A Systematic Theology

Revelation

Biblical Passage

Exodus 24:4. An early tradition of writing down “all the words of the LORD…” is an indication that words can be from the LORD and are were worth recording.

Psalm 19:1-8. Critical for understanding general revelation, this passage demonstrates how the glory of God can be seen in His “handiwork” of creation. It claims all the heavens show His magnificence and splendor in the creation of the universe. Paul later addresses this issue very similarly in Romans 1:20. This passage also states the perfection of the LORD’s instruction, its rightness, and its propensity to renewing one’s soul.

Romans 1:20 CSB

For his invisible attributes, that is, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen since the creation of the world, being understood through what he has made. As a result, people are without excuse.

Matthew 5:17-18. Jesus confirms His understanding and confirmation of the Scriptures as He knew them (e.g. the Old Testament). The incarnate Christ validates the Hebrew Bible even in the smallest parts.

Matthew 22:31-32. This passage indicates revelation can be found in the tenses of verbs. This is important for understanding that special revelation even applies the small attributes of language.

Romans 1:19-20. Here Paul indicates how God’s attributes can be “clearly seen, being understood” through His creation. It confirms that all people should see and experience God’s “eternal power and divine nature” through general revelation. This passage coupled with Psalm 19:1-6 speaks of general revelation from special revelation.

2 Timothy 3:16-17. This is one of two passages absolutely critical for understanding the inspiration of Scriptures and special revelation. Paul indicates all Scriptures are God inspired, or God breathed, and are essential for teaching, correcting and training.

Hebrews 1:1-2. The author of Hebrews confirms the veracity of Scripture. He confirms revelation beyond the Torah into the prophets, speaking through people at diverse times in

diverse circumstances.

1 Peter 1:25. Peter teaches God’s word “remains forever” and is “good news”. This passage shows Scripture must be accessible for all people from all times.

2 Peter 1:20-21. Here Peter shows the authors of Scripture were moved by the Holy Spirit rather than their own fruition. Humans are therefore capable of speaking from God when God choose to speak.

Key Issues

Revelation can generally be defined as God’s miraculous disclosure of Himself. Revelation is therefore “the bridge between God and man, teaching truth about God and man, and providing the authoritative norm for human knowledge” 1 We are able to received revelation through two distinct forms, general revelation and special revelation. General revelation is the idea that God allows certain truths to be known through His creation and disclosure of Himself to all people and at all times. Psalm 19 is the clearest explanation of general revelation when David describes how the very heavens declare the glory of God. In other words, God’s creation echoes His tremendous power and glory through everything He has created. Although sin has effected revelation, we can rightly know of God’s existence and nature through creation. Paul says in Romans 1:19-20 that God’s truth is known to all humans because He has shown it to them. Special revelation is God’s manifestation of Himself to specific people at specific times to disclose His will and salvation. Language is sufficient to communicate revelation and authorial intent can be accurately ascertained. Jesus Christ is the ultimate example of special revelation. Although we can know God through general revelation, we are dependent on special revelation for salvation.

The Holy Bible is special revelation. As 2 Timothy 3:16 demonstrates, God reveals specific guidance and direction to humanity through His inspiration and inerrant word. Thus says the LORD is used throughout the Scripture, implying He is speaking through human authors communicating His word. Consistent with the Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy, inerrancy is the idea that Scripture’s autographs are without error when all the facts are properly understood. 2

Also discussed in the Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy is the idea of Sola Scriptura, the idea that Scripture is the primary authority from which to derive and develop sound doctrine. In light of conflict between Scripture and tradition, reason or experience, Scripture would also be more authoritative. This differs slightly from Solo Scripture which purports one needs only Scripture and nothing else to develop sound doctrine void of tradition, reason or experience if working outside a milieu were even possible.

Another issue often discussed related to revelation is whether or not the cannon is open or closed. Canonical texts were authored by an Apostle or direct witness. Open cannon indicates that if other inspired texts were discovered, they may open to scriptural inclusion. Conversely, closed cannon indicates that the Holy Scriptures are fixed and no longer open to additional texts. One reason for a closed cannon is that no apostles or apostle associates are living from which to derive inspired texts. Another is unavailable texts would not have been available to all God’s people consistent with 1 Peter 1:25.

I believe God has revealed Himself through both general and specific revelation. I affirm that the Holy Bible is inerrant consistent with the Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy and the Baptist Faith and Message 2000. I believe in sola scriptura and a closed cannon. I believe Jesus Christ is the ultimate example of revelation.

Theology Proper (Doctrine of God)

Biblical Passage

Exodus 3:14. God demonstrates to Moses that He is the great I AM. He describes His eternal power and unchangeable character to His followers. Using the same Hebrew verb, God promises “I will certainly be with you” in verse 12.

Exodus 15:11ff. These verses describe God’s holiness, uniqueness and majesties. They show readers that God is something completely distinct from creation, something unequaled, powerful and therefore holy.

Exodus 20:1ff. The Decalogue, and all laws reveals God’s nature as holy and unapproachable.

Deuteronomy 6:4. The God is one. Key to understanding the oneness of God, this verse shows the unity of God, the milieu into which Jesus entered, and the disciples were raised.

Psalm 33:6. God is eternal. He exists from everlasting to everlasting. He existed before creation and acted bringing creation into being.

Psalm 145:3 & Isaiah 55:9. These verses coupled together show several of God’s important omni-attributes. His wisdom and ways are often incomprehensible to humanity. If His arms can hold the cosmos together, than His plan is often beyond our understanding.

Jeremiah 32:7. Nothing is too hard for God. God is omnipotent projecting great power from His “outstretched arm.”

Matthew 3:16-17. At Jesus’s baptism, all three persons of the trinity appear and are active. The Father speaks, Jesus is baptized and the Holy Spirit descends. Scripture witnesses three persons as described in this verse, but consistent with one essence described in Deuteronomy 6:4.

Matthew 5:48. God is maximally perfect in all He does and is. Although humanity may not see nor understand God’s plan, He is perfect in His creation and plan.