Divine revelation refers to the manner in which God discloses Himself and His will to humanity. This concept is foundational to understanding the relationship between God and His creation, as it encompasses the ways in which God communicates truth to human beings. The nature of divine revelation can be categorized into two primary forms: general revelation and special revelation.

General Revelation

General revelation refers to the knowledge of God that is available to all people through the natural world and human conscience. It is universal and accessible, providing evidence of God's existence, power, and divine nature. The Apostle Paul speaks to this in Romans 1:20 : "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." This passage highlights that the created order reflects God's attributes, making His presence known to all.

Additionally, Psalm 19:1-4 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. Without speech or language, without a sound to be heard, their voice has gone out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world." Here, the psalmist poetically describes how the natural world continuously testifies to God's glory and majesty.

Special Revelation

Special revelation, in contrast, is the specific disclosure of God's will and truth to particular individuals or groups, often through miraculous means. This form of revelation is necessary for understanding the specifics of God's plan for salvation and His moral expectations. The primary vehicle of special revelation is the Holy Scriptures, which are considered divinely inspired and authoritative.

The Bible itself attests to its role as special revelation. In 2 Timothy 3:16-17 , it is written, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work." This passage underscores the belief that the Scriptures are divinely inspired and serve as a comprehensive guide for faith and practice.

Moreover, 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 highlights the culmination of special revelation in the person of Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate revelation of God to humanity.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the process of divine revelation. The Spirit is believed to inspire the authors of Scripture and to illuminate the minds of believers, enabling them to understand and apply God's truth. In John 16:13 , Jesus promises, "But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on His own; He will speak only what He hears, and He will declare to you what is to come." This assurance emphasizes the Spirit's ongoing work in revealing and interpreting divine truth.

The Purpose of Divine Revelation

The ultimate purpose of divine revelation is to bring humanity into a right relationship with God. Through revelation, God makes known His character, His will, and His redemptive plan for the world. It serves to instruct, correct, and guide believers in their spiritual journey, equipping them for righteous living and service. As such, divine revelation is both a gift and a responsibility, calling individuals to respond in faith and obedience.