Theological Term of the Week: Special Revelation

special revelation

God’s self-disclosure through direct, supernatural revelation.

• From scripture:

Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son…. (Hebrews 1:1-2a ESV).

2 Timothy 3:15 [15] and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus (2 Timothy 3:15 ESV).

• From The Westminster Confession of Faith:

CHAPTER 1 Of the Holy Scripture

1. 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 are they not sufficient to give that knowledge of God, and of His will, which is necessary unto salvation; therefore it pleased the Lord, at sundry times, and in divers manners, to reveal Himself, and to declare that His will unto His church; and afterwards for the better preserving and propagating of the truth, and for the more sure establishment and comfort of the church against the corruption of the flesh, and the malice of Satan and of the world, to commit the same wholly unto writing; which maketh the holy Scripture to be most necessary; those former ways of God’s revealing His will unto His people being now ceased.

From Systematic Theology by Robert Letham, page 62:

The central purpose of special revelation is gracious: to bring salvation. Unfolding progressively over wide epochs, it is rooted in human history and historical events. Above all, revelation centers in Jesus Christ, the eternal Son (John 14:10-9; Col. 1:15-20; Heb. 1:1-14). 

Learn more:

1. Got Questions: What is general revelation and special revelation?
2. Blue Letter Bible: What Is Special Revelation?
3. Simply Put: Special Revelation
4. Keith Mathison: General and Special Revelation
5. Louis Berkhof: Revelation

Related terms:

• authority of scripture
• general revelation
• inerrancy of scripture
• inspiration of scripture

Filed under Scripture

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