REVELATION
Two types of Revelation
General Revelation
Special Revelation
Two questions that need to be asked:
What does “revelation” mean?
What distinguishes general revelation from special revelation?
Special Revelation
Two questions that need to be asked:
What does “revelation” mean?
What distinguishes general revelation from special revelation?
What does “Revelation”mean?
The term “revelation” is from the Greek word “apokalupsis,”
which means “disclosure” or “unveiling.”
Therefore, the term, “revelation” means divine information that is disclosed or whereby God Himself manifest Himself to His creatures.
The key idea is that God discloses truth about Himself; it is information that would not otherwise be known.
Revelation can occur in one particular act;
Revelation may be given over a long period of time;
Revelation may be continuous (General Revelation).
Therefore, the term, “revelation” means divine information that is disclosed or whereby God Himself manifest Himself to His creatures.
The key idea is that God discloses truth about Himself; it is information that would not otherwise be known.
Revelation can occur in one particular act;
Revelation may be given over a long period of time;
Revelation may be continuous (General Revelation).
What is "General" Revelation?
General Revelation is information given to everyone everywhere.
There are 6 “witnesses” or “manifestations” of revelation as discussed religious and theological studies:
Witness of Creation
Psalm 19:1 – 6..."The heavens are telling of the glory of God; And their expanse is declaring the work of His hands. Day to day pours forth speech, And night to night reveals knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words; Their voice is not heard. Their line has gone out through all the earth, And their utterances to the end of the world. In them He has placed a tent for the sun, which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber; It rejoices as a strong man to run his course. Its rising is from one end of the heavens, And its circuit to the other end of them; And there is nothing hidden from its heat." (NASB)
Romans 1:18 – 21..."For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened." (NASB)
Witness of Human Design
Genesis 1 – 3
Psalm 139
Witness of Conscience
Genesis 3
Romans 2:14 – 15..."For when Gentiles who do not have the Law do instinctively the things of the Law, these, not having the Law, are a law to themselves, in that they show the work of the Law written in their hearts, their conscience bearing witness and their thoughts alternately accusing or else defending them..." (NASB)
Witness of God-ward longings
Romans 2:14 – 15... "For when Gentiles who do not have the Law do instinctively the things of the Law, these, not having the Law, are a law to themselves, in that they show the work of the Law written in their hearts, their conscience bearing witness and their thoughts alternately accusing or else defending them..." (NASB)
Witness of Consequences (sow and reap; reap and sow)
Witness of Providence (benevolence; food; rulers; water)
Daniel 2:21..."It is He who changes the times and the epochs; He removes kings and establishes kings; He gives wisdom to wise men And knowledge to men of understanding." (NASB)
Matthew 5:45..."...so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on {the} evil and {the} good, and sends rain on {the} righteous and {the} unrighteous." (NASB)
Acts 14:15 – 17..."...and saying, "Men, why are you doing these things? We are also men of the same nature as you, and preach the gospel to you that you should turn from these vain things to a living God, WHO MADE THE HEAVEN AND THE EARTH AND THE SEA AND ALL THAT IS IN THEM. "In the generations gone by He permitted all the nations to go their own ways; and yet He did not leave Himself without witness, in that He did good and gave you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness." (NASB)
For those that embrace general revelation, they typically contend that no one, whatsoever, is ignorant of God’s existence, right from wrong, or the know ability of truth. Notice that this information is empirical, rational, and intuitive.
There are 6 “witnesses” or “manifestations” of revelation as discussed religious and theological studies:
Witness of Creation
Psalm 19:1 – 6..."The heavens are telling of the glory of God; And their expanse is declaring the work of His hands. Day to day pours forth speech, And night to night reveals knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words; Their voice is not heard. Their line has gone out through all the earth, And their utterances to the end of the world. In them He has placed a tent for the sun, which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber; It rejoices as a strong man to run his course. Its rising is from one end of the heavens, And its circuit to the other end of them; And there is nothing hidden from its heat." (NASB)
Romans 1:18 – 21..."For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened." (NASB)
Witness of Human Design
Genesis 1 – 3
Psalm 139
Witness of Conscience
Genesis 3
Romans 2:14 – 15..."For when Gentiles who do not have the Law do instinctively the things of the Law, these, not having the Law, are a law to themselves, in that they show the work of the Law written in their hearts, their conscience bearing witness and their thoughts alternately accusing or else defending them..." (NASB)
Witness of God-ward longings
Romans 2:14 – 15... "For when Gentiles who do not have the Law do instinctively the things of the Law, these, not having the Law, are a law to themselves, in that they show the work of the Law written in their hearts, their conscience bearing witness and their thoughts alternately accusing or else defending them..." (NASB)
Witness of Consequences (sow and reap; reap and sow)
Witness of Providence (benevolence; food; rulers; water)
Daniel 2:21..."It is He who changes the times and the epochs; He removes kings and establishes kings; He gives wisdom to wise men And knowledge to men of understanding." (NASB)
Matthew 5:45..."...so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on {the} evil and {the} good, and sends rain on {the} righteous and {the} unrighteous." (NASB)
Acts 14:15 – 17..."...and saying, "Men, why are you doing these things? We are also men of the same nature as you, and preach the gospel to you that you should turn from these vain things to a living God, WHO MADE THE HEAVEN AND THE EARTH AND THE SEA AND ALL THAT IS IN THEM. "In the generations gone by He permitted all the nations to go their own ways; and yet He did not leave Himself without witness, in that He did good and gave you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness." (NASB)
For those that embrace general revelation, they typically contend that no one, whatsoever, is ignorant of God’s existence, right from wrong, or the know ability of truth. Notice that this information is empirical, rational, and intuitive.
What is "Special" Revelation?
Special Revelation is more narrow than general revelation. Special Revelation is specific information given to specific people as in miraculous events, divine speech, and visible manifestations. Let us take a closer look …
Miraculous Events: God at work in concrete historical ways within the world, affecting what occurs such as...
The Call of Abram (Genesis 12)
Birth of Isaac (Genesis 21)
Passover (Exodus 12)
Crossing of Red Sea (Exodus 14)
Miraculous Events: God at work in concrete historical ways within the world, affecting what occurs such as...
The Call of Abram (Genesis 12)
Birth of Isaac (Genesis 21)
Passover (Exodus 12)
Crossing of Red Sea (Exodus 14)
Special Revelation as Divine Speech
Divine Speech: God’s Revelation through human language such as...
Audible speech (God speaking to Adam in the garden, Genesis 2:16... “The LORD God commanded the man, saying, "From any tree of the garden you may eat freely...” (NASB), and to Samuel in the temple in 1st Samuel 3:4... “...that the LORD called Samuel; and he said, “Here I am.” (NASB))
The Prophetic office (Deuteronomy 18:15 –18... “The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your countrymen, you shall listen to him. "This is according to all that you asked of the LORD your God in Horeb on the day of the assembly, saying, 'Let me not hear again the voice of the LORD my God, let me not see this great fire anymore, or I will die.’ "The LORD said to me, 'They have spoken well. 'I will raise up a prophet from among their countrymen like you, and I will put My words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I command him." (NASB))
Dreams (Daniel, Joseph)
Visions (Ezekiel, Zechariah, John in Revelation)
Scripture
Psalm 19:7 – 11..."The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the LORD are true; they are righteous altogether. They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them Your servant is warned; In keeping them there is great reward." (NASB)
2nd Timothy 3:16 – 17..."All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work." (NASB)
Audible speech (God speaking to Adam in the garden, Genesis 2:16... “The LORD God commanded the man, saying, "From any tree of the garden you may eat freely...” (NASB), and to Samuel in the temple in 1st Samuel 3:4... “...that the LORD called Samuel; and he said, “Here I am.” (NASB))
The Prophetic office (Deuteronomy 18:15 –18... “The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your countrymen, you shall listen to him. "This is according to all that you asked of the LORD your God in Horeb on the day of the assembly, saying, 'Let me not hear again the voice of the LORD my God, let me not see this great fire anymore, or I will die.’ "The LORD said to me, 'They have spoken well. 'I will raise up a prophet from among their countrymen like you, and I will put My words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I command him." (NASB))
Dreams (Daniel, Joseph)
Visions (Ezekiel, Zechariah, John in Revelation)
Scripture
Psalm 19:7 – 11..."The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the LORD are true; they are righteous altogether. They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them Your servant is warned; In keeping them there is great reward." (NASB)
2nd Timothy 3:16 – 17..."All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work." (NASB)
Special Revelation as Visible Manifestations
Visible Manifestation: God manifesting Himself in Various Ways like...
Old Testament Theophanies: Genesis 16:7 – 14; described as the angel of God. “Now the angel of the LORD found her by a spring of water in the wilderness, by the spring on the way to Shur. He said, "Hagar, Sarai's maid, where have you come from and where are you going?" And she said, "I am fleeing from the presence of my mistress Sarai. “Then the angel of the LORD said to her, "Return to your mistress, and submit yourself to her authority.” Moreover, the angel of the LORD said to her, "I will greatly multiply your descendants so that they will be too many to count.” The angel of the LORD said to her further, "Behold, you are with child, And you will bear a son; And you shall call his name Ishmael, Because the LORD has given heed to your affliction. "He will be a wild donkey of a man, His hand {will be} against everyone, And everyone's hand {will be} against him; And he will live to the east of all his brothers.” Then she called the name of the LORD who spoke to her, "You are a God who sees"; for she said, "Have I even remained alive here after seeing Him?” Therefore the well was called Beer-lahai-roi; behold, it is between Kadesh and Bered." (NASB)
Wrestling with Jacob in Genesis 32
Shekinah Glory: Exodus 3:2 – 4..."The angel of the LORD appeared to him in a blazing fire from the midst of a bush; and he looked, and behold, the bush was burning with fire, yet the bush was not consumed. So Moses said, "I must turn aside now and see this marvelous sight, why the bush is not burned up." When The LORD saw that he turned aside to look, God called to him from the midst of the bush and said, "Moses, Moses!" And he said, "Here I am."...; 24:15 – 18..."Then Moses went up to the mountain, and the cloud covered the mountain. The glory of the LORD rested on Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it for six days; and on the seventh day He called to Moses from the midst of the cloud. And to the eyes of the sons of Israel the appearance of the glory of the LORD was like a consuming fire on the mountain top. Moses entered the midst of the cloud as he went up to the mountain; and Moses was on the mountain forty days and forty nights."; 40:34 – 35..."Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. Moses was not able to enter the tent of meeting because the cloud had settled on it, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle." (NASB)
Old Testament Theophanies: Genesis 16:7 – 14; described as the angel of God. “Now the angel of the LORD found her by a spring of water in the wilderness, by the spring on the way to Shur. He said, "Hagar, Sarai's maid, where have you come from and where are you going?" And she said, "I am fleeing from the presence of my mistress Sarai. “Then the angel of the LORD said to her, "Return to your mistress, and submit yourself to her authority.” Moreover, the angel of the LORD said to her, "I will greatly multiply your descendants so that they will be too many to count.” The angel of the LORD said to her further, "Behold, you are with child, And you will bear a son; And you shall call his name Ishmael, Because the LORD has given heed to your affliction. "He will be a wild donkey of a man, His hand {will be} against everyone, And everyone's hand {will be} against him; And he will live to the east of all his brothers.” Then she called the name of the LORD who spoke to her, "You are a God who sees"; for she said, "Have I even remained alive here after seeing Him?” Therefore the well was called Beer-lahai-roi; behold, it is between Kadesh and Bered." (NASB)
Wrestling with Jacob in Genesis 32
Shekinah Glory: Exodus 3:2 – 4..."The angel of the LORD appeared to him in a blazing fire from the midst of a bush; and he looked, and behold, the bush was burning with fire, yet the bush was not consumed. So Moses said, "I must turn aside now and see this marvelous sight, why the bush is not burned up." When The LORD saw that he turned aside to look, God called to him from the midst of the bush and said, "Moses, Moses!" And he said, "Here I am."...; 24:15 – 18..."Then Moses went up to the mountain, and the cloud covered the mountain. The glory of the LORD rested on Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it for six days; and on the seventh day He called to Moses from the midst of the cloud. And to the eyes of the sons of Israel the appearance of the glory of the LORD was like a consuming fire on the mountain top. Moses entered the midst of the cloud as he went up to the mountain; and Moses was on the mountain forty days and forty nights."; 40:34 – 35..."Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. Moses was not able to enter the tent of meeting because the cloud had settled on it, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle." (NASB)