What is Consciousness?

From a biblical perspective, consciousness can be understood as the awareness of self, others, and the environment, along with the ability to think, reason, and make moral choices. It encompasses not only intellectual and sensory awareness but also the spiritual awareness that connects humans to God.

Consciousness in the Bible

The Bible suggests that consciousness is a unique aspect of humanity, stemming from being created in the image of God. Moses wrote, “Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness… So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them’” (Gen 1:26-27). Being made in God’s image includes the capacity for rational thought, moral understanding, spiritual perception, and relational interaction. Consciousness gives us these capacities.

Consciousness is also tied to the soul and spirit of humans. God is the Creator of human life and consciousness, as Moses wrote, “Then the Lord God formed man of dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being” (Gen 2:7). The “breath of life” (Heb. neshāma) is often understood to represent the spiritual component imparted by God, making humans distinct from other living creatures. The “living being” (Heb. nephesh) signifies a soul with self-awareness, emotions, and intellect.

Consciousness and Its Components

1. Awareness of God: The Bible indicates that humans are created with an innate sense of God’s existence and moral law (Rom 1:19-20; 2:14-15). This spiritual consciousness enables humanity to know God, worship Him, and understand right and wrong.
2. Self-awareness: Adam and Eve’s awareness of their nakedness after sinning (Gen 3:7) reflects their consciousness of self, moral responsibility, and guilt. This shows that consciousness is tied to moral understanding and the ability to evaluate one’s actions.
3. Relational Awareness: Human consciousness enables relationships with others. For example, Adam’s recognition of Eve as “bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh” (Gen 2:23) demonstrates an understanding of companionship and identity.

Origin of Consciousness

The origin of consciousness lies in God’s creative act. It was directly imparted to humans when God breathed life into Adam. Unlike animals, which operate primarily on instinct and physical needs, humans possess a spiritual dimension that allows for higher reasoning, creativity, moral decision-making, and communion with God. David acknowledges God as the designer of human life, stating, “For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother’s womb. I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psa 139:13-14).

Consciousness and Sin

Sin has affected human consciousness, corrupting moral awareness and distorting spiritual perception. Paul describes the unregenerate as “darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart” (Eph 4:18). However, through regeneration, believers are given a renewed spiritual consciousness, enabling them to understand and receive spiritual truths (1 Cor 2:14-16) and have fellowship with God (John 14:26). Only those with positive volition will know the truth, as Jesus said, “If anyone is willing to do His will, he will know of the teaching, whether it is of God or whether I speak from Myself” (John 7:17).

Conclusion

Consciousness, from a biblical perspective, is a gift from God, rooted in the divine image (Imago Dei). It encompasses intellectual, moral, relational, and spiritual awareness, distinguishing humans from all other creatures. Its origin is found in God’s creative act, where He imparted life and a soul to humanity. Though marred by sin, consciousness can be restored and elevated through a relationship with God and a renewed mind, enabling believers to fulfill their purpose in knowing and glorifying Him.

Dr. Steven R. Cook