Topical Encyclopedia Introduction: God's revelation refers to the ways in which God has chosen to disclose Himself and His will to humanity. This concept is foundational to understanding the nature of God, His purposes, and His interactions with the world. Revelation is generally categorized into two types: general revelation and special revelation. General Revelation: General revelation is the knowledge of God and His attributes that can be discerned through nature, history, and human conscience. It is accessible to all people, regardless of their religious background. 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 passage highlights that the created order reflects God's power and divinity, making His presence evident to all. Special Revelation: Special revelation refers to God's specific communications and manifestations to particular individuals or groups, which are not accessible through general revelation. This includes the Scriptures, the person of Jesus Christ, and other direct communications from God. 1. Scripture: The Bible is the primary source of special revelation. It is considered the inspired Word of God, providing guidance, instruction, and insight into God's character and His plan for salvation. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 states, "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." This underscores the belief that Scripture is divinely inspired and authoritative. 2. Jesus Christ: The ultimate revelation of God is found in the person of Jesus Christ. As the incarnate Word of God, Jesus embodies the fullness of divine revelation. 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." Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus reveals God's love, grace, and redemptive plan for humanity. 3. Direct Communication: Throughout biblical history, God has communicated directly with individuals through various means, including visions, dreams, and angelic visitations. Examples include God's covenant with Abraham (Genesis 15), Moses receiving the Law on Mount Sinai (Exodus 19-20), and the prophetic messages given to the prophets. Hebrews 1:1-2 reflects on this: "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." Purpose of Revelation: The purpose of God's revelation is to make Himself known to humanity, to reveal His will, and to invite people into a relationship with Him. It serves to instruct, correct, and guide believers in their faith and conduct. Revelation is also intended to bring about the salvation of humankind, as it reveals the path to reconciliation with God through Jesus Christ. Response to Revelation: Humanity's response to God's revelation is crucial. General revelation calls for acknowledgment of God's existence and attributes, while special revelation demands a response of faith and obedience. Romans 10:17 emphasizes the importance of hearing God's Word: "Consequently, faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ." Believers are called to study, meditate on, and live according to the truths revealed in Scripture, and to proclaim the message of salvation to others. Conclusion: While this entry does not include a formal conclusion, it is evident that God's revelation is central to understanding His nature and His relationship with humanity. Through both general and special revelation, God has made Himself known, inviting all people to seek Him and find life in His presence. Subtopics God for Other Anthropomorphic Scriptures by Israel God for Other Anthropomorphic Scriptures: Saul God in the Banishment of John to Patmos God in Turning the Heart of the King of Assyria to Favor the Jews God is Declared to Be: A Consuming Fire God is Declared to Be: Compassionate God is Declared to Be: Eternal God is Declared to Be: Faithful God is Declared to Be: Glorious God is Declared to Be: Gracious God is Declared to Be: Immortal God is Declared to Be: Immutable God is Declared to Be: Incorruptible God is Declared to Be: Invisible God is Declared to Be: Jealous God is Declared to Be: Long-Suffering God is Declared to Be: Merciful God is Declared to Be: Most High God is Declared to Be: Omnipotent God is Declared to Be: Omnipresent God is Declared to Be: Omniscient God is Declared to Be: Only-Wise God is Declared to Be: Perfect God is Declared to Be: Righteous God is Declared to Be: Unsearchable God is Declared to Be: Upright God Loving all of his Children God: Appearances of To Abraham God: Appearances of To Ezekiel God: Appearances of To Jacob, at Beth-El God: Appearances of To Moses and Joshua God: Appearances of To Moses, at Sinai God: Appearances of To Moses, in the Flaming Bush God: Appearances of To Solomon God: Delaying and Destroying Pharaoh God: Delivering the Israelites God: Feeding Elijah and the Widow God: Fighting the Battles of Israel God: Preserver in Delivering from the Oppressions of the King of Syria God: Preserver in Exempting the Land of Goshen from the Plague of Darkness God: Preserver in Exempting the Land of Goshen from the Plague of Flies God: Preserver in Giving Peace With Other Nations God: Preserver in Preserving Their Cattle from the Plague of Murrain, God: Preserver in Saving the Firstborn, when the Plague of Death Destroyed the Firstborn of Egypt, God: Preserver in the Wilderness God: Preserver: As he Journeyed in the Land of Canaan God: Preserver: Daniel and the Three Hebrew Captives God: Preserver: Deliverance from Egypt, God: Preserver: Delivering Israel by Jeroboam Ii God: Preserver: Delivering the Kingdom of Israel from Syria God: Preserver: Delivering Them from the Army of the Assyrians God: Preserver: Jeremah and Baruch God: Preserver: Jesus and his Parents God: Preserver: On Account of Samuel's Intercession God: Preserver: Paul and Silas God: Preserver: The Ethiopian Host God: Preserver: The Wise Men of the East God: Preserver: To Abraham and Sarah, in Egypt God: Preserver: To Hagar, when Abraham Cast Her Out God: Preserver: To Jacob, when he Fled from Laban, his Father-In-Law God: Preserver: To Joseph, in Egypt God: Preserver: To Lot, when Sodom Was Destroyed God: Preserver: To Moses, in his Infancy God: Preserver: To Noah and his Family, at the Time of the Flood God: Preserver: To the Israelites, in Bringing About Their Deliverance from Bondage God: Preserver: To the Kingdom of Judah: in Delivering from Egypt God: Preserver: Under Jephthah God: Preserver: Victories Over the Canaanites Under Joshua God: Preserver: when he Met Esau God: Protecting Abraham, Sarah, and Abimelech God: Protection of Homes While at Feasts God: Providence of, Mysterious and Misinterpreted God: Providence of, Overruling Interpositions of The God: Purifying the Waters of Marah God: Rebuilding the Walls of Jerusalem God: Restoring Manasseh After his Conversion God: should be Worshipped in Spirit and in Truth God: Special Grace: To Abraham God: Special Grace: To Solomon God: Supplying Manna and Quail God: Supplying Water at Meribah God: Symbolized by the Darkness of the Holy of Holies in the Tabernacle God: Symbolized by the General Structure of the Most Holy Place, See God: Symbolized by the Pillar of Fire God: The Revolt of the Ten Tribes God: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To God: Warning Pharaoh About the Famine God: Warning the Wise Men from the East Sarcasm: God Reproaching Israel Related Terms |