How does the Bible distinguish between general and special revelation?

In exploring the nature of God and how He reveals Himself to humanity, the concepts of general and special revelation are fundamental in Christian theology. These terms describe the ways in which God communicates His existence, character, and will to us. Understanding these forms of revelation is crucial for comprehending how God interacts with the world and how we, as human beings, can come to know Him.

General Revelation

General revelation refers to the knowledge of God that is available to all people at all times and in all places. This form of revelation is accessible through nature, history, and human conscience. The Apostle Paul speaks to this in Romans 1:19-20, where he writes, "For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. 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." Here, Paul emphasizes that the created order itself testifies to the existence and attributes of God. The beauty of the natural world, the complexity of life, and the order of the universe all point toward a Creator.

The psalmist echoes this sentiment in Psalm 19:1-4, where he proclaims, "The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard. Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world." This passage poetically describes how the natural world communicates God's glory and majesty without the use of words, making His presence known universally.

In addition to nature, human conscience also plays a role in general revelation. Romans 2:14-15 highlights how even those who do not have the law of God inherently know right from wrong because "the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness." This moral awareness suggests an innate understanding of God's character and standards, which is part of the general revelation to all humanity.

General revelation, however, has its limitations. While it reveals God's existence and certain attributes, it does not provide the specific knowledge necessary for salvation. It leaves humanity with a sense of God's majesty and moral order but does not convey the fullness of God's plan for redemption. This is where special revelation becomes essential.

Special Revelation

Special revelation refers to the specific disclosure of God's will and purpose, which is made known through supernatural means. This includes God's direct communication through the Scriptures, the person of Jesus Christ, and other miraculous events recorded in the Bible. Special revelation is necessary for understanding God's plan of salvation and receiving the guidance needed for a relationship with Him.

The Bible itself is the primary source of special revelation. As 2 Timothy 3:16-17 states, "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work." The Scriptures provide detailed insight into God's character, His dealings with humanity, and His expectations for us. They reveal the narrative of creation, fall, redemption, and restoration, culminating in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Jesus Christ is the ultimate expression of special revelation. Hebrews 1:1-3 affirms this by saying, "Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, 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. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature." In Jesus, God became incarnate, providing a tangible and personal revelation of Himself. Through Christ's teachings, miracles, and sacrificial love, we gain a clear understanding of God's nature and His desire for a relationship with us.

Miraculous events and prophetic messages throughout the Bible also constitute special revelation. These include the burning bush experienced by Moses, the visions of the prophets, and the various signs and wonders performed by Jesus and the apostles. Such interventions were aimed at revealing God's will, guiding His people, and affirming His presence and power.

Interplay and Purpose

The interplay between general and special revelation is essential for a comprehensive understanding of God's communication with humanity. General revelation provides a foundation, making humanity aware of God's existence and moral order. It serves as a universal witness to God's power and divinity, leaving people without excuse for disbelief, as Paul notes in Romans 1:20.

Special revelation, on the other hand, builds upon this foundation by providing specific knowledge about God's redemptive plan and how we can enter into a relationship with Him. It reveals the depth of God's love, His grace, and the means of salvation through Jesus Christ. Without special revelation, humanity would remain in darkness regarding the specifics of God's character and His expectations for us.

Christian theologian John Calvin eloquently described the relationship between general and special revelation using the metaphor of spectacles. He suggested that while general revelation provides a broad understanding of God, it is like viewing the world with blurry vision. Special revelation, as found in the Scriptures, serves as spectacles that bring clarity and focus, allowing us to see God more clearly and understand His will more fully.

Implications for Believers

For believers, the distinctions between general and special revelation carry significant implications for faith and practice. Recognizing the role of general revelation encourages us to appreciate the natural world and see it as a testament to God's creativity and power. It invites us to engage with the world around us, recognizing God's handiwork in every aspect of creation.

Moreover, understanding special revelation underscores the importance of Scripture and the centrality of Jesus Christ in our faith. It calls us to immerse ourselves in the Bible, seeking to know God more deeply through His revealed Word. It also emphasizes the need for a personal relationship with Jesus, who is the ultimate revelation of God's love and purpose.

In evangelism and apologetics, the concepts of general and special revelation provide a framework for engaging with those who may not yet know Christ. General revelation can serve as a starting point for conversations about the existence of God and the evidence of His presence in the world. Special revelation, then, becomes the means by which we introduce others to the gospel message and the hope found in Jesus.

In conclusion, the Bible distinguishes between general and special revelation as two complementary means by which God reveals Himself to humanity. General revelation, accessible to all, provides a universal witness to God's existence and attributes through nature, history, and human conscience. Special revelation, conveyed through the Scriptures, Jesus Christ, and miraculous events, offers specific knowledge of God's redemptive plan and His desire for a relationship with us. Together, these forms of revelation provide a comprehensive understanding of God's nature and His interaction with the world, inviting us into a deeper relationship with our Creator.