Revelation

In Christian theology, "revelation" refers to the act by which God discloses Himself and His will to humanity. This divine communication is foundational to the Christian faith, as it is through revelation that believers understand God's nature, His purposes, and His expectations for human conduct. The Bible is considered the primary source of divine revelation, encompassing both the Old and New Testaments.

The Book of Revelation, also known as the Apocalypse, is the final book of the New Testament and is attributed to John the Apostle. It is a prophetic work that unveils the ultimate triumph of Christ over evil and the establishment of God's eternal kingdom. Revelation 1:1 states, "This is the revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants what must soon come to pass. He made it known by sending His angel to His servant John." This verse underscores the divine origin and purpose of the revelation, emphasizing its role in guiding and preparing believers for future events.

Revelation is not limited to apocalyptic literature but is evident throughout Scripture. In the Old Testament, God revealed Himself through the Law, the Prophets, and various theophanies. In the New Testament, the ultimate revelation is found in Jesus Christ, as stated in Hebrews 1:1-2 : "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."

Responsibility

With revelation comes responsibility. The knowledge of God's will and His expectations places a moral and spiritual obligation on believers to respond appropriately. This responsibility is twofold: to live in accordance with God's revealed will and to share the message of revelation with others.

The Bible emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands as a response to His revelation. James 1:22 exhorts believers, "Be doers of the word, and not hearers only. Otherwise, you are deceiving yourselves." This call to action highlights the necessity of aligning one's life with the teachings and principles found in Scripture.

Furthermore, believers are entrusted with the responsibility of proclaiming the gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ, to the world. The Great Commission, as recorded in Matthew 28:19-20 , commands, "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you." This mandate underscores the duty of Christians to actively participate in the dissemination of divine revelation.

The parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30 serves as a poignant illustration of responsibility in light of revelation. The servants are entrusted with their master's resources and are expected to steward them wisely. The parable concludes with a commendation for those who faithfully fulfill their responsibilities and a rebuke for the one who fails to act.

In summary, revelation and responsibility are intrinsically linked in the Christian faith. God's self-disclosure through Scripture and Jesus Christ calls believers to a life of obedience, stewardship, and evangelism, reflecting the transformative power of divine revelation in their lives and the world around them.