Role of General Revelation in Christian Theology
General revelation refers to the uncovering of divine truth that is accessible to all humanity through nature, human experience, and conscience, as distinguished from special revelation, which is God's specific self-disclosure through particular acts, words, and ultimately in Jesus Christ and Scripture [1]. While the term "revelation" broadly signifies an unveiling of what was previously hidden [2], general revelation specifically points to God's communication of himself through creation.
The Bible itself attests to this concept. For instance, Psalm 19:1 states, "The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork." Similarly, Romans 1:20 asserts that God's "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." These passages suggest that certain truths about God are universally discernible through observation of the natural world.
Theologians have historically understood general revelation as providing a foundational knowledge of God, sufficient to render humanity without excuse for not acknowledging a divine creator [1]. However, this form of revelation is generally considered insufficient for salvation, which requires the specific truths revealed in special revelation [5]. Matthew Henry, for example, notes that "all revelation comes through Christ and all centres in him," emphasizing the centrality of Christ in God's communication to humanity [3]. The book of Revelation itself is described as "the revelation of Jesus Christ," highlighting that even the unveiling of future events is mediated through him [3].
While general revelation can lead to an awareness of God's existence and power, it does not typically convey the specific plan of salvation or the person and work of Jesus Christ. These deeper truths are communicated through special revelation, particularly through the inspired Scriptures, which are considered not merely a record of revelation but the revelation itself in written form [1]. The distinction between general and special revelation underscores that while God has made himself known in various ways throughout history, the most complete and saving knowledge of God is found in the person of Jesus Christ and the biblical witness to him [3, 4].
Sources
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Revelation — An uncovering, a bringing to light of that which had been previously wholly hidden or only obscurely seen. God has been pleased in various ways and at different times (Heb. 1:1) to make a supernatural revelation of himself and his purposes and plans, which, under the guidance of his Spirit, has been committed to writing. (See WORD OF [532]GOD.) The Scriptures are not merely the "record" of revelation; they are the revelation itself in a written form, in order to the accurate presevation and propagation of the truth. Revelation and inspiration differ. Rev”
- Revelation (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Revelation 1 (introduction): 1TITLE: SOURCE AND OBJECT OF THIS REVELATION: BLESSING ON THE READER AND KEEPER OF IT, AS THE TIME IS NEAR: INSCRIPTION TO THE SEVEN CHURCHES: APOSTOLIC GREETING: KEYNOTE, "BEHOLD HE COMETH" (Compare at the close, Rev 22:20, "Surely I come quickly"): INTRODUCTORY VISION OF THE SON OF MAN IN GLORY, AMIDST THE SEVEN CANDLESTICKS, WITH SEVEN STARS IN HIS RIGHT HAND. (Rev. 1:1-20) Revelation--an apocalypse or unveiling of those things which had been veiled. A manifesto of the kingdom of Christ. The travelling manual of the Church for the G”
- 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”
- Revelation (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Revelation 5:1: 5:1-14 John introduces the Lamb, Jesus Christ, the central figure of Revelation and God’s chosen agent for accomplishing his purposes. 5:1 The scroll, like a dramatic script, details God’s plan for the world (Ps 139:16). • The right hand represents God’s gracious authority and power (see Rev 1:17, 20). • The writing on the inside and the outside means that God’s plans for history are full and complete. • sealed with seven seals: God has put his purposes for history in an impermeable safe (Isa 29:11-12; Dan 8:26). His purposes will be completed only when the sea”
- 1 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Corinthians 2:10: revealed . . . by . . . Spirit--The inspiration of thoughts (so far as truth essential to salvation is concerned) makes the Christian (Co1 3:16; Co1 12:3; Mat 16:17; Joh 16:13; Jo1 2:20, Jo1 2:27); that of words, the PROPHET (Sa2 23:1-2; Kg1 13:1, Kg1 13:5), "by the word of the Lord" (Co1 2:13; Joh 20:30-31; Pe2 1:21). The secrets of revelation are secret to some, not because those who know them will not reveal them (for indeed, the very notion of revelation implies an unveiling of what had been veiled), but because those to whom they are announ”