WHAT IS GENERAL REVELATION?

Scripture .... ... takes the existence of God as a given Gen 1:1- In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. ... highlights a God who reveals Himself to human beings Heb 1:1-2 1 Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.

Definition: General revelation The universal disclosure of God in nature, in providential history and in moral law within the heart (conscience), whereby all persons at all times and places gain a rudimentary understanding of the Creator and his moral demands. (Romans 1:18-20). (www.monergism.com)

Definition: General revelation Simpler Definition: General revelation General revelation is the knowledge of God, as well as the knowledge of right and wrong, that can be obtained through nature. (https://carm.org/questions/about-bible/what-general-and- special-revelation)

A: Why do we need God to reveal Himself? We have a finite mind (which cannot fully grasp the infinite) Isaiah 55:8-9 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

A: Why do we need God to reveal Himself? We have a fallen mind (which results in a distorted understanding of God). Rom 1:22-23 For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Claiming to be wise, they became fools, 23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things.

A: Why do we need God to reveal Himself? Bottom line: Both our finite and fallen mind can never arrive at a true and accurate understanding of God. Application: Do we humble ourselves before God and ask him to show who he is to us?

B: How does God reveal Himself to human beings? The created order Romans 1:19-20 19 For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. 20 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.

B: How does God reveal Himself to human beings? The existence of creation not only points to a Creator, but also tells us of His eternal power and divine nature. Creation functions as an EXTERNAL witness to a powerful and creative God.

B: How does God reveal Himself to human beings? The human conscience Romans 2:14-16 14 For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law.  15 They show that the work of the law is  written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them 16 on that day when,  according to my gospel, God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus.

B: How does God reveal Himself to human beings? Our human conscience serves as an INTERNAL witness to a moral God. Application: How much do you and I heed the voice of our conscience?

B: How does God reveal Himself to human beings? Bottom line: With these 2 witnesses, human beings are left with no excuse regarding the existence of God. Application: What are you and I doing to do with the general revelation of God to us through creation and conscience?

C: What are the limitations to general revelation? Unable to provide a deeper knowledge of God’s personal attributes E.g. Is God loving or compassionate? Does not provide any understanding of how we can be saved from our sins Does not show us how we can be reconciled to God.

D: How does special revelation complement general revelation? Apart from general revelation, God also reveals Himself through special revelation.

D: How does special revelation complement general revelation? Holy Scriptures Verbal or propositional revelation - through words or statements. 2 Tim 3:16-17 16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

D: How does special revelation complement general revelation? Holy Scriptures 2 Tim 3:16-17 16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. Not a mechanical dictation, as in the case of the Qur’an But Bible is divinely inspired… The Bible is the ‘Word of God in the words of men’

D: How does special revelation complement general revelation? Holy Scriptures Enables us to have a grasp of God’s plan and purpose for the entire human race. * The divine manufacturer’s handbook

D: How does special revelation complement general revelation? 2. Jesus Christ Personal or incarnational revelation. John 1:14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. God became a real human being in the Person of Jesus Christ.

D: How does special revelation complement general revelation? 2. Jesus Christ Personal or incarnational revelation. John 14:6-7 6Jesus answered, “I am the way  and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.”

D: How does special revelation complement general revelation? 2. Jesus Christ Enables us to have a clearer and deeper understanding of God’s character. Special revelation informs us about God’s sacrificial love: John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

D: How does special revelation complement general revelation? Bottom line: God holds every human being accountable for what they already know through his general revelation. Application: Are you and I aware that general revelation is not comprehensive in itself but that it also requires special revelation to complete the spiritual picture? ANY QUESTIONS?

Conclusion: Key lessons about general revelation? 2 action steps to take: a) To honour God as our Almighty Creator Rom 1:21 21 For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him Do you and I worship, submit and obey our Creator God?

Conclusion: Key lessons about general revelation? 2 action steps to take: b) To thank God for being our faithful provider Rom 1:21 21 For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him How often do we thank God for all His providential blessings?