REVELATION

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• ​General Revelation

• Special Revelation

• Personal Revelation

 

General Revelation

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We know God is through three means of revelation. General. Specific and Personal. General revelation is how we know God through nature (creation). General revelation is common. We all share the same message through the testimony of the created universe and the demonstration of God’s work (Psalm 19:1; Rom 1:20)

 

General revelation is constant. The testimony and the demonstration of God’s work never ceases (Psalm 19:2) General Revelation has no limitations. All men regardless of language or geographical location receive the same testimony and see the same demonstration (Psalm 19:3). General revelation is a predecessor to special revelation.

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Special Revelation

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Special revelation is how we know God through scripture (Bible). Special revelation is common. We all share the same message of the bible. Each scripture of the bible has significance and relevance. Although, each Scripture of the bible may have more than one application, it will have only one interpretation according to the author’s intent and purpose. The bible comes to us by divine inspiration (II Tim 3:16). Holy men of God spoke as they were influenced by the Holy Spirit. Although the words are considered inspired it is the ideas and concepts that form meaning in the mind of man.

 

The intellect of man must be engaged because it is in the mind where he receives God’s revelation. The bible’s revelation to man is considered public not private. The bible has the most consistency over the longest period of time. More than any other book of antiquity. (II Peter 1:20-21)

 

Personal Revelation

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Personal revelation is how each us comes to the knowledge of Christ as an individual and experiences God’s atoning grace through faith (Matthew 16:17, Luke 10:22). Personal revelation never contradicts General or Special revelation.

 

THE WORD (Isaiah 55:11)

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• The Word of God never Fails

• The Word of God has a purpose

• The Word of God will always have a positive result

 

The Word Of God Never Fails

The divine act of creation occurred when God spoke (Gen 1). Everything that exists whether visible (physical) or invisible (non-physical) was created by Him, for Him and through him. The Word is eternal and without Him nothing exists that exist (John 1:1). His Word established reality.

 

The Word Of God Has A Purpose

God does not babble! Although it is through His spoken Word that creates action, His is not limited by any physical laws that would impair His speech. His Word, embodied in flesh became what we know to be Jesus Christ His Son (John 1:14).

 

The Word Of God Will Always Have A Positive Result

God can only speak what is consistent with His divine and holy nature. People who reject the word of God are not opposing contrary beliefs but are in direct violation of His will.  Any Word driven action gives an individual a supernatural experience.

 

RELIGIOUS DIVERSITY

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• Pluralism

• Inclusivism

• Exclusivism

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​​Pluralism

There isn't any true religion. All religions lead to God.

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​Inclusivism

There is one true religion but other religions are tolerated  and accepted as valid.

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Exclusivism

Christianity is the only true faith. All other religions are either distractions or obstacles. Jesus is the only way to heaven (​​John 14:6)(Acts 4:12).

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WORLDVIEW

A worldview is a metaphysical lens that people use to interpret their reality. It might be completely naturalistic (Science). It might be supernaturalistic (Religion). Or it could be the combination of both (Science & Religion). Every thinking person has a worldview. A person’s worldview is developed through the process of answering a network of questions related to reality. The four basic questions are….

 

• Where did I come from? (Origin)

• Why am I here? (Purpose)

• How should I live my life? (Morality)

• What happens after I die? (Final Destination)

 

​Origin

Through His spoken word, God created all things in  the heavens and the earth whether seen or unseen (Gen 1:1). (Col 1:6).

 

Purpose​

Man was created for a relationship with His creator (Gen 3). Through the fall (Sin) man’s relationship became broken. Through the sacrificial atoning death of His son, the relationship is restored (John3:16). To live for Christ is man’s ultimate benefit (II Cor5:15).

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Morality

Man is free to choose his own actions. His actions are determined to be good or bad, right or wrong by what God has spoken (Isaiah 45:19). Ultimately all people elect to live by one of 3 standards. Their own intuition (feelings). Their own intellect (reason). Finally, Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word of God (Matt 4:4). God’s word provides the necessary direction for a person to live a spiritual life (Psalm 119:105).

 

 

Final Judgment

We experience judgment daily from our peers, friends, family and enemies. Moral discernment is embedded in the nature of man. To know good and evil was the penalty man received at the fall. After death man faces the final judgment (Heb 9:27). Man must give account for his actions in his life. A person who receives Christ by believing His word is exempt from the final judgment. (John 5:24)