Revelation
Revelation is God making Himself known to humanity, supremely through His acts, His word, and ultimately through His Son.
Formal Definition
Revelation is the self-disclosure of God whereby He makes His character, will, truth, and redemptive purposes known.
Key Scriptures
Psalm 19:1–4
Romans 1:18–20
Hebrews 1:1–2
Romans 1:18–20
Hebrews 1:1–2
Explanation
Scripture presents revelation in both general and special forms. General revelation shows God's power and divine nature through creation and conscience. Special revelation is God's direct self-disclosure through prophetic speech, mighty acts in history, inspired Scripture, and most fully in Jesus Christ.
Systematic theology begins here because all theology depends on God taking the initiative to make Himself known. Human reason can observe much, but it cannot ascend to saving knowledge apart from God's gracious self-disclosure.
Scripture Index
General Revelation: Psalm 19:1–6; Romans 1:18–20
Special Revelation: Exodus 3:1–15; John 1:14–18; Hebrews 1:1–2
Special Revelation: Exodus 3:1–15; John 1:14–18; Hebrews 1:1–2
Subtopics
General Revelation
Special Revelation
Christ as the fullest revelation of God
Special Revelation
Christ as the fullest revelation of God
Application / Why It Matters
Revelation teaches that knowledge of God is received, not invented. Study begins with humility, gratitude, and attentiveness to what God has spoken.
Historical / Church Reflection
Christian theology has consistently distinguished between what can be known of God through creation and what must be known through God’s revealed word and saving acts.
Viewpoints / Debates
Debates usually center on the reach and sufficiency of general revelation versus the necessity of special revelation for salvation.