matthew 6:19-21). In this passage, Christ contrasts the temporary, material world with the eternal, spiritual reality of heaven, showing that both realms are real, but one is superior in its enduring value.
How Does Christian Metaphysics Address the Question of Ultimate Reality?
Ultimate reality is often discussed in metaphysical terms, with questions focusing on what constitutes the highest or most fundamental nature of existence. For the Christian, ultimate reality is not an abstract principle or impersonal force but a personal, sovereign God. Colossians 1:16-17 explains, "For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together."
This passage emphasizes that Jehovah is the ultimate reality who created both the visible (material) and invisible (immaterial) realms. Furthermore, everything that exists, including all spiritual and physical entities, is held together by God. This aligns with the metaphysical idea of a “first cause” but refines it by identifying the first cause as a personal, relational being who actively sustains His creation.
How Does Christian Thought Address the "One and the Many" Problem?
The "One and the Many" problem in metaphysics deals with the question of how unity and diversity coexist in the world. Secular philosophers have debated whether reality is fundamentally one (a unified whole) or many (composed of distinct parts). Some philosophical systems, such as monism, argue that all diversity is an illusion, while others emphasize the fragmentation and separation in the world.
The Bible provides a harmonious answer to the problem of the one and the many by affirming both unity and diversity in creation. The most profound example of this is the doctrine of the Trinity. The Christian God is one in essence but exists in three distinct persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Deuteronomy 6:4 affirms God’s unity: “Hear, O Israel: Jehovah our God, Jehovah is one.” At the same time, passages like Matthew 28:19 reveal the triune nature of God: "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."
This understanding of God as both one and many provides a metaphysical foundation for understanding how unity and diversity coexist in creation. Just as the Trinity is a perfect unity of distinct persons, creation reflects a similar balance of unity and diversity. For instance, humanity is made up of many individuals, each with unique characteristics, yet all are part of one human race, created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27).
Is Reality Natural or Supernatural?
Another key metaphysical question concerns the nature of reality: Is it natural or supernatural? Naturalism, a worldview that denies the existence of anything beyond the physical universe, claims that everything can be explained by natural processes. In contrast, Christian metaphysics affirms the existence of a supernatural realm, which not only exists alongside the natural world but also governs and interacts with it.
The Bible clearly teaches that there is a supernatural dimension to reality. Ephesians 6:12 says, "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places." This verse reveals that there is a spiritual battle taking place beyond what is visible to the human eye, a clear affirmation of the supernatural.
Furthermore, miracles, as recorded throughout Scripture, provide additional evidence of the supernatural realm's interaction with the natural world. For instance, in John 11, Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead, an act that defies natural explanation and demonstrates the power of God over life and death. Miracles like these reveal that the supernatural realm is not distant or disconnected from the physical world but can intervene in it according to God’s will.
What is the Relationship Between God and Being?
In metaphysical discussions, the nature of being is central. Secular metaphysicians often debate the nature of existence and whether it is material, immaterial, or a combination of both. Christian metaphysics, however, begins with the affirmation that Jehovah is the ultimate being, and all other beings derive their existence from Him. Acts 17:28 declares, "For in him we live and move and have our being," showing that all created beings are contingent upon God for their existence.
Jehovah is unique in that He is the only being whose existence is necessary. In philosophical terms, this means that God is the only "self-existent" being, one who does not derive His existence from anything else. All other beings—whether angels, humans, or animals—are contingent beings, meaning that they depend on God for their creation and continued existence.
Moreover, the Bible describes Jehovah as the source of life for all living beings. In John 1:3-4, we read, "All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men." This passage reinforces the metaphysical truth that God is the giver of life and that all other beings exist only because He sustains them.
Does Metaphysics Address the Problem of Change and Permanence?
One of the key issues in metaphysics is the problem of change and permanence. Philosophers have long debated whether the world is in a constant state of flux or whether there is something permanent and unchanging behind the changing phenomena. Heraclitus famously claimed that "everything flows," while Parmenides argued that change is an illusion.
The Bible offers a balanced view of change and permanence. On the one hand, it acknowledges that the physical world is subject to change and decay. Ecclesiastes 1:4 says, "A generation goes, and a generation comes, but the earth remains forever," highlighting the constant cycle of life and death. Romans 8:20-21 also speaks of creation being subjected to "futility" and "bondage to corruption."
However, amidst this change, the Bible affirms the unchanging nature of Jehovah. Malachi 3:6 states, "For I Jehovah do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed." God’s immutability—the fact that He does not change—provides a stable foundation for reality in a world that is constantly shifting. While the material world may be subject to decay, God’s eternal nature remains the same, and His promises endure forever.
How Does the Bible Address the Nature of Time?
Time is another major topic in metaphysics, with questions focusing on whether time is real, whether it is linear or cyclical, and how it relates to eternity. Secular philosophers have offered different theories on time, with some arguing that time is merely a human construct, while others claim that time is a fundamental part of reality.
The Bible presents a clear understanding of time as a creation of God. Genesis 1:1 declares that "in the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth," marking the start of time itself. Before creation, only Jehovah existed, outside of time and space. Thus, time is not an eternal reality but a dimension created by God for the purpose of His unfolding plan of redemption.
Moreover, the Bible teaches that time is linear, moving toward a definite end. History is not an endless cycle of repetition, as some ancient metaphysical systems claim, but a purposeful progression toward the fulfillment of God’s kingdom. Revelation 21:1-5 describes the ultimate culmination of time when God will create a new heaven and a new earth, bringing history to its intended conclusion.
About the Author
EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220 books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).
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