Topical Encyclopedia The concept of God's revelation is central to Christian theology, encompassing the ways in which God discloses Himself and His will to humanity. The human response to this divine revelation is a critical aspect of faith and practice, as it reflects the acceptance, understanding, and application of God's truth in one's life.1. Nature of God's Revelation God's revelation is traditionally understood in two primary forms: general and special revelation. General revelation refers to the knowledge of God available to all people through nature and conscience. As the Apostle Paul writes, "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" (Romans 1:20). Special revelation, on the other hand, is God's specific communication through Scripture and the person of 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." 2. Faith and Obedience The appropriate human response to God's revelation is characterized by faith and obedience. Faith is the trust and belief in God's promises and character, as exemplified by Abraham, who "believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness" (Romans 4:3). Obedience is the practical outworking of faith, as seen in James 1:22 : "Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." 3. Repentance and Transformation A genuine response to God's revelation involves repentance and transformation. Repentance is a turning away from sin and a turning toward God, as Jesus proclaimed, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near" (Matthew 4:17). Transformation is the ongoing process of becoming more like Christ, as described in Romans 12:2 : "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." 4. Worship and Reverence Worship is a natural response to the majesty and holiness of God revealed in Scripture. The psalmist declares, "Worship the LORD in the splendor of His holiness; tremble before Him, all the earth" (Psalm 96:9). Reverence for God and His Word is essential, as seen in Isaiah 66:2 : "This is the one I will esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, who trembles at My word." 5. Proclamation and Witness The response to God's revelation also includes the proclamation of His truth to others. Believers are called to be witnesses, as Jesus instructed, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature" (Mark 16:15). The early church exemplified this response, as they "continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus with great power" (Acts 4:33). 6. Love and Service Finally, the response to God's revelation is manifested in love and service to others. Jesus summarized the law and the prophets with the command to love God and neighbor (Matthew 22:37-39). The Apostle John emphasizes this response, stating, "We love because He first loved us" (1 John 4:19), and "let us not love in word and speech, but in action and truth" (1 John 3:18). In summary, the human response to God's revelation is multifaceted, involving faith, obedience, repentance, transformation, worship, proclamation, love, and service. These responses reflect a life aligned with God's will and purpose, as revealed through His Word and the person of Jesus Christ. Subtopics The Human Nature of Christ is Proved by His: Being a Man of Sorrows The Human Nature of Christ is Proved by His: Being Buffeted The Human Nature of Christ is Proved by His: Being Nailed to the Cross The Human Nature of Christ is Proved by His: Being Scourged The Human Nature of Christ is Proved by His: Being Subject to Weariness The Human Nature of Christ is Proved by His: Birth The Human Nature of Christ is Proved by His: Burial The Human Nature of Christ is Proved by His: Circumcision The Human Nature of Christ is Proved by His: Conception in the Virgin's Womb The Human Nature of Christ is Proved by His: Death The Human Nature of Christ is Proved by His: Enduring Indignities The Human Nature of Christ is Proved by His: Having a Human Soul The Human Nature of Christ is Proved by His: Hungering The Human Nature of Christ is Proved by His: Increase in Wisdom and Stature The Human Nature of Christ is Proved by His: Partaking of Flesh and Blood The Human Nature of Christ is Proved by His: Resurrection The Human Nature of Christ is Proved by His: Side Being Pierced The Human Nature of Christ is Proved by His: Sleeping The Human Nature of Christ is Proved by His: Thirsting The Human Nature of Christ is Proved by His: Weeping The Human Nature of Christ was Like Our own in all Things Except Sin The Human Nature of Christ was Necessary to his Mediatorial office The Human Nature of Christ was of the Seed of Abraham The Human Nature of Christ was of the Seed of David The Human Nature of Christ was of the Seed of The Woman The Human Nature of Christ was Submitted to the Evidence of the Senses The Human Nature of Christ was Without Sin The Human Nature of Christ: Acknowledged by Men The Human Nature of Christ: Attested by Himself The Human Nature of Christ: Confession of, a Test of Belonging to God The Human Nature of Christ: Denied by Antichrist The Human Nature of Christ: Genealogy of Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |