Divine Revelation

Divine revelation refers to the act by which God discloses Himself and His will to humanity. This concept is foundational to the Christian faith, as it asserts that God has made Himself known through various means, primarily through Scripture, the person of Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit.

1. Scripture as Revelation: The Bible is considered the primary source of divine revelation. It is believed to be inspired by God and authoritative for faith and practice. As stated in 2 Timothy 3:16 , "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness." The Bible contains historical narratives, laws, prophecies, poetry, and teachings that reveal God's character, purposes, and plan for salvation.

2. Jesus Christ as Revelation: Jesus is the ultimate revelation of God. In the Gospel of John, Jesus is described as the Word made flesh: "The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth" (John 1:14). Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus reveals the nature of God and His redemptive plan for humanity.

3. The Holy Spirit as Revelation: The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in revealing divine truth to believers. Jesus promised the coming of the Spirit to guide His followers into all truth: "But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all truth" (John 16:13). The Spirit illuminates the Scriptures, convicts of sin, and empowers believers to live according to God's will.

4. General Revelation: In addition to special revelation through Scripture and Christ, God also reveals Himself through creation and conscience. Romans 1:20 states, "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 general revelation provides evidence of God's existence and attributes, accessible to all people.

Repetition in Divine Revelation

Repetition is a significant feature in divine revelation, serving to emphasize important truths and ensure understanding and retention.

1. Repetition in Scripture: The Bible often employs repetition to highlight key themes and messages. For example, the phrase "Fear not" appears numerous times throughout Scripture, reassuring believers of God's presence and protection. Similarly, the call to love God and neighbor is reiterated in both the Old and New Testaments, underscoring its centrality to the faith.

2. Repetition in Teaching: Jesus frequently used repetition in His teachings to reinforce His messages. In the Sermon on the Mount, He repeatedly contrasts the letter of the law with the spirit of the law, using the phrase "You have heard that it was said... But I tell you..." (Matthew 5:21-22). This method helps to clarify and deepen the understanding of His audience.

3. Repetition in Prophecy: Prophetic messages often contain repeated elements to stress their importance and certainty. For instance, the book of Isaiah contains multiple prophecies about the coming Messiah, each adding depth and detail to the promise of salvation. The repetition of these prophecies serves to assure the faithful of God's unchanging plan.

4. Repetition in Worship and Practice: Repetition is also evident in the practices of worship and spiritual disciplines. The Psalms, for example, are filled with repeated expressions of praise, lament, and thanksgiving, reflecting the ongoing relationship between God and His people. The regular observance of the Lord's Supper and baptism are repeated acts that remind believers of the core truths of the Gospel.

In summary, divine revelation and repetition work together to communicate God's truth effectively, ensuring that His messages are understood, remembered, and lived out by His people.