Revelation

<<bringing to light, understanding>>

It is the revealing of facts or truth previously unknown.

God endeavours to reveal Himself to sinful humanity by His Spirit, even before we seek Him (1 Sam 3:7; Isa 65:1; Jn 6:44; 1 Cor 2:10). He has put within all people a sense of the divine, and an understanding of right and wrong, (in everyone’s conscience) so will judge those who don’t follow His righteous instructions (Act 14:17; Rom 1:18-32, 2:12-15). “Where there is no revelation [instruction of God’s ways with a desire to go that route] the people cast off restraint…” (Prov 29:18).

Jesus perfectly revealed the nature of God, and God is revealed in Jesus (Jn 1:18, 14:7-11; 2 Cor 4:4). God showed His great love for us for while we were sinners Christ died for us (Rom 5:8; 1 Jn 4:9). It is this revelation [understanding] that ‘brings people to the cross’ (1 Jn 4:14)

Not only has God revealed Himself through nature, and in Jesus, but also by His Spirit speaking to holy people who wrote down what was revealed to them (Ps 19:1-6; Jn 1:14; Rom 1:20;

What precious insight has God revealed to you?

2 Pet 1:21). These documents are now known as the Scriptures and have been gathered together in the Bible. They provide general guidance and directions, and any personal revelation to our hearts must always be in agreement with its principles. As God’s written revelation to us, it is able to make us wise unto salvation and by the Holy Spirit it is ‘quickened’ or made alive to us, calling for a personal response (2 Tim 3:15; Heb 4:7). This is why it is so important to read the Bible and meditate on its teachings besides spending time with the Lord communing in prayer (Ps 1:1-3; Jer 33:3).

God discloses His divine plans to His servants the prophets and those humble followers depending on Him (Amos 3:7; Lk 2:26; Eph 3:5). He does this in various ways – through visions, dreams, circumstances, other people and the Bible, via a rhema word or impression quickened to our spirit. As we walk in the light of revealed truth more will be given. At all times we are to obey what He has made known, "Doing whatever He says to you" (Deut 29:29; Jn 2:5). Sometimes there are secrets or answers God has not revealed, which require us to walk in faith and not by sight, however generally “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” as the Holy Spirit reveals the truth to us (Ps 119:105,130; Mt 16:17; Jn 16:12-15; 2 Cor 5:7).

God gave Paul many revelations, beginning at the time of his conversion, and he prayed that God might also give the believers “a spirit of wisdom and revelation” to see clearly who Christ is and all He has done for us (Act 9:3-12; 2 Cor 12:7; Eph 1:17-23). Such life-changing encounters will influence

Would it be helpful (for you and for them) to share it with others?

our authority and submission as we come to understanding of the role of the church, which is the body of believers on earth, and attend to our own lifestyle. It was Paul’s desire that when the believers came together everyone had a revelation or fresh understanding, something to share to encourage others in the faith (1 Cor 14:26).

Natural human reasoning is no match for God’s revelation which brings divine insight and illumination (1 Cor 1:20-31). God’s Spirit communing with our spirit is not mental (head) knowledge, it is God actively showing His power, glory, nature, character, will and ways in order that we might know Him more intimately – what He requires of us and plans for specific situations, as in the examples of Noah, Abraham and Moses (Gen 6:13-21, 12:1-7; Ex 3:7-22).