Natural Theology (Knowledge of God Apart from Scripture)
1. Defining Natural Theology
Natural theology refers to knowledge of God gained apart from Scripture or direct revelation. It is the attempt to understand God through creation, human reason, and conscience. While special revelation comes through God’s Word and ultimately through Christ, natural theology relies on general revelation — what can be perceived from the world itself.
Paul affirms this distinction in Romans 1:20: “His invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made.” Natural theology seeks to articulate that universal perception of God’s existence and attributes.
At its best, natural theology complements Scripture by showing that faith is not irrational. At its worst, it risks elevating human reason above God’s Word. The ongoing debate centers on how far natural theology can take us in knowing the true God.
2. The Foundations of Natural Theology
The foundations of natural theology are rooted in two sources:
Nature — The created order reveals design, beauty, and purpose. The heavens declare the glory of God (Psalm 19:1), and the cycles of creation display His faithfulness.
Human reason and conscience — Humans, made in God’s image, have rational faculties and moral awareness. Romans 2:15 notes that the law is “written on their hearts,” bearing witness to God’s moral order.
Together, these sources suggest that all people, regardless of culture or time, have access to some knowledge of God. The widespread presence of religion throughout human history demonstrates this natural awareness of the divine.
3. Biblical Basis for Natural Theology
Several passages support the concept of natural theology:
Creation as testimony: “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork” (Psalm 19:1).
Human accountability: Romans 1:20 teaches that people are without excuse, since God’s attributes are visible in creation.
Moral conscience: Romans 2:14–15 affirms that Gentiles, who lack the law, still reveal God’s standards through their consciences.
Wisdom literature: Proverbs 8 and Job 12:7–10 describe how creation itself testifies to God’s wisdom and power.
These texts show that the Bible acknowledges a universal, though limited, knowledge of God available to all humanity.
4. The Value of Natural Theology
Natural theology provides value in several ways:
Universal witness — It testifies to God’s existence to all people.
Apologetic support — It demonstrates that belief in God is reasonable and consistent with the created order.
Preparation for the Gospel — It establishes accountability and provides a foundation for hearing and receiving the message of Christ.
Paul’s missionary work reflects this use. In Acts 17:24–27, he appeals to natural theology when addressing the Athenians, affirming that God made the world and gives life to all. Yet he quickly transitions from this universal truth to the specific revelation of Christ and the resurrection.
5. The Limits of Natural Theology
While natural theology provides some knowledge of God, it is limited. Scripture is clear that:
It does not save — General revelation is insufficient for salvation. Only the Gospel of Christ brings eternal life (Romans 10:13–17).
It is distorted by sin — Human rebellion suppresses the truth. Romans 1:21–23 describes how people exchange the glory of God for idols.
It lacks fullness — Natural theology may affirm God’s existence, but only special revelation reveals His triune nature and saving plan.
Thus, natural theology functions as a signpost, not the destination. It points to God but cannot replace His revelation in Christ.
6. Historical Perspectives on Natural Theology
Throughout church history, theologians have debated the role of natural theology:
Early church — Church fathers often pointed to creation as evidence of God’s wisdom but insisted salvation comes through Christ alone.
Medieval theology — Thinkers like Thomas Aquinas systematized arguments for God’s existence (e.g., the “Five Ways”), emphasizing reason as a gift from God.
Reformation era — Reformers stressed the corruption of human reason after the fall, warning against trusting natural theology apart from Scripture.
Modern debates — Some emphasize natural theology as a bridge for dialogue with science and philosophy, while others fear it undermines the authority of Scripture.
This history reveals both the potential and the danger of natural theology. It has often been used apologetically but must always remain under the authority of God’s Word.
7. Criticisms of Natural Theology
Critics of natural theology raise significant concerns:
Overconfidence in reason — Human reason is finite and fallen, prone to error and pride.
Risk of idolatry — Apart from Scripture, natural theology can lead to distorted views of God or a generic “supreme being” rather than the true God of Israel and Jesus Christ.
Separation from Christ — Natural theology may describe attributes of deity but cannot reveal the triune God or His saving work.
These criticisms remind believers that natural theology is helpful but never sufficient. Without the light of Christ, even the clearest reasoning about creation falls short.
8. Natural Theology and the Gospel of the Kingdom
When seen rightly, natural theology connects to the Gospel. Creation itself is meant to point toward the Creator, who is revealed fully in Christ. Romans 8 describes creation groaning, waiting for redemption. Natural theology testifies to God’s existence and power, while the Gospel proclaims His plan to restore creation through Christ.
For this reason, natural theology should never be isolated from the Gospel. Its purpose is fulfilled only when it leads to worship of the true God. As Paul said in Athens, God created all nations “that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him” (Acts 17:27). The Gospel then reveals that this God has indeed drawn near in Christ.
Conclusion: Knowledge of God and Its Fulfillment
Natural theology affirms that people can know something of God through creation and reason. The world testifies to His power and divinity, and conscience affirms His moral law. Yet this knowledge is partial, distorted by sin, and insufficient for salvation.
Special revelation in Scripture and Christ provides the fullness of God’s self-disclosure. Natural theology functions best when it points beyond itself, preparing the way for the Gospel. The Creator revealed in nature is the Redeemer revealed in Christ.
In the last days, when Christ renews creation, the fragments of knowledge seen in natural theology will give way to full vision. The redeemed will no longer reason toward God but see Him face to face (1 Corinthians 13:12). Until then, natural theology remains a witness, but the Gospel is the power of God unto salvation.
Bible Verses on Natural Theology
“For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.” (Romans 1:20)
“The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.” (Psalm 19:1)
“For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them.” (Romans 1:19)
“But they who fail to acknowledge God became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened.” (Romans 1:21)
“They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness.” (Romans 2:15)
“Yet he is actually not far from each one of us, for ‘In him we live and move and have our being.’” (Acts 17:27–28)
“Ask the beasts, and they will teach you; the birds of the heavens, and they will tell you… Who among all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this?” (Job 12:7–9)
“By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, and by the breath of his mouth all their host.” (Psalm 33:6)
“For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God.” (Romans 8:19)
“For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face.” (1 Corinthians 13:12)
