Special Revelation

Special Revelation refers to God’s specific, redemptive self-disclosure to humanity. While general revelation displays His existence and moral order, special revelation unveils His saving purposes. It is not merely that God can be known—it is that He has made Himself known in distinct and necessary ways.

This revelation has come progressively and purposefully throughout redemptive history. God has revealed Himself through direct acts, divine speech, dreams, visions, angelic visitations, miraculous signs, and prophetic writings. These forms were not random; they were deliberate unveilings, calibrated to accomplish God’s covenantal and redemptive goals.

Scripture identifies a decisive turning point: “In these last days, God has spoken to us by His Son” (Heb. 1:2). The incarnation of Christ is the apex of special revelation. Jesus is not merely a conduit of truth but the embodiment of it—“the image of the invisible God” (Col. 1:15), “the exact imprint of His nature” (Heb. 1:3). His words, works, and personhood are the clearest expression of God the world has ever seen.

Following Christ’s earthly ministry, the Holy Spirit superintended the writing of Scripture to preserve this revelation. The Bible, inspired by God and written through human authors (2 Pet. 1:21), is the final and sufficient form of special revelation. In its pages, God reveals His character, His law, His promises, and His gospel. It is both authoritative and enduring—a fixed light in a fading world (Ps. 119:89; Isa. 40:8).

Special revelation is essential for salvation. While nature tells us that God exists, only Scripture reveals how sinners can be reconciled to Him. It reveals truths that we could never discover by reason or observation alone: the Trinity, the Incarnation, the Atonement, and the Resurrection. It speaks with clarity, authority, and purpose, aiming not only to inform but to transform.

To speak of special revelation is to speak of grace. God is not silent. He has stooped to speak clearly, personally, and redemptively. In Christ and Scripture, He has made Himself known. And in doing so, He has made salvation possible.

Verses for Further Reflection

• Hebrews 1:1–2
• John 1:14–18
• 2 Peter 1:20–21
• Psalm 119:130
• Romans 10:14–17

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