Topic : Revelation
Disclosure of Something Unknown
This means the disclosure of something that was unknown. There are two types of revelation: natural and special. Natural revelation is that which is revealed about God through what we can see in creation (Rom. 1:20). Through creation we may learn that there is a God, that He is in control, that He has an order, and that He is concerned for our welfare. However, through natural revelation, we are not able to discover the plan of salvation. That comes from special revelation.
Special revelation is that which is given to us through Prophets, the Bible, and even visions and dreams (Num. 12:6-8). The ultimate in revelation is the incarnation of Jesus because He came to reveal the Father to us (Matt. 11:27; Luke 10:22; Heb. 1:1-3) and to communicate to us the gospel (1 Cor. 15:1-4) by which comes salvation.
What was Before unknown
Uncovering, making plain what was not known before. The word may be used of something God makes known during a church service (1Cor. 14:26), but more usually it has to do with something on a larger scale, like God’s righteousness, wrath (Rom. 1:17-18), or righteous judgment (Rom. 2:5). It may be used to describe a book (Rev. 1:1). God reveals things through the Spirit (1 Cor. 2:10). The gospel is not something people have made up but has been revealed by Christ (Gal. 1:11-12). The fullness of revelation awaits the return of Christ (2 Thess. 1:7; 1 Peter 1:13).
Resource
- Charismatic Chaos, J. MacArthur, Jr, Zondervan, 1992, pp. 47ff
