Responses to revelation

God commands that his word be heeded

Mark 4:3 ESV

“Listen! Behold, a sower went out to sow.

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People do not naturally understand what God has revealed

They fail to recognise God’s revelation in Jesus Christ

Matthew 11:25–27 ESV

At that time Jesus declared, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.

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They fail to understand God’s revelation in general

1 Corinthians 2:14 ESV

The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.

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God has given his Spirit to illuminate the human mind

He reveals and teaches truth

1 Corinthians 2:12–13 ESV

Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual.

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He reveals through prayer for understanding

Psalm 119:18 ESV

Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.

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Understanding God’s revelation carries special responsibility

Luke 12:47–48 ESV

And that servant who knew his master’s will but did not get ready or act according to his will, will receive a severe beating. But the one who did not know, and did what deserved a beating, will receive a light beating. Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.

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God’s revelation of himself will only be fully understood at the second coming of Jesus Christ

1 Corinthians 13:12 ESV

For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.

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The consequences of responding to revelation

Repentance

Acts 2:38 ESV

And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

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Faith

Romans 10:17 ESV

So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

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Obedience

Romans 1:5 ESV

through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations,

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