God's Self-Revelation (Part 1) | Straight from Scripture

Have you ever tried grasping a concept that was just way beyond your comprehension?

Whether you are trying to figure out how the human body is so exquisitely crafted, or how to understand the concept of infinity, some of the most basic truths we hold in life are also some of the most profound and unfathomable when seen in their true depth. Yet these mysteries of life are simple compared to the One who originated them, in the one ultimate incomprehensibility: God.

Regardless of culture, every person understands the concept of God; whether they choose to believe God is real or not, they know about the idea of a God or many gods. But if you ask each person, each culture, who this God is, you will probably get almost as many different answers as people you ask. One of the biggest things about God is that, though we can see the creation, the Creator is unseen. By definition, God is beyond us, not bound by our frameworks. So then, how can someone understand God if He is beyond us? God must reveal Himself to us. And He has.

There are two main categories of ways that God reveals Himself to us: general revelation, and specific revelation.

General revelation is something that is accessible to all, that everyone can see or know which reveals to them something about God. The best example of this is nature. We can look at the order in nature and conclude that God is a God of order; we can see the beauty and diversity and conclude that God is a lover of the beautiful; we can look at the complexity and intricacy of nature and conclude that God is a God of wisdom and knowledge.

Alternatively, specific revelation is something that God chooses to reveal to specific individuals with much more depth and specificity. For Christians, the Bible is a specific revelation, where God reveals Himself in much more detail. For Muslims, the Quran is a specific revelation. Some don’t believe that God has any specific revelation at all.

My research, culture, and experience have led me to the place where I believe that God does have a specific revelation, and that this revelation of Himself is found in the Bible. This is the same conclusion that millions of others have come to as well. I see the Bible as self-validating; its own writings prove its divine origin and truthfulness. The Bible does this through its prophetic writings that delineate the future with pinpoint accuracy; through its profound truths that speak to all hearts about their deepest needs and problems; through its uncontested wisdom and practical life advice that lead its adherents to true blessing and prosperity; and ultimately through its ability to connect the reader with God personally and transform lives.

The Bible is a cooperation of humanity and divinity.

Its own writings speak of its origin, saying that “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.” Yes, these writings came through the agency of men, but “no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God las they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” The Bible is God’s testimony of Himself, His plan and will for us; and it is humanity’s testimony of their experience with God, His faithfulness and steadfast love. The Bible reveals what God has to say to you and me; it is His primary agency for revealing Himself with us, and He has a lot to say.

So, why not pick up the Bible and meet Him for yourself?

Try it out in sincerity and earnestness. See what you can find. He promises that if we will seek Him with the whole heart, we will find Him.

In the next article, we will dive into what specifically God has revealed about Himself in the Bible, so be sure to follow along to learn more.

After that, we’re going to find what God really says about different topics; not looking for answers from culture, nor from our own understanding…

were going to find our answers Straight from Scripture.

Have any questions? Feel free to reach out!