General and Special Revelation

What is Revelation?

The making known of God’s person, nature and deeds, in Scripture, history and supremely the person of Jesus Christ. God is also made known, to a limited yet important extent, through his creation.

The Need for Revelation

The impossibility of fully knowing God without revelation

God is beyond unaided human knowing

Isaiah 55:8–9 NKJV

8 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. 9 “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.

John 1:18 NKJV

18 No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him.

The human mind is limited

Job 11:7 NKJV

7 “Can you search out the deep things of God? Can you find out the limits of the Almighty?

Romans 11:33 NKJV

33 Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!

See also Job 9:4,10; 23:3-9; 26:14; 36:26; 37:5,23; Ps 139:6; 145:3; Ecc 3:11; Isa 40:13-14,28; Ro 11:33

Manser, Martin H. Dictionary of Bible Themes: The Accessible and Comprehensive Tool for Topical Studies. Martin Manser, 2009.

General Revelation

General revelation refers to the revelation of God in the created order and the basic nature of man

Forlines, F. Leroy. The Quest for Truth: Theology for Postmodern World. Randall House Publications; Worldwide Ministries, 2001, p. 32.

Romans 1:18–20 NKJV

18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse,

Psalm 19:1–6 NKJV

1 The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork. 2 Day unto day utters speech, And night unto night reveals knowledge. 3 There is no speech nor language Where their voice is not heard. 4 Their line has gone out through all the earth, And their words to the end of the world. In them He has set a tabernacle for the sun, 5 Which is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, And rejoices like a strong man to run its race. 6 Its rising is from one end of heaven, And its circuit to the other end; And there is nothing hidden from its heat.

SPECIAL REVELATION

Special revelation denotes the ways God makes himself known with a clarity and fullness which far surpass general revelation.

It is centered in the miracle of the incarnation and mediated through the God-inspired words of the Bible. Special revelation thus assumes more than one form.”

Psalm 19:7–14 NKJV

7 The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; 8 The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; 9 The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. 10 More to be desired are they than gold, Yea, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. 11 Moreover by them Your servant is warned, And in keeping them there is great reward. 12 Who can understand his errors? Cleanse me from secret faults. 13 Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins; Let them not have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, And I shall be innocent of great transgression. 14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.