Nothing is more important than knowing God as it really is, so the church has confessed many truths about our God throughout history: God is the Eternal Trinity, the Almighty Creator, the Wise Collaborator, the effective Redeemer, and the coming Judge. One truth that is not so clearly expressed in our beliefs is that God is the reliable narrator. To know God as he is, he needs to reveal himself to us.
Because God is infinite, finite creatures cannot fully understand It. We are blind to God’s truth because of our sin. But even before sin entered the world, we needed God to tell us about himself. God has always been an egocentric, revealing in his words and deeds. He spoke to Adam in the Garden of Eden to reveal himself and exhibited aspects of his character in the creative works surrounding Adam. Did theologians call God’s works first spoken and then written?revelation, while calling the works of creation and providence for their general revelation. The general revelation is, as the name suggests, general (these theologians knew what they were talking about), while the special revelation is much more specific, detailed and extensive. , general revelation surrounds us in nature, while we have a special revelation in the Bible. Special revelation tells God’s people everything that is revealed about their character in general revelation and more.
- So what exactly is general revelation and why is it meaningful?Some suggest that the natural sciences are the study of general revelation and therefore go beyond special revelation.
- But since the Enlightenment.
- The natural sciences have generally studied creation.
- Not to know God.
- But to know creation.
- And therefore do not focus on general revelation through creation.
- General revelation.
- Strictly speaking.
- Is God’s clear demonstration of his glory and power in the works of creation and providence.
- As the scriptures explain: “Heaven proclaims the glory of God.
- And the firmament proclaims the works of his hands.
- Are you ever talking about another day.
- And one night reveals knowledge the other night?(Psalm 19: 1-2); because what God can know.
- Manifests himself among themselves.
- Because God has manifested them Why are God’s invisible attributes.
- As well as his eternal power.
- As well as his own divinity.
- Clearly recognized from the beginning of the world.
- Perceived through What are the things that have been created?(Romans 1: 19-20).
Many years ago, Joan Baez, the famous folk singer, performed a new song at one of her concerts, was she about to sing, the conversation splattered?[To Oscillating Conversation], a song whose refrain is: “Don’t be too hard, because life is short and nothing is given to man?[? Don’t be so hard, because life is short and nothing is given to man?”]. He said he was watching a wonderful sunset with the composer and asked, “How can you look at so much beauty and say that nothing is given to man?”The writer thought for a moment and replied, “Well, beauty borrows and not really given. “The Psalmist would have smiled and begun the conversation by saying, “If the beauty of the sunset is given or only borrowed, it certainly and inescapably points to the Divine Being who gives or prepares. general revelation?
Sinners can resist and deny this general revelation, but they cannot escape it. All nature, at all times, cries out the existence, power, and splendor of God. Sinners can close their eyes and cover their ears, but general revelation remains evident around it is only when the unjust actively suppresses this obvious truth that one can deny the testimony of general revelation. Such suppression is ungodly and meaningless. Therefore, the scriptures rightly declare: “The fool says in his heart: There is no God. They corrupt and practice abomination; Isn’t there anyone who does good?”(Psalm 14. 1).
This general revelation is an inevitable result of God’s creative and provident works. But what is it for? First, general revelation is a great encouragement and support for believers throughout their lives: “Great are the works of the Lord, considered by all who rejoice in them. Is there glory and majesty in your works, and does your righteousness endure forever? (Psalm 111: 2-3). But there is also another vital function in general revelation in this fallen world. Paul emphatically expresses this function: “Are such men then inexcusable? (Romans 1. 20). Sinners are full of excuses: “I would only believe if I could see or hear God. ” Paul said that sinners have no legitimate excuses. Those who rejected God’s general revelation would not benefit from his special revelation. In fact, all of us sinners would reject both forms of God’s revelation without his special and merciful work of regeneration in the hearts of his people. It would certainly be presumptuous on our part to add something to the Apostolic Creed. But it could well be an improvement to say: “I believe in God the Almighty Father, Revelator and Creator of heaven and earth. ” Praise God the revelator.
By: W. Robert Godfrey. © 2016 Ligonier. Original: General Revelation.
This article is part of the January 2016 edition of Tabletalk magazine.
Translation: Joel Pedro Cavani Review: Yago Martins © 2016 Faithful Ministério All rights reserved. Website: MinistryFiel. com. br. Original: God reveals himself in the works of creation and providence
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