Is it only me or you have also noticed it? It seems there is a certain kind of hunger for some Christians, today, to know more than what is revealed in Scripture. They long to get ‘special revelations’ from God about various issues whether personal or otherwise. They tend to feel that the Bible is not enough hence they should look for special ‘men of God’ who have ‘special messages from God’ for them. These special messages are usually referred to as ‘revelations.’
Now this has serious implications for our Christian life. But may be before we talk about the implications; let’s define ‘revelation’ so that we are all on same page. Some people sincerely confuse ‘revelation’ with illumination. When they are reading a Biblical passage and the Holy Spirit opens their mind to understand the passage better, they end up calling that revelation.
However, this is not revelation; it is what is called illumination in theology. So, how is revelation different from illumination? Revelation is an act of God whereby he made known his truth and will to his people. This truth and will eventually ended up being recorded for us in Scripture. Illumination is an act of God whereby through the Holy Spirit he enables us to grasp and understand his revealed truth. Let me add here that revelation ceased when the Bible (66 books) was compiled for us.
While some may sincerely confuse revelation with illumination, the revelation that we are against is the one whereby one says “God has told me… or God has shown me…” Do you know the serious implication of such statements? It means that God has spoken directly to that person in the same way he spoke to the Prophets and Apostles in order for them to write the Bible for us hence it means that
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what they are saying is as good as the words of the Bible. Remember, the Bible is a recording of God’s Word that God spoke to his Prophets and Apostles through the Holy Spirit (2 Timothy 3:16).
Now, how many of us can really stand up and declare that what these special “men or women of God” say should be treated with the same reverence we treat the Bible with? Or to put it in other words, if these men or women of God are to record whatever they say that God has told them in a book, will you really say that their book is at par with the Bible? Do you see now why I say that ‘revelations’ have very serious implications to our Christian life?
Allow me to wrap up this reflection with the words of Chuck Swindol which I listened to in his program, ‘Insight for Living. The title of his teaching was, “Be sure of your source.”
“Let me pass along three great theological doctrines that will continue to be the watershed of importance in every generation. First: revelation. Second: inspiration. Third: illumination. Let’s understand the difference:
Revelation: God revealing or making his truth known to mankind.
Inspiration: Man’s receiving and recording the divine truth in accurate form…to become Scripture
Illumination: Our understanding and applying the truth in our everyday life.
Revelation ceased. Inspiration ceased. Illumination continues to go on.
Our need is not to find some source to give us God’s revelation. Nor is it our desire to locate someone ‘inspired of God’ through whom we can receive and record His message to us. Our need is to get hold of what has been written (in the Bible) and apply it regularly” (Italics added).
So, there is no special revelation from God today because God’s full revelation is recorded for us in the Bible. What God has left us today is illumination. Let’s be satisfied with it. Always remember, “All secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever that we may do all the words of this law” (Deuteronomy 29:29).
Well said Confex – I think you have put your “finger on the pulse” here. You were very helpful to me – true, we need to distinguish between “revelation” and “illumination.” We need to pray for illumination so that we can understand God’s revelation as given and recorded for us in the Bible. That’s quite helpful and also encouraging – Oh may we pray harder so that we may understand the deep things of God. It’s also helpful in guiding those who have been misled into confusing “revelation” and “illumination.” May the Lord richly bless you through Jesus Christ!
Thanks so much Rev. To God alone be the glory!
Really? Am afraid I don’t have much time to speak against this but this is not true.
Duncan, thanks for your comment. I would appreciate if you back your stand with Scripture.
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Conmakhalira, you’ve asked Duncan to back his stand with Scripture, but you do seem to have backed yours with any? Unless you believe the 2 passages you used prove your point? If so, they seem to be stretching Gods word to suit your purpose, and open wide open to interpretation, leading me to think you have special “illumination”, bordering on “Revelation!”
Tom, thanks for your comment. It seems you are suggesting that my article has twisted Scripture to suit my agenda. I humbly request you to provide the true Biblical teaching on this matter. Otherwise, it’s no good or helpful to curse what you think is ‘darkness’ without lighting a ‘candle.’
Deep doctrine well expounded. Indeed God accommodated himself to our level so that we can know Him comprehensively but not exhaustively. All the things that are of benefit for our faith, salvation, doctrine and Christian living have been revealed to us and no need for further revelation and the ultimate form of revelation is the Person of Jesus Christ.
Thanks Con for sharing with us.
Your are welcome JMD. To God alone be the glory!
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Thanks for sharing this! Any new revelation is indeed a contradiction to 2 Tim 3 and it’s a direct assault to the sufficiency of Scripture.
Hi John, thanks for stopping by, following the blog, and leaving a comment. I appreciate. Blessings in Christ.