Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Nature Revelation from God refers to the divine act of disclosing or unveiling truths, knowledge, and mysteries that are otherwise hidden or unknown to humanity. This revelation is foundational to the Christian faith, as it is through God's self-disclosure that believers come to understand His nature, will, and purposes. Revelation can be general, as seen in creation, or special, as manifested through Scripture and the person of Jesus Christ. General Revelation General revelation is the knowledge of God and His attributes that can be discerned through nature, history, and human conscience. Psalm 19:1-2 declares, "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge." This type of revelation is accessible to all people and serves to make humanity aware of God's existence and power. Special Revelation Special revelation is the more direct and specific disclosure of God's will and truth, primarily through the Scriptures and the incarnation of Jesus Christ. The Bible is considered the inspired Word of God, as stated in 2 Timothy 3:16 : "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness." Through the Bible, God reveals His redemptive plan and moral law. The Person of Jesus Christ The ultimate revelation of God is found in Jesus Christ, who is described as the "Word" in John 1:14 : "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." Jesus embodies the fullness of God's revelation, providing the clearest picture of His character and love. Prophetic Revelation Throughout biblical history, God has communicated through prophets, who were chosen to deliver His messages to His people. 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." Prophetic revelation often included foretelling future events and calling people to repentance. The Role of the Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in revelation by illuminating the Scriptures and guiding believers into all truth. John 16:13 affirms, "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 Spirit's work ensures that God's revelation is understood and applied in the life of the believer. Revelation and the Church The Church is the custodian of God's revelation, tasked with proclaiming and teaching the truths of Scripture. Ephesians 3:10 highlights the Church's role: "His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms." The Church, through its teaching and sacraments, serves as a conduit for God's ongoing revelation to the world. Eschatological Revelation The Book of Revelation, the final book of the New Testament, provides a prophetic vision of the end times and the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. Revelation 1:1 introduces the book as "The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants what must soon come to pass." This eschatological revelation offers hope and assurance of God's sovereignty and the eventual triumph of good over evil. Conclusion Revelation from God is a multifaceted concept that encompasses His self-disclosure through creation, Scripture, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. It is through this divine revelation that believers gain insight into God's character, His will for humanity, and His ultimate plan for creation. |