Divine Revelation

Divine revelation refers to the act by which God discloses Himself and His will to humanity. This concept is foundational to Christian theology, as it asserts that God, who is transcendent and beyond human comprehension, has chosen to make Himself known to His creation. Divine revelation is primarily categorized into two types: general revelation and special revelation.

General Revelation is the knowledge of God and His attributes that can be discerned through nature, history, and human conscience. The Apostle Paul speaks of this in Romans 1:20 : "For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood from His workmanship, so that men are without excuse." This type of revelation is accessible to all people and serves to demonstrate God's existence and power.

Special Revelation is the more direct and specific disclosure of God's will and truth, primarily through the Scriptures and the person of Jesus Christ. The Bible is considered the written form of special revelation, inspired by the Holy Spirit. As stated in 2 Timothy 3:16-17 , "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work." Special revelation is necessary for understanding the specifics of God's plan for salvation and His moral expectations.

Interpretation of Divine Revelation

The interpretation of divine revelation, particularly the Scriptures, is a critical task for believers. It involves discerning the intended meaning of the biblical texts and applying them to contemporary life. Several principles guide this interpretative process:

Literal-Historical-Grammatical Method: This approach seeks to understand the Bible by considering the literal meaning of the words, the historical context in which they were written, and the grammatical structure of the text. It emphasizes the original intent of the authors and the message to the original audience.

The Role of the Holy Spirit: Christians believe that the Holy Spirit plays an essential role in interpreting Scripture. As Jesus promised in John 16:13 , "But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all truth." The Holy Spirit illuminates the minds of believers, helping them to understand and apply God's Word.

Scripture Interprets Scripture: This principle holds that the Bible, being a coherent and unified revelation from God, can be used to interpret itself. Clear passages are used to shed light on more obscure ones, ensuring that interpretations are consistent with the overall message of Scripture.

Theological Tradition and Community: While personal study is important, interpretation is also informed by the theological traditions and the community of faith. The insights of church history, creeds, and confessions, as well as the counsel of fellow believers, contribute to a fuller understanding of divine revelation.

In summary, divine revelation is God's self-disclosure to humanity, primarily through nature and Scripture, with the latter requiring careful interpretation guided by the Holy Spirit and the community of faith.