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Grasping the Spectrum of Divine Revelation

The concept of divine revelation is foundational to understanding Christian theology. It is through revelation that God discloses Himself and His will to humanity. This article aims to elucidate the various aspects and dynamics of divine revelation as presented in the Bible, acknowledging both its completeness and the limitations of human understanding.

God’s Communication Through History

The nature of divine revelation, as outlined in Hebrews 1:1-2, indicates that God has communicated with humanity in various ways throughout history. Initially, He spoke through prophets and various means, but in these last days, He has spoken through His Son, Jesus Christ. This progression shows the depth and breadth of God’s desire to reveal Himself to His creation.

The Inspiration of Scripture

Scriptural inspiration, as discussed in 2 Timothy 3:16-17 and 2 Peter 1:20-21, refers to the process by which God guided the human authors of the Bible. This inspiration ensures that the Scriptures are God-breathed and useful for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness. It guarantees the reliability and authority of the Bible as God’s revelation.

The Eternal Nature of God’s Word

Psalm 119:89 emphasizes the eternal and unchanging nature of God’s Word. Unlike human knowledge, which is constantly evolving and subject to change, God’s revealed truth remains constant and steadfast throughout all generations.

The Secret and Revealed Things of God

Deuteronomy 29:29 introduces an essential aspect of divine revelation: the distinction between what God has revealed and what remains hidden. While God has disclosed enough for salvation and godly living, there are mysteries belonging to God alone. This acknowledges the finiteness of human understanding in the light of God’s infinite wisdom.

Wisdom and Understanding Through Revelation

Psalm 119:99 highlights how divine revelation imparts wisdom and understanding, surpassing conventional learning. The insights gained from God’s revelations in the Scriptures provide believers with a unique and profound comprehension of truth and morality.

General Revelation and Human Knowledge

Romans 1:19 discusses general revelation – how God has made knowledge about Himself evident to humanity through creation. This form of revelation is accessible to all and leaves humanity without excuse for ignoring God’s existence and power.

The Completion and Continuity of Revelation

Finally, the article will explore the idea that while God’s revelation in the Bible is complete, it does not encompass everything there is to know about God. The mystery and majesty of God transcend human comprehension, inviting believers into a lifelong pursuit of knowing and understanding the divine.

Understanding divine revelation is crucial for grasping the foundational truths of Christianity. It involves recognizing how God has communicated with humanity, the nature and purpose of the Scriptures, and the balance between revealed truth and the mystery of God’s character. We seek to provide clarity on these aspects, aiding believers in their journey of faith and understanding.

The Critical Role of Revelation in Christianity

This section explores why revelation is indispensable in Christianity. It underscores that salvation, knowledge of God, doctrinal formation, and Christian living are all reliant on divine revelation.

Revelation as the Gateway to Salvation

Central to Christian faith is the belief that salvation is attainable only through the knowledge of God and His redemptive plan as revealed in the Scriptures. This revelation is not just informational but transformational, leading to a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. It brings to light the means of salvation, which remains otherwise hidden in the absence of revelation.

Revealing the Person of God

The Bible serves as the primary source through which the character and attributes of God are disclosed. This revelation is crucial for understanding who God is and what He desires from and for His creation. Without this revelation, any conception of God would be speculative at best, leading to incomplete or erroneous understandings of His nature.

The Foundation of Doctrine

Doctrine, or the formalized beliefs of Christianity, is built upon the revelations contained in the Bible. These doctrines shape the beliefs, practices, and identity of the Christian faith. Without revelation, these doctrines would lack divine authority and clarity, leading to a faith built on human ideas rather than divine truth.

Underpinning the Christian Life

Revelation also forms the foundation of the Christian life. It informs how believers are to live, worship, and serve. Through the Scriptures, God provides guidance, wisdom, and the moral framework for living a life that is pleasing to Him. The Christian life, in all its facets, is a response to the divine revelation found in the Bible.

The importance of divine revelation in Christianity cannot be overstated. It is the means by which God has chosen to communicate essential truths about salvation, His own nature, the foundations of doctrine, and the principles for Christian living. Understanding and embracing this revelation is essential for every aspect of the Christian faith and practice.

Understanding How God Reveals Himself

This section explores the various methods through which God reveals Himself and His purposes to humanity. It distinguishes between general revelation, accessible to all, and special revelation, which is specific and direct.

General Revelation Through History and Nature

General revelation refers to God’s self-disclosure through universal means. This includes historical events, as referenced in 1 Corinthians 10:1-6, where the experiences of Israel in the wilderness are seen as examples for all. Similarly, nature is a canvas for God’s revelation, as seen in Psalms 19:1-6 and Romans 1:18-20. These passages describe how the created world testifies to the power and divinity of God, offering everyone a glimpse of His nature and existence.

Revelation Through Human Conscience

Another aspect of general revelation is through the human conscience, as described in Romans 2:14-16. This passage suggests that even without explicit knowledge of God’s law, people across the world demonstrate a sense of right and wrong, pointing to a divine moral lawgiver.

Special Revelation: The Bible and Christ

Special revelation, on the other hand, is more direct and specific. It includes the revelation given through the Bible, as indicated in Deuteronomy 29:29 and 2 Peter 1:20-21. These scriptures affirm that God has revealed specific truths in the Scriptures, guided by the Holy Spirit, that are essential for understanding His will and salvation.

The pinnacle of special revelation is in the person of Jesus Christ. John 1:14 and 18 emphasize that Christ, as the Word made flesh, revealed God in a way that no other revelation could. He is the ultimate expression of God’s nature, character, and plan for humanity.

The means through which God reveals Himself are diverse and profound. They range from the general, accessible to all people through history and nature, to the specific, found in the Scriptures and supremely in Jesus Christ. These varied forms of revelation collectively contribute to a fuller understanding of God and His purposes for the world.

The Objectives of Divine Revelation

The purpose of divine revelation encompasses several key aspects, each crucial for understanding the human condition, the nature of God, and His expectations for humanity.

Revealing Human Imperfection and Sinfulness

One of the primary objectives of revelation is to illuminate the reality of human imperfection and sinfulness. Passages like Genesis 6:5, 8:21, Jeremiah 17:9, and Romans 3:9-20 depict the inherent sinful nature of humanity. This revelation serves as a mirror, showing us our need for redemption and the inability to attain righteousness on our own.

Unveiling the Person and Work of Christ

The revelation of Jesus Christ, as indicated in John 5:39 and Revelation 1:1, is central to the Christian faith. The Scriptures reveal Christ not only as a historical figure but also as the Saviour and Son of God. His life, death, and resurrection are crucial for understanding God’s plan of salvation.

Revealing the Promise of Eternal Life

Scriptures such as John 3:16, 5:28-29, 17:3, 20:31, and 1 John 5:13 reveal the promise of eternal life through faith in Christ. This aspect of revelation brings hope and a future perspective to the believer’s life, emphasizing the reality of life beyond this wicked world.

Communicating God’s Expectations

Divine revelation also communicates God’s expectations for His creation, as seen in Deuteronomy 29:29, 2 Timothy 3:17, Luke 17:10, and Joshua 1:8. These passages provide guidance for living a life that is pleasing to God, encompassing both moral imperatives and principles for godly living.

Imparting Wisdom

Wisdom, a key component of a well-lived life, is also imparted through revelation. Passages like James 1:5, Proverbs 1:2, 5, and Psalm 19:7 highlight how God’s Word offers wisdom that surpasses human understanding, guiding believers in all aspects of life.

Assuring Victory Over Temptation

The revelation of victory over sin and temptation is evident in passages like Psalm 119:9-11, 1 Corinthians 10:13, Matthew 4:1-11, and Ephesians 6:16-17. These scriptures provide assurance and practical strategies for overcoming temptation and living victoriously.

The Accessibility and Application of Revelation

Finally, the Bible, while deep and complex, is also accessible and understandable, as Ephesians 5:15-16 suggests. Understanding requires not just hearing but also applying God’s Word, as emphasized in James 1:22. This practical application is essential for a life transformed by divine revelation.

The purpose of divine revelation is multifaceted, addressing the depth of the human condition, revealing the person of Christ, promising eternal life, communicating divine expectations, imparting wisdom, and assuring victory over sin. These aspects are critical for a holistic understanding of God’s communication to humanity through His Word.

About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).