Metaphysical naturalism is the philosophical view that the natural world is all that exists. It denies the existence of the supernatural and spiritual realms, asserting that nature is the entirety of reality. From a metaphysical naturalist perspective, there is nothing beyond the physical universe – no God, no spiritual beings, no souls, no afterlife. Everything that exists can be explained by natural laws and processes alone.
The Bible presents a very different view of reality. Scripture teaches that in addition to the physical creation, there are spiritual realities that exist as well. God is spirit (John 4:24), angels are ministering spirits (Hebrews 1:14), and human beings have an immaterial soul that survives death (Matthew 10:28). The Bible makes clear that the natural world is not all there is.
Here are some key biblical truths that contradict metaphysical naturalism:
God Created the Natural World
Genesis 1:1 states, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” The entire natural world was brought into being by a transcendent, personal Creator. Scripture explicitly rejects the idea that the physical universe is all that exists or that it came about by chance. God purposefully created the natural realm and it owes its very existence to Him (Colossians 1:16-17).
God Sustains the Natural World
The Bible teaches that God continues to actively uphold the natural world. Hebrews 1:3 says Jesus is “sustaining all things by his powerful word.” Colossians 1:17 states, “In him all things hold together.” Natural laws and processes do not operate independently of God but rely continuously on His sustaining power.
Miracles Demonstrate God’s Existence and Power Over Nature
Scripture records many miracles – events that transcend the ordinary laws of nature. For example, Jesus turned water into wine (John 2:1-11), walked on water (Matthew 14:22-33), and raised Lazarus from the dead (John 11:1-44). The very purpose of miracles is to demonstrate God’s existence and lordship over the natural realm (Exodus 7:5, Acts 4:29-30).
Nature is Not Divine
Some naturalistic philosophies treat nature itself as divine. Biblical Christianity rejects this idea. The creation is not to be worshipped – only the Creator. In Romans 1:25, the Bible condemns those who “exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator.” Pantheism and nature worship are ruled out by Scripture.
Humans are Both Physical and Spiritual
Human beings have a physical body, but we are more than just our bodies. The Bible teaches that we also have an immaterial spirit that survives death and lives eternally (Ecclesiastes 12:7, Luke 23:43). Our spirits can relate to God, who Himself is spirit (John 4:24). We are both natural/physical beings and supernatural/spiritual beings.
The Natural World is Cursed
Nature as it exists now is far from ideal. Sickness, disease, natural disasters, predation, and death are pervasive. Romans 8:20-22 explains that the creation was subjected to frustration and bondage to decay because of human sin. The current state of nature with its flaws and cruelties points to the existence of the supernatural.
There is an Immaterial Heavenly Realm
The Bible frequently speaks of a transcendent spiritual reality called heaven. This is where God dwells (Deuteronomy 26:15) along with angelic beings (Matthew 18:10) and the redeemed saints who have died (2 Corinthians 5:8). Heaven is just as real as the physical universe, yet utterly distinct and immaterial (John 14:2-3).
Nature will be Restored in the New Creation
The Bible promises that God will one day purge His creation of all imperfections and suffering and usher in a renewed heavens and earth where righteousness dwells (2 Peter 3:13). Nature will be restored to its original flawless state and placed under the direct rule of Christ (Isaiah 11:6-9). The new creation will be a material realm that is wholly suffused with the presence and glory of God (Revelation 21:1-4).
Jesus Christ Will Physically Return to Earth
Jesus will one day return to this material world in bodily form (Acts 1:11). His Second Coming will be visible and physical, demonstrating His lordship over the natural realm. Nature will respond to the entrance of its King with earthquakes and upheavals (Matthew 24:7). Metaphysical naturalism precludes such an event, but Scripture insists it will happen.
God will Destroy this Present Universe
The cosmos itself has an expiration date. 2 Peter 3:10 says the present heavens and earth are being reserved for fire and destruction. The physical universe will eventually be “dissolved” and passing away (2 Peter 3:11). God will then create a “new heavens and a new earth” to stand forever (2 Peter 3:13). The natural world is not eternal or all that exists.
Human Beings Will be Resurrected Physically
At the future resurrection, human bodies will be raised and transformed from perishable to imperishable (1 Corinthians 15:42-44). The material body will be gloriously renewed, not done away with. This affirms that the physical world matters to God and has ongoing significance. Matter is not inherently evil or inferior to spirit from a biblical viewpoint.
The Current Natural World is Not All There Is
1 Corinthians 15:19 plainly states, “If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied.” Christianity does not offer hope for just this physical existence on earth. The gospel promises eternal life in a newly restored world that is both material and spiritual. The natural realm is real but not all that is real.
In summary, the Christian worldview revealed in Scripture soundly rejects metaphysical naturalism. God created the natural world, rules over it providentially, and will ultimately resurrect a renewed creation. Nature has great value but is not all there is. The spiritual dimension is very real as well. We must reject philosophies that arbitrarily exclude the supernatural and worship the creation rather than the Creator.