What is Reality According to the Bible?

Reality, according to the Bible, is more than what can be seen, touched, or experienced with the senses. The Bible reveals that reality includes both the visible, physical world and an unseen, spiritual dimension. While human understanding is often limited to what can be observed, the Bible teaches that true reality is defined by God’s eternal truth, His Word, and His divine purposes. Reality is shaped by God’s creation, His presence, and His plan for humanity.

The concept of reality in the Bible is deeply rooted in God’s nature as Creator and Sustainer of all things. Scripture presents reality as a combination of the material world and the spiritual world. To fully grasp reality, people must see beyond the physical and recognize the spiritual truths revealed by God. This understanding allows believers to live with faith, purpose, and hope in a world that often seems uncertain.

Reality, according to the Bible, is far greater than what can be seen or touched. It includes both the physical world and an unseen spiritual dimension where God, angels, and spiritual forces are present. Reality is defined by God as the Creator, Sustainer, and ultimate Judge of all things. It is revealed through His Word, which provides the foundation of truth and meaning. Image Credit: kikkerdirk via Canva.com

Reality is Rooted in God as Creator

The Bible begins with the powerful statement, "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth" (Genesis 1:1). This declaration establishes God as the Creator of all that exists. Reality, therefore, is not an accident or random occurrence. It is the purposeful work of God, who created everything with order, beauty, and meaning. God’s creation is real, and it reflects His power, wisdom, and glory.

Everything in the natural world, from the stars in the sky to the smallest living creatures, points to the reality of God’s presence. Psalm 19:1 says, "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands." This means that the physical world is not an illusion but a testimony to God’s greatness. Reality, according to the Bible, includes the natural world as a reflection of God’s creative power.

Human beings are also part of this reality. The Bible teaches that people are created in the image of God. Genesis 1:27 says, "So God created mankind in His own image, in the image of God He created them; male and female He created them." This verse affirms that humans are unique, possessing inherent value, dignity, and purpose. Reality includes the physical existence of human beings, but it also extends to their spiritual identity and their relationship with God.

Reality Includes the Spiritual World

The Bible teaches that reality extends beyond the physical world to include a spiritual dimension. While the material world is visible and tangible, the spiritual world is unseen but no less real. The Bible describes the spiritual world as the realm where God, angels, and spiritual forces exist. This unseen world affects human life and is essential to a complete understanding of reality.

One of the clearest statements about the unseen spiritual reality is found in 2 Corinthians 4:18, where Paul writes, "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." This verse reveals that what people can see with their eyes is temporary, while the unseen spiritual realities are eternal and unchanging.

The spiritual world includes both the presence of God and the activity of spiritual beings like angels and demons. The Bible describes encounters with angels, such as when an angel appeared to Mary to announce the birth of Jesus (Luke 1:26-38). It also speaks of the existence of spiritual warfare. Ephesians 6:12 states, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." This passage emphasizes that the battles people face are not merely physical but spiritual.

Understanding that reality includes a spiritual dimension helps believers see the world with clarity. It reminds them that there is more to life than what can be observed with the senses. It also encourages them to seek God’s guidance, knowing that He is present and active even when He cannot be seen.

Reality is Grounded in God's Word

Another essential part of reality according to the Bible is that God’s Word defines what is true. Scripture reveals God’s truth and shows people how to live in accordance with reality. In John 17:17, Jesus prays, "Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth." This verse shows that God’s Word is not just a source of guidance but the foundation of all truth and reality.

Human understanding of reality is often influenced by personal opinions, cultural values, and changing philosophies. However, the Bible presents God’s Word as an unchanging source of truth. Psalm 119:160 says, "All Your words are true; all Your righteous laws are eternal." Unlike human opinions, God’s Word does not change with time. It reveals timeless principles that define reality, morality, and human purpose.

God’s Word not only explains reality but also transforms it. Hebrews 4:12 describes God’s Word as "alive and active, sharper than any double-edged sword." This verse highlights that Scripture has the power to penetrate human hearts and minds, shaping thoughts, attitudes, and actions. When people meditate on God’s Word, they begin to see reality through God’s eyes and live in alignment with His truth.

Reality is Affected by Sin and the Fall

The Bible also teaches that reality has been affected by sin. While God created a perfect world, sin entered through the disobedience of Adam and Eve. Genesis 3 tells the story of how humanity’s choice to reject God’s command brought sin, death, and brokenness into the world. This event is known as the Fall, and it explains the presence of pain, suffering, and evil in reality.

Romans 5:12 says, "Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned." This passage highlights that sin introduced disorder, decay, and separation from God. As a result, the physical world experiences suffering, and human relationships are marked by conflict and brokenness.

Despite this, the Bible reveals that God’s ultimate plan is to redeem and restore reality. Through Jesus Christ, God offers forgiveness, healing, and the promise of a new creation. Revelation 21:4 describes a future reality where "there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." This vision of a restored creation provides hope that the brokenness caused by sin will be undone.

Reality is Defined by God's Eternal Kingdom

According to the Bible, the ultimate reality is found in God’s eternal kingdom. This kingdom is not limited to the present world but extends into eternity. Jesus proclaimed the arrival of this kingdom, saying in Matthew 4:17, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near." The kingdom of God is both a present reality and a future hope. It is present wherever God’s will is done on earth, but it will be fully realized when Christ returns.

In Revelation 21:1-2, John describes the ultimate reality of God’s kingdom, saying, "Then I saw 'a new heaven and a new earth,' for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away." This vision points to the final transformation of reality, where God’s kingdom will be fully established, and His people will live in perfect peace and joy.

For Christians, the reality of God’s kingdom shapes how they live now. It calls them to live with hope, knowing that the world’s present brokenness is temporary. Believers are invited to participate in God’s kingdom work by sharing the Gospel, serving others, and living according to God’s will. This understanding of reality gives life meaning, purpose, and direction.

Conclusion

Reality, according to the Bible, is far greater than what can be seen or touched. It includes both the physical world and an unseen spiritual dimension where God, angels, and spiritual forces are present. Reality is defined by God as the Creator, Sustainer, and ultimate Judge of all things. It is revealed through His Word, which provides the foundation of truth and meaning.

The Bible teaches that reality is affected by sin but that God is actively working to redeem and restore it. The ultimate reality is the coming of God’s kingdom, where all things will be made new. This perspective shapes how Christians view their lives, their challenges, and their future. By recognizing reality as defined by God, believers can live with faith, hope, and a sense of purpose. They can trust that God’s plan will ultimately prevail and that the true reality is found in His love, truth, and eternal promises.