Revelation
“An uncovering, disclosure”
Summary
Revelation is the direct communication of truths from God to men, including knowledge otherwise unattainable, supremely fulfilled in Jesus Christ and recorded in Holy Scripture.
☩Nature of Revelation
Revelation is the disclosure of something previously unknown; divine revelation is the direct communication of truths from God to men. The disclosure may be made by dream, vision, oral communication, or otherwise. Revelation differs from inspiration: revelation communicates unknown truths, while inspiration guides the publication of truths (whether revealed or naturally known) and guards against error in recording them. Thus all Scripture is given by inspiration, though not every part results from immediate revelation.
☩General and Special Revelation
Scripture presents two species of revelation: general revelation, which God continuously makes to all men through creation and providence, manifesting His power and divinity; and special revelation, made exclusively to His chosen people, through which His saving grace is known. The heavens declare God's glory, but the law of the Lord reveals His will for salvation. General revelation is adapted to man as man; special revelation addresses man as sinner, supplementing rather than superseding the former.
☩Revelation in Christ
The supreme revelation of God is in Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh. In Christ, God has disclosed Himself fully and finally—His character, His purposes, and His love for humanity. The writer of Hebrews declares that God, who spoke in many portions and ways through the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us in His Son. Christ is the exact representation of God's being, making the invisible God visible to human understanding.
Related Verses36 mentions
See Also
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Revelation," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. VIII (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Revelation," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. IV (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.James Hastings (ed.), "Revelation," in Dictionary of Christ and the Gospels, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1906–1908).