Theological glossary · FaithLogic

Revelation

God's self-disclosure to humanity — in creation and conscience ('general revelation') and in his acts, words, and supremely in Christ, recorded in Scripture ('special revelation').

Latin revelatio, 'an unveiling'; Greek apokalypsis.

General: Psalm 19:1–4; Romans 1:19–20; 2:14–15; Acts 14:17. Special: Hebrews 1:1–2 ('God spoke … by the prophets … by his Son'); Exodus 3; Deuteronomy 29:29; Galatians 1:11–12.

The distinction between general and special revelation is standard across traditions. Debate over whether general revelation is sufficient to save (generally answered no — it renders people 'without excuse' but does not give the gospel) and over 'natural theology' (what can be known of God by reason).

Revelation is personal (God making himself known) as well as propositional (true statements about God). Christ is the climax and criterion; Scripture is the Spirit-given, permanent record and instrument.

Barth's rejection of natural theology and of 'general revelation' as a saving category; Catholic and classical Protestant affirmation of a real (if insufficient) natural knowledge of God.

Open in the glossary for related terms and the doctrines this concept appears in.