Revelation

In the context of the Bible, "revelation" refers to the act of God disclosing divine truth to humanity. This can occur through various means, including Scripture, prophecy, visions, and the person of Jesus Christ. The concept of revelation is foundational to Christian theology, as it asserts that God has made Himself known to humanity in specific and discernible ways.

The ultimate revelation of God is found in 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." This passage highlights the transition from the partial revelations given through the prophets to the complete and final revelation in Jesus Christ.

The Book of Revelation, also known as the Apocalypse, is a specific example of biblical revelation. It is a prophetic book that unveils the ultimate victory of Christ and the establishment of God's kingdom. Revelation 1:1 begins, "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 book is rich with symbolic imagery and is intended to provide hope and encouragement to believers facing persecution.

Revelation is not limited to the prophetic or apocalyptic; it also encompasses the entire canon of Scripture. 2 Timothy 3:16 affirms, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness." This verse underscores the belief that the Bible, as God's revealed word, is authoritative and sufficient for guiding believers in faith and practice.

Understanding

Understanding in the biblical sense involves the ability to comprehend and apply divine truths. It is closely linked with wisdom and discernment, which are gifts from God. Proverbs 2:6 declares, "For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding." This suggests that true understanding is not merely intellectual but is a spiritual insight granted by God.

The pursuit of understanding is encouraged throughout Scripture. Proverbs 4:7 advises, "Wisdom is supreme; therefore acquire wisdom. And in all you acquire, acquire understanding." This pursuit is not only for personal edification but also for living a life that honors God and aligns with His will.

Understanding is also a key theme in the teachings of Jesus. In the parable of the sower, Jesus emphasizes the importance of understanding the word of God. Matthew 13:23 states, "But the seed sown on good soil is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit and produces a crop—a hundredfold, sixtyfold, or thirtyfold." Here, understanding is linked to spiritual fruitfulness and effectiveness in the Christian life.

The New Testament further highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in granting understanding. In John 16:13 , Jesus promises, "However, when the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. For He will not speak on His own, but He will speak what He hears, and He will declare to you what is to come." The Holy Spirit is depicted as the divine agent who leads believers into a deeper understanding of God's truth.

In summary, revelation and understanding are intertwined concepts in the Bible. Revelation is the means by which God communicates His truth, while understanding is the capacity to grasp and live out that truth. Both are essential for a vibrant and faithful Christian life, enabling believers to know God more fully and to walk in His ways.