Biblical Epistemology: How Man Can Know

 Biblical Epistemology: How Man Can Know.

John 3:11 (KJV) Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness.

• Jesus Christ, John the Baptist, the Disciples all professed to know certain things.
• Christians claim to know certain things.

Romans 8:28 (KJV) And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Christians know that all things work together for good.

2 Corinthians 5:1 (KJV) For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. Christians know that they have an eternal home. 

1 John 3:2 (KJV) Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.  Christians know that they will be like Jesus Christ forever.

1 John 5:13 (KJV) These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. Christians may know that they have eternal life.

1 John 5:15 (KJV) And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him. Christians know that if they ask according to God’s will, their petition will be given.

1 John 5:19 (KJV) And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness. Christians know that they are of God….

1 John 5:20 (KJV) And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life. Christians know that the Son of God is come and given us an understanding that we may know….

• The study of Epistemology is the study of how Man knows or how Man obtains knowledge. 
• Biblical Epistemology is simply the question of how Man knows being addressed and answered with the Bible.

There’s no way that this entire subject can be covered in one message. 

• So, I’m going to look at just a few things. 
• I’m not going to get to all the verses and issues that deal with this subject. 
• I’m focusing on selected and limited aspects of this topic. 
• You, listener, if you’re saved, should ask the Holy Spirit for guidance and note additional aspects of the subject that He illumines to you. 

Does the Bible tell Man how he can know things with certainty and how he can obtain knowledge?

 Yes. 

That’s in the Bible. 

There are definite ways that Man can know things with certainty. 

As there are many fields of knowledge, we will be limiting our comments to Spiritual or Scriptural knowledge, both of these terms are synonymous for our purpose and lesson.

All knowledge (perceived or real) begins with assumptions (or beliefs, faith). The eternally critical component of Man’s soul is what he will believe. This is why Jesus Christ drew the attention to BELIEF as the vehicle of salvation. All knowledge is based on faith (assumptions).

John 3:16 (KJV) For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

John 3:18 (KJV) He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

• Secular Humanists believe in the assumptions of Secular Humanism:
   
• The Universe is self-existent. 
• Man is the result of natural processes. 
• Nothing exists except the material and physical. 

And they build a body of perceived knowledge upon these and other assumptions (beliefs).

• Roman Catholics believe in the assumptions of Catholicism:
• The Roman Catholic church is the church that Christ founded. 
• Peter is the rock upon whom the church is built. 
• Peter has supremacy over the entire church. 
• Peter’s supremacy was passed on to the “popes of Rome.” 

And they build a body of perceived knowledge based upon these and other assumptions (beliefs).

• Bible believing Christians believe in assumptions as well:
   
• We believe there is an almighty and true God. (Thou believest...one God…devils also believe….) 
• We believe God has manifested Himself in the flesh in the Lord Jesus Christ. 
• We believe God’s revealed the 66 Books of the Bible. 
• We believe we have God’s preserved words in the Holy Bible, the English AV Bible otherwise called the King James Bible.

And we build a body of perceived knowledge based upon these and other assumptions (beliefs).

All knowledge, true or false, is based on beliefs or assumptions. We all begin our pool of knowledge with faith. 

I begin our lesson today as a Bible believing Christian with the assumptions or the faith that the 66 Books of the Authorized Version (otherwise known as the King James Bible) are the preserved and infallible words of God.  

It is to these words that we turn to learn and teach on the subject of Biblical Epistemology.

It is Important to understand, I don’t begin as a Baptist, I begin as a Bible believing Christian.

We don’t begin as today as Methodists, we begin as Bible believing Christians.

We don’t begin as Roman Catholics, we begin as Bible believing Christians.

We don’t begin as Anglicans, Episcopalians, or Presbyterians, we begin as Bible believing Christians.

We don’t begin as Calvinists, we begin as Bible believing Christians.

We don’t begin as Arminians, we begin as Bible believing Christians.

We don’t begin as Protestants, we begin as Bible believing Christians.

Why do we make a point of where we begin? 

• Because the Bible is the standard of measure. Where our beliefs differ from the word of God, the Bible, in context; then we dump our belief and attempt to always believe what the Bible says, as it says it, and where it says it.  
• Because we look to the Bible and not to a group for the truth and knowledge.
• Because every group can be wrong, but the Bible cannot be. 

Why do we exalt the Bible?

1. The Oracles of God were given to the Jews. They knew how to handle them (Romans 3).
2. They (Jews, God’s chosen instruments to give His words.) were instructed not to alter, add to, or subtract from the Scriptures (Deuteronomy 4:2, 12:32).
3. They used them as their singular basis of reasoning, source of truth, standard of measure, and final authority (Acts 17:1-3, 11).
4. So, we as Bible believing Christians follow this line of reasoning. 

Why do we specify 66 Books of the Bible?

1. These are the books that faithful Jews accepted. Hebrew Old Testaments contain the same Books as the Books of the AV. They are just in a different order and division (22 Hebrew Books equal same 39 English Books).
2. These are the books that Jesus Christ accepted. No Apocrypha. 

Luke 24:44 (KJV) And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.

Matthew 23:35 (KJV) That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar.

1. In 1546, at the council of Trent, the Roman Catholic hierarchy declared apocryphal books as canonical. They added 7 books to the Bible. They officially violated the Law of Moses regarding God’s words.
2. They also cursed anyone who disagreed with them. In doing this, the Roman Catholic Church officially cursed Jesus Christ.
3. So Bible believers reject the various books of the Apocrypha.

PRELIMINARY REMARKS ABOUT KNOWLEDGE:

1. THERE IS KNOWLEDGE THAT GOD NEVER INTENDED FOR MAN TO HAVE.

Genesis 2:17 But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.

• God never intended for man to have knowledge of good and evil. Calvinists will argue with this but the text is plain, “thou shalt not eat….”
• There is knowledge that God does not want Man to have.   Stop: “The devil was first seen underneath the tree of knowledge and he's been camped there ever since.”

2. Knowledge is at the root of the fall and corruption of the Human Race.

Genesis 3:5 For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.

• Man fell into sin and condemnation by desiring knowledge he didn’t have (wanting to know).
• Man’s trouble started by wanting to know too much (more than what they knew). 
  • more than God revealed.
  • what God hadn’t told him.
• Man’s trouble started by thinking that he knew better than GOD. Genesis 3:6  And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.

3. THERE IS KNOWLEDGE THAT IS TOO GREAT FOR MAN’S MIND. 

Psalm 139:6 (KJV) Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.

• Why things do or don’t happen.
• Why things did or didn’t happen.
• You’re not going to figure everything out, have all the answers, etc.

4. THERE IS KNOWLEDGE THAT MAN SHOULDN’T MEDDLE WITH.

Psalm 131:1 LORD, my heart is not haughty, nor mine eyes lofty: neither do I exercise myself in great matters, or in things too high for me. 

• What God did or didn’t do.
• Why God did or didn’t do whatever.
• What God is doing.

5. THERE IS KNOWLEDGE THAT MAN DOES NOT POSSESS. WE KNOW ONLY IN PART. 

I Corinthians 13:9-12 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part…For now, we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

6. THERE IS KNOWLEDGE THAT MAN CANNOT POSSESS.

Acts 1:7 (KJV) And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.

Matthew 24:36 (KJV) But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.

• Man professes to know more than He knows. (What God has done. Why God did it. What God intended. What God planned. What power the enemy has.)
• Christians profess to know more than they know.

7. God gives vital knowledge to everyone.

John 4:24 (KJV) God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

Romans 1:18-22 (KJV) For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,

8. God gives light to everyone.

John 1:6-9 (KJV) There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.

a. The light of knowledge

2 Corinthians 4:6 (KJV) For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

b) The light of God (Jesus Christ)

John 8:12 (KJV) Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

1 John 1:5 (KJV) This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.

c. The light of the gospel.

2 Corinthians 4:4 (KJV) In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

d. The light of the word of God.

Psalm 119:130 (KJV) The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.

Psalm 119:105 (KJV) NUN. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

e. The light of the Law.

Proverbs 6:23 (KJV) For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life:

f. The light of the local church.

Matthew 5:15 (KJV) Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.

Revelation 2:5 (KJV) Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.

g. The light of the believer’s witness.

Matthew 5:16 (KJV) Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Daniel 12:3 (KJV) And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.

h. The nation of Israel and the city of Jerusalem.

Matthew 5:14 (KJV) Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

How Can Christians Know Things For Certain?

1. A Person can begin to know by fearing god.

Proverbs 1:7 (KJV) The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Proverbs 1:29 (KJV) For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD:

Hebrews 12:28 (KJV) Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:

Proverbs 8:13 (KJV) The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.

Terror or Dread of Justice, Disfavor, and Wrath of God. (Unsaved) Matthew 10:28 (KJV) And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

Respect 

Reverence 

Obedience

Fear (Many bad things or chastisements can happen to us as disobedient children of God)

Hatred of evil, pride, arrogancy, the evil way, the forward mouth

2. A person can know by seeking knowledge from God’s words (Seek, Search).

Proverbs 2:1-6 (KJV) My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.

• God gives knowledge, wisdom, and understanding through His words.

1 John 5:13 (KJV) These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

3. You have to continue in the word of God.

John 8:31-32 (KJV) Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

1 John 5:13 (KJV) These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

God gave us His word so that we could KNOW.

 Proverbs 19:27 (KJV) Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge.

4.You must be willing to obey god’s will.

John 7:17 (KJV) If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.

5. You must recognize and rely upon the Holy Spirit.

John 15:26 (KJV) But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:

John 16:13-14 (KJV) Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.

John 14:26 (KJV) But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

1 Corinthians 2:11-14 (KJV) For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

1 John 2:27 (KJV) But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.

The world says man knows by:

1. Intuition (a feeling)
2. Experience (I know what I felt, saw…etc.)
3. Custom or tradition
4. Guesswork
5. Time (We’ve ALWAYS believed this way)
6. Majority rule (Everyone believes this way, so…)
7. Reason
8. Revelation 
9. Authority

The Bible says Man knows by:

1. Fearing God.
2. Seeking knowledge from the word of God
3. Continue trusting the word of God
4. Be willing to obey what is right according to the word of God.
5. Recognize and rely upon the Holy Spirit.
6. Separate from false teaching (whatever doesn’t match the word of God).