Introduction:
The concept of God's progressive revelation refers to the manner in which God has disclosed Himself and His divine will to humanity over time. This unfolding revelation is seen throughout the Bible, where God gradually reveals His nature, purposes, and plans, culminating in the person and work of Jesus Christ. This entry explores the stages and significance of this progressive revelation as presented in the Scriptures.

Old Testament Revelation:
God's revelation begins in the Old Testament, where He reveals Himself as the Creator and Sustainer of the universe. In Genesis, God makes Himself known to the patriarchs, such as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, establishing covenants and promising blessings. Genesis 12:1-3 records God's call to Abram: "Go forth from your country, your kindred, and your father's house, to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, so that you will be a blessing."

As history progresses, God reveals more of His character and law through Moses and the giving of the Law at Sinai. The Law, as detailed in Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy, provides a moral and ceremonial framework for the Israelites, revealing God's holiness and justice. Exodus 20:1-3 begins the Ten Commandments: "And God spoke all these words: 'I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. You shall have no other gods before Me.'"

The historical books, wisdom literature, and the prophets further reveal God's dealings with His people, His expectations, and His promises of future redemption. The prophets, such as Isaiah and Jeremiah, speak of a coming Messiah and a new covenant. Isaiah 9:6 prophesies: "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

New Testament Revelation:
The New Testament marks the climax of God's revelation in the person of Jesus Christ. Hebrews 1:1-2 states, "On many past occasions and in many different ways, God spoke to our fathers through the prophets. But in these last days, He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, and through whom He made the universe." Jesus embodies the fullness of God's revelation, fulfilling the Law and the Prophets and inaugurating the new covenant.

The Gospels present Jesus as the incarnate Word of God, who reveals the Father and provides salvation through His death and resurrection. John 1:14 declares, "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."

The Acts of the Apostles and the Epistles further unfold the implications of Christ's work, the role of the Holy Spirit, and the establishment of the Church. The apostolic writings provide instruction, encouragement, and clarification of the faith, as seen in passages like Ephesians 3:4-5 : "In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets."

Eschatological Revelation:
The final book of the Bible, Revelation, provides a prophetic vision of the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. It reveals the consummation of history, the final judgment, and the establishment of a new heaven and new earth. Revelation 21:1-3 describes this future hope: "Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying: 'Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God.'"

Significance:
God's progressive revelation demonstrates His desire to be known by humanity and His commitment to redeem and restore creation. It underscores the continuity and coherence of the biblical narrative, revealing a God who is both transcendent and immanent, just and merciful. Through this progressive revelation, believers are invited into a deeper understanding of God's character and His eternal purposes.