Revelation 1:1-3
The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, who testifies to everything he saw — that is, the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.
Who is the object of Revelation?
Where does Revelation come from?
Why do we have Revelation?
How was this Revelation made known?
What Revelation had the angel seen?
What happens when we receive this Revelation?
Revelation = an uncovering, a bringing to light of that which had been previously hidden. The Scriptures are not merely the "record" of revelation; they are the revelation itself in written form.
Hebrews 1:1-4
In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs.
If anyone wants to know if there is a God, it stands to reason that such knowledge would come from a revelation – God would make known that which was previously hidden. Then what do we do with the following who had a revelation from God?
How can we be so sure that the Revelation of Jesus Christ is not only a true revelation but THE true revelation? Any one of those listed requires faith to believe, just as it takes faith to believe in Jesus. How can you answer someone if they ask you to distinguish between these and other belief systems if in fact they are all based on faith and all received by revelation?
A few things come to mind. It's really about the book. First the diversity of scripture, i.e. 66 books, over 40 authors, all with a common thread leading up to Jesus. Many of the people on the list have written some sort of book for people to follow, but the risk is putting all your trust in the testimony of one person. Next its the historical and geographical accuracy of the scriptures. Any archeologist who is in the middle east and not packing a Bible is only wandering in the desert! If the scriptures are so reliable in their depiction of physical things I think they can be also trusted in the spiritual things.
ReplyDeleteIt seems that the Holy Spirit of God leads believers in Jesus Christ to at least one revelation at the time of salvation. Through our relationship with Him we are provided other revelations from the scriptures, prayer, other believers, fellowship, nature and the like. Revelation isn't stagnant is it? As for comparison to other "faiths" what's the quote?
ReplyDeleteJesus said it, I believe it and that settles it!
Pastor, the book I'm reading is called Opening to God. It's one Jim Gentry recommended. It's about prayer and on page 20 (I just started it) the author states, "The good news is that God is ever reaching out in self-revealing love and has no more ceased being Revelation than being Love." In light of Sunday's sermon I was impressed again how the Lord continues to use ideas given to us for our daily walk, if we will but pay attention. The name Revelation for the Almighty presents a whole new dimension of thought for me.
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