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Romans 1:18–21
For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made (v. 20a).
When God established Samuel as His prophet, He brought an end to a drought of revelation. In other words, He began to speak to His people once again, so that “the word of the Lord” no longer was rare (1 Sam. 3:1). As we noted in Friday’s study, we live at a point in redemptive history when revelation has ceased but the Word of God, Scripture, exists as a rich resource. But how did we get this Word? And how should we understand the whole subject of divine revelation throughout history? Because of the importance of understanding how God has spoken and now speaks to His people, we will depart from our studies in 1 Samuel this week to consider the interrelated topics of revelation, inspiration, and Scripture. For guidance, we will turn to Dr. R.C. Sproul’s audio teaching series The Doctrine of Scripture I.
Divine revelation has come to man in many forms. In the Scriptural history of God’s dealings with His people prior to Samuel, He can be seen speaking via an audible voice, by theophanies (visible manifestations of Himself, such as the burning bush), through dreams and visions, by angels, and through prophets. But these are the types of revelation that had ceased in Samuel’s time—direct, specific messages from God to individuals or groups. But other types of revelation were continuing even then. The Westminster Confession of Faith points to these modes of revelation when it speaks of “the light of nature, and the works of creation and providence” (I.1). The confession is speaking here of the fact that the things God has done (especially His creation of the world) and the things He is doing (governing the universe by His providence) tell us things about Him. This is known as “general revelation,” because it is given to all people and because it provides general knowledge about God. The existence of the universe and the way in which it functions clearly establish the presence of an eternal, omnipotent being.
The confession notes that this revelation is sufficient “to leave men inexcusable” if they fail to acknowledge and worship God. However, it is not “sufficient to give that knowledge of God, and of His will, which is necessary unto salvation.” Such knowledge comes only by special revelation—the kind that had ceased before Samuel was called. We will begin to look more closely at special revelation tomorrow.
Coram Deo Living before the face of God
As Christians, we need to regularly turn our eyes away from the works of man and focus again on the works of God, His creation, that we might be reminded of His “eternal power and Godhead.” The universe shows us in a unique way just how great and powerful God is. Make time to “hear” the general revelation of creation.
For Further Study
- Ps. 19:1–3
- 1 Cor. 1:21; 2:13–14