Faith

Faith, a central tenet of Christian doctrine, is the assurance and conviction in the truths of God, as revealed through Scripture and the person of Jesus Christ. The Bible defines faith in Hebrews 11:1 as "the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see." This definition underscores faith as both a present assurance and a future hope, rooted in the promises of God.

In the Old Testament, faith is exemplified in the lives of patriarchs such as Abraham, who "believed the LORD, and it was credited to him as righteousness" (Genesis 15:6). Abraham's faith was demonstrated through his obedience to God's call, even when the fulfillment of God's promises seemed impossible.

The New Testament further develops the concept of faith, particularly through the teachings of Jesus and the writings of the apostles. Jesus frequently commended faith, as seen in His interactions with individuals such as the centurion, whose faith He marveled at, saying, "Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith" (Matthew 8:10).

The Apostle Paul emphasizes faith as the means by which believers are justified before God. In Ephesians 2:8-9 , he writes, "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast." Faith, therefore, is not merely intellectual assent but involves trust and reliance on God's grace for salvation.

Faith is also described as a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) and is integral to the believer's life, enabling them to live in accordance with God's will. James highlights the active nature of faith, asserting that "faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead" (James 2:17). Thus, genuine faith manifests in actions that reflect one's trust in God.

Revelation

Revelation refers to the disclosure of divine truth, whereby God makes Himself and His will known to humanity. In Christian theology, revelation is understood in two primary forms: general and special.

General revelation is the knowledge of God available to all people through creation and conscience. Psalm 19:1 declares, "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands." This revelation is accessible to all and renders humanity without excuse, as Paul explains 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 what has been made, so that people are without excuse."

Special revelation, on the other hand, is God's specific communication of Himself and His redemptive plan, primarily through Scripture and the person of Jesus Christ. The Bible, as the written Word of God, is the primary source of special revelation. It is described as "God-breathed" and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16).

The ultimate revelation of God is found in Jesus Christ, who is "the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His nature" (Hebrews 1:3). Through His incarnation, life, death, and resurrection, Jesus reveals the fullness of God's character and His plan for salvation.

Revelation is not merely informational but transformational, calling individuals to respond in faith and obedience. The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in illuminating the truths of revelation, enabling believers to understand and apply God's Word to their lives.