Special Revelation

Definition

Special revelation refers to God's specific and direct communication to humanity, providing knowledge about Himself, His will, and the path to salvation. This form of revelation is often seen in Scripture, prophetic messages, and the person of Jesus Christ, contrasting with general revelation, which is available to all through nature and conscience. Special revelation not only informs believers about divine attributes but also forms the basis for ethical teachings and moral standards within Christianity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Special revelation is essential for understanding God's specific promises, commands, and the plan for redemption through Jesus Christ.
2. It is often documented through the experiences of biblical figures who received divine messages or visions directly from God.
3. The concept of special revelation emphasizes the importance of Scripture as a unique source of truth for Christians, guiding their beliefs and practices.
4. Special revelation includes both verbal communication, such as prophecies, and tangible expressions of God’s presence in historical events.
5. Believers see special revelation as a means by which God actively engages with humanity, affirming His love and desire for relationship with His creation.

Review Questions

• How does special revelation differ from general revelation in terms of the knowledge it provides about God?
  • Special revelation differs from general revelation primarily in its specificity and directness. While general revelation offers a broad understanding of God's existence and attributes through nature and conscience, special revelation provides detailed insights into God's character, His intentions for humanity, and the means of salvation. This focused communication is found in Scripture, prophetic messages, and the life of Jesus Christ, making it crucial for a deeper comprehension of God's will.
• Discuss the role of Scripture as a medium of special revelation and its implications for Christian ethics.
  • Scripture serves as the primary medium of special revelation in Christianity, containing divine truths that inform believers about God's nature and His expectations. The ethical teachings derived from Scripture provide a foundation for moral behavior and decision-making within the Christian community. By adhering to these teachings, Christians align their lives with God's will, promoting justice, compassion, and integrity based on revealed principles.
• Evaluate how the concept of special revelation impacts contemporary discussions around ethics and morality in Christian communities.
  • The concept of special revelation plays a critical role in shaping contemporary ethical discussions within Christian communities by providing an authoritative basis for moral standards. As believers seek guidance on complex social issues, they refer back to Scripture as a source of wisdom that reflects God's character and intentions. This reliance on special revelation encourages dialogue about how ancient truths can be applied to modern dilemmas, fostering a sense of unity among Christians while addressing the challenges posed by diverse societal values.

Related terms

General Revelation: The knowledge of God and His attributes that can be obtained through nature, human conscience, and universal experiences.

Scripture: The sacred writings of Christianity, consisting of the Old and New Testaments, which contain the special revelation of God to humanity.

Incarnation: The doctrine that God became human in the person of Jesus Christ, embodying special revelation and revealing God's nature and purpose directly to humanity.