Presuppositions are things we believe are self-evident and need no proof.
For example, we believe in God without being able to prove empirically his existence. Hopefully we have what we consider to be good reasons for believing in him, but we cannot adequately prove he exists to someone else using what might be called the scientific method. Ultimately, when it comes to God, our knowledge of him depends upon revelation and faith, which are both subjective. Once we come to believe, we see plenty of confirmations of his existence. Likewise, those who believe that God does not exist maintain that position without proof. Faith in God and atheism are both presuppositions that greatly influence our thinking and worldview.
As I attempt to provide a basis for establishing a proper biblical cosmology, I have certain presuppositions or premises.
If our premises are correct, they will help us arrive at proper conclusions. If our premises are incorrect, they will lead us into further error.
Below are some presuppositions I have regarding biblical cosmology. If we can agree on these, it will help us see eye-to-eye as we move forward.
- God exists, and he created the heavens and earth.
- God gave us the Bible, which, according to its own testimony, is absolutely true. We can rely upon every word. (Proverbs 30:5) All its words are inspired by God. (2 Timothy 3:16)
- We should accept that the words of the Bible are literally true, unless it is clear from the context that we should interpret them in some other way, such as symbolically.
- We should not twist the scriptures to make them mean something different from the author’s original intent; although, some scriptures can have multiple meanings. (2 Peter 3:16)
- The Bible is not merely a book that communicates spiritual and moral truths, but it is also correct when it addresses scientific issues. God did not “dumb down” his inspired and true Word to accommodate what is some call a “pre-scientific” era.
By accepting these five presuppositions, we conclude that God, in the Bible, says what he means and means what he says. (Numbers 23:19)
Many times God does not tell us everything we want to know, but he is always truthful.
It is only proper that, if are given a choice between accepting the theories and assertions men, no matter how credentialed or admired, or the assertions made by the Bible, we will choose the latter as our most reliable source to explain the nature of the cosmos and the design of the earth. (Romans 3:4)
The Bible teaches us that we have an adversary called Satan who is a liar by nature. Jesus said that no truth dwells in him. (John 8:44) The Bible also tells us that he deceives the whole world (Revelation 12:9), and the world lies in his power (1 John 5:19). Only those who belong to Christ have escaped from his kingdom of darkness (1 John 5:5). How sad it is, however, when born-again sons and daughters of the God of truth believe Satan’s lies!
There is a worldwide satanic plan to deceive the masses regarding the design of the earth and heavens in order to hide the existence of the Creator and convince people that the Bible is unreliable. (Psalm 2:1-4)
God is revealing the truth about the cosmos in order to awaken the people of the world to his existence and convince us to place our faith and allegiance in our Lord Jesus.
It is my hope that this series of articles will assist you to arrive at a better understanding of the shape and design of the earth and heavens as revealed in the Bible.
