What Is Special Revelation Cwv 101

Special revelation, a cornerstone concept in Christian Worldview (CWV) 101, refers to God's specific and direct communication of Himself and His will to particular individuals at specific times. This distinguishes it from general revelation, which is God's communication of Himself through nature, reason, and conscience, accessible to all humanity. Understanding special revelation is crucial for grasping the Christian faith, as it provides the basis for the Bible, the person of Jesus Christ, and the doctrines that define Christian belief.

Defining Special Revelation

Special revelation involves God making Himself known in ways that are supernatural and not universally available. It is personal, intentional, and tailored to specific recipients. This form of revelation supplements general revelation by providing clarity, correction, and detailed information about God's plan for humanity.

Here are key characteristics of special revelation:

Specificity: It is directed towards particular individuals or groups.
Supernatural Character: It goes beyond the natural order and human capabilities.
Intentionality: It is a deliberate act of God to communicate His will.
Authoritative Nature: It carries the weight of divine authority and truth.

Modes of Special Revelation

God has employed various methods to reveal Himself specially throughout history. These modes include:

Direct Communication: God speaking directly to individuals, as He did with Adam, Noah, Abraham, and Moses. These encounters often involved clear, audible messages or instructions.
Dreams and Visions: God communicating through dreams and visions, providing symbolic or prophetic insights. Examples include Joseph's dreams in the Old Testament and Peter's vision in the New Testament.
Theophanies: Visible manifestations of God, such as the burning bush that Moses encountered or the cloud and pillar of fire that guided the Israelites.
Prophecy: God speaking through chosen individuals, the prophets, who delivered messages of warning, comfort, and instruction to the people.
Miracles: Supernatural acts that demonstrate God's power and confirm His message. Examples include the plagues in Egypt, the parting of the Red Sea, and the miracles performed by Jesus.
Incarnation: The ultimate form of special revelation is the incarnation of Jesus Christ, where God became flesh and dwelt among us. Jesus is the Word made flesh, the perfect and complete revelation of God (John 1:1, 14).
Scripture: The written record of God's special revelation, contained in the Bible. The Bible is considered the inspired and authoritative word of God, providing a reliable account of His dealings with humanity.

The Importance of Special Revelation

Special revelation is vital for several reasons:

Provides Clarity and Detail: While general revelation reveals God's existence and some of His attributes, it does not provide specific details about His character, plan of salvation, or moral requirements. Special revelation fills in these gaps, offering a more complete picture of God and His will.
Addresses the Problem of Sin: General revelation cannot solve the problem of sin. Special revelation, particularly through the person and work of Jesus Christ, provides the solution to sin and offers the possibility of reconciliation with God.
Offers Hope and Redemption: Special revelation reveals God's love, grace, and mercy, offering hope and redemption to those who are lost and alienated from Him.
Establishes Authority: Special revelation, especially as contained in the Bible, provides an authoritative standard for faith and practice. It guides believers in how to live in accordance with God's will.
Reveals the Person of Jesus Christ: The central theme of special revelation is the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the ultimate revelation of God, the one through whom we can know God intimately and personally.

The Relationship Between General and Special Revelation

General and special revelation are complementary and not contradictory. They work together to provide a comprehensive understanding of God.

Here's how they relate:

General revelation prepares the way for special revelation: It creates a sense of the divine and a longing for something more, making people receptive to God's specific message.
Special revelation clarifies and interprets general revelation: It helps us understand the true meaning of what we see in nature and experience in our conscience.
Special revelation corrects misunderstandings of general revelation: Sin can distort our perception of general revelation. Special revelation provides a corrective lens through which we can see God more clearly.
Both revelations point to the same God: They both testify to His existence, power, and glory.

However, it is crucial to recognize that general revelation alone is insufficient for salvation or a deep understanding of God. Special revelation is necessary to address the problem of sin and reveal the way of redemption through Jesus Christ.

The Role of the Bible in Special Revelation

The Bible holds a unique place in special revelation. Christians believe it is the inspired Word of God, meaning that God superintended the writing process to ensure that the Bible accurately and reliably communicates His message.

Key aspects of the Bible's role in special revelation:

Inspiration: The Bible is God-breathed (2 Timothy 3:16), meaning that its ultimate source is God Himself. While human authors wrote the books of the Bible, they did so under the guidance and influence of the Holy Spirit.
Authority: As the inspired Word of God, the Bible has ultimate authority over all matters of faith and practice. It is the final standard for determining what is true and right.
Inerrancy: Some Christians believe that the Bible is without error in its original manuscripts. Others hold to the view of infallibility, which asserts that the Bible is completely trustworthy and reliable in matters of faith and practice, even if it contains minor historical or scientific inaccuracies.
Sufficiency: The Bible contains everything necessary for salvation and for living a life that is pleasing to God (2 Peter 1:3).
Clarity: The essential message of the Bible is clear and understandable to all who read it with an open mind and a willing heart.

Challenges to the Doctrine of Special Revelation

The doctrine of special revelation faces several challenges in contemporary society:

Skepticism and Naturalism: Skepticism and naturalism deny the possibility of supernatural events, including special revelation. They argue that everything can be explained by natural laws and that there is no need to invoke divine intervention.
Relativism: Relativism asserts that truth is subjective and that there are no objective standards. This undermines the authority of special revelation, as it implies that the Bible is just one perspective among many and that there is no way to determine which, if any, is true.
Other Religions: Other religions claim to have their own forms of special revelation, which may contradict the claims of Christianity. This raises the question of how to determine which revelation is authentic.
Historical and Scientific Criticism: Some scholars question the historical accuracy and scientific validity of the Bible, which can undermine confidence in its claims to be special revelation.

Defending the Doctrine of Special Revelation

Despite these challenges, Christians can offer several compelling arguments in defense of the doctrine of special revelation:

The Witness of Scripture: The Bible itself claims to be the Word of God and provides evidence to support this claim, such as fulfilled prophecies, internal consistency, and transformative power.
The Person of Jesus Christ: Jesus Christ claimed to be the Son of God and demonstrated His divinity through His teachings, miracles, death, and resurrection. His life and ministry provide compelling evidence for the reality of special revelation.
The Testimony of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit bears witness to the truth of the Bible and the reality of Jesus Christ in the hearts of believers. This internal witness provides a subjective confirmation of special revelation.
The Transformative Power of the Gospel: The gospel message, based on special revelation, has the power to transform lives, bringing hope, healing, and purpose. This practical evidence supports the claim that special revelation is true and effective.
The Convergence of Evidence: While no single piece of evidence proves the truth of special revelation beyond all doubt, the cumulative effect of the evidence is compelling. The witness of Scripture, the person of Jesus Christ, the testimony of the Holy Spirit, and the transformative power of the gospel all point to the reality of God's special revelation.

Practical Implications of Special Revelation

Understanding the doctrine of special revelation has significant practical implications for Christian life:

Commitment to the Bible: Recognizing the Bible as the inspired Word of God leads to a commitment to studying, obeying, and applying its teachings.
Following Jesus Christ: Jesus Christ is the ultimate revelation of God, so following Him is essential for knowing and experiencing God's love and grace.
Prayer and Discernment: Seeking God's guidance through prayer and discernment is crucial for understanding His will and living in accordance with His purposes.
Sharing the Gospel: Sharing the gospel message with others is a way of extending God's special revelation to those who have not yet heard it.
Living a Life of Obedience: Obeying God's commands, as revealed in the Bible, is a way of demonstrating love for Him and experiencing His blessings.

Conclusion

Special revelation is a fundamental concept in Christian theology. It refers to God's specific and direct communication of Himself and His will to particular individuals at specific times. This revelation is essential for understanding the Christian faith, as it provides the basis for the Bible, the person of Jesus Christ, and the doctrines that define Christian belief. While the doctrine of special revelation faces challenges in contemporary society, Christians can offer compelling arguments in its defense and live in accordance with its practical implications. Embracing special revelation leads to a deeper understanding of God, a closer relationship with Jesus Christ, and a life that is pleasing to Him.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are some frequently asked questions about special revelation:

Q: What is the difference between general and special revelation?

A: General revelation is God's communication of Himself through nature, reason, and conscience, accessible to all humanity. Special revelation is God's specific and direct communication of Himself and His will to particular individuals at specific times.

Q: Why is special revelation necessary?

A: Special revelation is necessary because general revelation alone is insufficient for salvation or a deep understanding of God. Special revelation addresses the problem of sin and reveals the way of redemption through Jesus Christ.

Q: Is the Bible the only form of special revelation?

A: While the Bible is the primary and most authoritative form of special revelation, other forms include direct communication, dreams and visions, theophanies, prophecy, and miracles. However, these other forms are understood and interpreted through the lens of Scripture.

Q: How do we know that the Bible is truly the Word of God?

A: Christians believe that the Bible is the Word of God based on its own claims, fulfilled prophecies, internal consistency, transformative power, the witness of the Holy Spirit, and the person of Jesus Christ.

Q: What about other religions that claim to have special revelation?

A: Christians believe that the Bible is the ultimate and authoritative standard for determining truth. While other religions may claim to have special revelation, their claims must be evaluated in light of the teachings of the Bible.

Q: How should Christians respond to skepticism about special revelation?

A: Christians should respond to skepticism about special revelation with grace, humility, and reason. They should be prepared to offer evidence for their beliefs, engage in respectful dialogue, and trust that the Holy Spirit will work in the hearts of those who are seeking truth.

Q: How does understanding special revelation impact daily life?

A: Understanding special revelation impacts daily life by motivating Christians to study the Bible, follow Jesus Christ, seek God's guidance through prayer, share the gospel with others, and live a life of obedience to God's commands.

By carefully considering these questions and answers, one can gain a deeper appreciation for the significance of special revelation in the Christian faith and its impact on how believers live their lives.