Definition:
Universal Revelation, also known as General Revelation, refers to the knowledge of God and His attributes that is available to all people at all times through nature, history, and the inner workings of the human conscience. It is distinct from Special Revelation, which is God's self-disclosure through specific, supernatural means such as Scripture, prophecy, and the person of Jesus Christ.

Biblical Basis:
The concept of Universal Revelation is rooted in several key biblical passages that highlight how God's existence and attributes are evident to all humanity through the created order and moral awareness.

1. Nature as a Witness:
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. They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them. Yet their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world." This passage illustrates how the natural world continuously testifies to God's glory and craftsmanship, making His presence known universally.

2. Human Conscience:
Romans 2:14-15 states, "Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law. They show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts sometimes accusing them and at other times even defending them." This indicates that God's moral law is inscribed on the hearts of all people, providing an internal witness to His righteousness and justice.

3. Creation's Testimony:
Romans 1:19-20 affirms, "For what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. 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 that the evidence of God's power and divine nature is manifest in creation, leaving humanity without excuse for unbelief.

Theological Implications:
Universal Revelation serves several important theological functions:

· Accountability: It establishes the basis for human accountability before God. Since God's attributes are evident in creation, all people are responsible for acknowledging Him, even if they have not received Special Revelation.

· Common Grace: Universal Revelation is an expression of God's common grace, providing all people with a basic understanding of His existence and moral order, which can lead to a sense of awe and moral responsibility.

· Foundation for Evangelism: While Universal Revelation reveals God's existence and power, it is insufficient for salvation, which requires the knowledge of the gospel through Special Revelation. However, it prepares the ground for evangelism by awakening a sense of the divine and a need for further revelation.

Historical Perspectives:
Throughout church history, theologians have recognized the significance of Universal Revelation. The early church fathers, such as Justin Martyr and Augustine, acknowledged that God's truth is evident in creation and conscience. The Reformers, including John Calvin, emphasized that while Universal Revelation reveals God's existence, it is through Scripture that we come to a saving knowledge of Christ.

Contemporary Relevance:
In today's pluralistic society, the concept of Universal Revelation remains relevant as it affirms the accessibility of God's truth to all people, regardless of cultural or religious background. It challenges believers to engage with the world, recognizing that God's fingerprints are present in all aspects of life and that every person has an innate awareness of the divine.