Revelation

Unveiling the Divine: Understanding God’s Revelation in Our Lives

Have you ever looked up at the night sky and felt a sense of awe at the vastness of the universe? Or perhaps you’ve marveled at the intricate design of a flower or the complexity of the human body. These moments of wonder point to something greater than ourselves – they hint at the existence of a Creator. But how can we truly know God? The answer lies in the concept of Revelation.

What is Revelation?

Revelation is simply God showing us things that were previously hidden from us. It’s God bringing into the open things that were out of sight, causing and enabling us to see what we previously could not see. As J.I. Packer puts it, “God finds us ignorant and gives us his knowledge.”

Let’s explore two types of Revelation and how they impact our lives:

General Revelation: Creation and Conscience

General Revelation is how God makes Himself known to all people through creation and conscience.

The Heavens Declare His Glory

Psalm 19:1-3 tells us, “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard.”

When we look at the world around us, we can’t help but see evidence of a Creator. Think about it – your brain has approximately 140 to 150 billion individual neurons working together. That’s an incredibly complex design! Who could have created such an intricate system if not an intelligent Designer?

The Conscience: God’s Law Written on Our Hearts

Not only does creation point to God, but our conscience also reveals His existence. Romans 1:19-20 explains, “For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.”

Our innate sense of right and wrong points to a moral lawgiver. We instinctively know that certain actions, like harming an innocent child, are wrong. This universal moral compass suggests that there’s a God who defines what’s right and wrong.

Special Revelation: God’s Word and His Son

While general Revelation tells us that there is a God, it doesn’t give us the full picture. That’s where special Revelation comes in.

God Speaks Through His Word

Hebrews 1:1 says, “Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets.” Throughout history, God has communicated with humanity in various ways – through dreams, visions, angels, and miracles. But the most accessible form of special Revelation for us today is the Bible.

Jesus: The Ultimate Revelation

Hebrews 1:2 continues, “but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son.” Jesus is the ultimate Revelation of God – God in the flesh. If you want to know what God is like, look at Jesus and listen to His words.

Applying Revelation to Our Lives

Understanding Revelation isn’t just about gaining knowledge; it should transform how we live. Here are some practical ways to apply this truth:

1. Acknowledge God for who He is: Don’t suppress the truth about God. Recognize His existence and authority in your life.
2. Be encouraged by God’s diverse ways of Revelation: Each of us has a unique story of how God has revealed Himself to us. Celebrate your journey and the journeys of others.
3. Praise God for making Himself known: We’re blessed to have access to God’s Word. Don’t take it for granted – many people in the world have never heard of Jesus or seen a Bible.
4. Take steps toward truth: As Mark Twain wisely noted, “It’s not the parts of the Bible I don’t understand that bother me; it’s the parts I do understand.” Obey what God has already revealed to you.
5. Proclaim the gospel: If you’ve experienced God’s Revelation in your life, share it with others. As the pastor asks, “Do you want to talk about this God who’s revealed himself to you?”

In conclusion, Revelation is God’s way of making Himself known to us. Through creation, conscience, Scripture, and ultimately through Jesus, God has unveiled Himself. Our response should be to acknowledge Him, seek Him, and share His truth with others. As we do, we’ll find that the God who reveals Himself is also the God who transforms lives – including our own.