The concept of God's revelation is central to Christian theology, emphasizing the divine act of disclosing Himself and His will to humanity. This privilege is multifaceted, encompassing both general and special revelation, and is foundational to understanding God's nature, His purposes, and His expectations for His creation.

General Revelation

General revelation refers to the knowledge of God and His attributes as revealed through nature, history, and the human conscience. The Apostle Paul articulates 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 underscores the idea that the natural world bears witness to the Creator, providing all people with an awareness of God's existence and majesty.

The Psalms also celebrate this aspect of revelation. 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 affirms that creation itself is a testament to God's glory and power, accessible to all humanity.

Special Revelation

Special revelation, in contrast, refers to God's specific communication of His will and truth through supernatural means, including Scripture, prophecy, and ultimately, Jesus Christ. The Bible is the primary source of special revelation, providing a detailed account of God's interactions with humanity and His redemptive plan.

The writer of Hebrews emphasizes the culmination of special revelation in Jesus Christ: "In the past God spoke to our fathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways. 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" (Hebrews 1:1-2). This passage highlights the progressive nature of revelation, reaching its fullness in the person and work of Jesus.

The role of Scripture as special revelation is further affirmed in 2 Timothy 3:16-17 : "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 underscores the divine inspiration of the Bible, making it an authoritative guide for faith and practice.

The Purpose and Impact of Revelation

The privilege of God's revelation serves several purposes. Primarily, it is intended to lead humanity to a knowledge of God and a relationship with Him. Through revelation, God makes known His character, His laws, and His plan for salvation. In John 17:3 , Jesus prays, "Now this is eternal life: that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent." This verse encapsulates the ultimate goal of revelation: to bring people into eternal fellowship with God.

Revelation also serves to guide and instruct believers in righteous living. Psalm 119:105 states, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." Here, the psalmist acknowledges the practical guidance that God's revealed word provides, illuminating the path of obedience and faithfulness.

The Responsibility of Receiving Revelation

With the privilege of receiving God's revelation comes the responsibility to respond appropriately. James 1:22 exhorts believers, "Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." This call to action emphasizes that revelation is not merely for intellectual assent but for transformative living.

Moreover, the privilege of revelation carries the responsibility of stewardship. Believers are called to share the knowledge of God with others, fulfilling the Great Commission as articulated by Jesus in Matthew 28:19-20 : "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."

In summary, the privilege of God's revelation is a profound gift, offering insight into the divine nature and purpose, guiding believers in truth and righteousness, and calling them to a life of faithful response and witness.