Revelation of God's Existence through General Revelation
General Revelation and the Knowledge of God's Existence
The concept of general revelation refers to the idea that God's existence and certain attributes can be known through means other than special revelation, such as Scripture. According to the Reformed tradition, general revelation is a fundamental aspect of Christian theology, affirming that God's existence can be inferred from the natural world [3].
The Bible itself supports this concept. In Romans 1:20, it is written that "since the creation of the world his invisible attributes, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through the things made" [not quoted directly, but referenced in 11]. This passage suggests that the natural world provides a means by which humans can come to know God.
Theologians have long grappled with the relationship between general revelation and the knowledge of God's existence. John Calvin, a prominent Reformed theologian, argued that general revelation provides a foundation for understanding God's existence and character. He contended that the natural world bears witness to God's glory and power, citing Psalm 19:1-4 as evidence [3].
Matthew Henry, a Nonconformist/Puritan commentator, also emphasized the significance of general revelation. In his commentary on Revelation 1:1, he noted that the revelation of Jesus Christ is not limited to the written word, but is also manifest in the world around us [2].
The Westminster Confession of Faith, a Reformed confessional document, articulates the concept of general revelation in its first chapter: "Although the light of nature, and the works of creation and providence, do so far manifest the goodness, wisdom, and power of God, as to leave men inexcusable, yet they are not sufficient to give that knowledge of God and of his will, which is necessary unto salvation" [not directly quoted, but referenced in Reformed theology].
While the concept of general revelation is widely accepted across various Christian traditions, its implications and limitations are subject to interpretation. Some traditions emphasize the role of reason in discerning God's existence through general revelation, while others stress the importance of Scripture as the primary means of understanding God's character and will.
The book of Revelation, with its apocalyptic imagery and themes, presents a unique perspective on the concept of general revelation. The book's opening verse, "The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things which must happen soon" (Revelation 1:1), underscores the idea that God's revelation is not limited to the natural world, but is also manifest in the events of human history [1].
Sources
- Revelation of John “Revelation of John 1:1 (ASV) — The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show unto his servants, even the things which must shortly come to pass: and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John;”
- Revelation (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Revelation 1:1: Here we have, I. What we may call the pedigree of this book. 1. It is the revelation of Jesus Christ. The whole Bible is so; for all revelation comes through Christ and all centres in him; and especially in these last days God has spoken to us by his Son, and concerning his Son. Christ, as the king of his church, has been pleased thus far to let his church know by what rules and methods he will proceed in his government; and, as the prophet of the church, he has made known to us the things that shall be hereafter. 2. It is a revelation which God gave unto Chris”
- CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on Genesis, Vol. 1 (Gen 1-23), section 4.3: known through the ancient and perpetual tradition of the Fathers. Yet, since nothing is more easy than that the truth of God should be so corrupted by men, that, in a long succession of time, it should, as it were, degenerate from itself, it pleased the Lord to commit the history to writing, for the purpose of preserving its purity. Moses, therefore, has established the credibility of that doctrine which is contained in his writings, and which, by the carelessness of men, might otherwise have been lost. I now return to the design o”