Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  1000 God  »  1400 God, knowledge of  »  1439 revelation  »  1444 revelation, in NT

The NT fulfils and completes the revelation of God which began in the OT. Jesus Christ is the central focus of this self-revelation of God.

The unity and progress of revelation

The unity of OT and NT

Matthew 5:17-18 See also Romans 3:21-22; 2 Timothy 3:14-15; 2 Peter 3:15-16 The writings of Paul are presented as having equal status with the OT Scriptures; Revelation 22:18-19 These sanctions have the same force as those of Dt 4:2; 12:32.

The progress of NT revelation

Hebrews 1:1-2 See also Hebrews 2:1-4; Hebrews 12:22-27

The NT fulfils and completes God's revelation of himself

Jesus Christ is the supreme revelation of God

Colossians 1:25-27 See also John 1:9-18; John 14:6; Acts 4:12; Galatians 4:4; Philippians 2:6-8; Hebrews 2:14

Jesus Christ is the image of God

2 Corinthians 4:4; Colossians 1:15

Jesus Christ has the nature of God

Philippians 2:6

Jesus Christ is the exact representation of God

Hebrews 1:3

Jesus Christ is the incarnate Word of God

John 1:14

The role of the Holy Spirit in revelation

He is the divine agent of revelation

John 16:12-15 See also John 14:16-17; John 15:26; 1 John 4:6; John 5:6; Revelation 2:7,11,17,29; Revelation 3:6,13,22

He is the source of revelatory manifestations

1 Corinthians 12:7-11 See also Acts 2:1-12; Romans 12:6; 1 Corinthians 12:28-30; Corinthians 13:8-12; Corinthians 14:1-33; Ephesians 4:11

God's purposes in revelation

To reveal himself in Jesus Christ

Colossians 1:15-20 See also John 1:14; John 12:44-45; John 14:9; 2 Corinthians 4:4; Hebrews 1:3

To reveal his plan through Jesus Christ

Ephesians 1:9-10 See also Romans 16:25-27; 1 Corinthians 2:7-10; Ephesians 3:3-11; Colossians 1:19-20

See also

1315  God as redeemer
1432  prophecy in NT
2218  Christ, Son of God
2321  Christ as redeemer
2333  Christ, attitude to OT
2580  Christ, transfiguration
3140  Holy Spirit, teacher
3281  Holy Spirit, inspiration
4954  morning
6510  salvation
6717  reconciliation, world to God
7966  spiritual gifts