What is extrabiblical revelation?

Definition of Extrabiblical Revelation

Extrabiblical revelation refers to any alleged communication or message about spiritual truths that is said to come from God but is not contained within the canon of Scripture. These materials or claims may appear in the form of additional “scriptures,” personal prophecies, or spiritual teachings that are presented outside the recognized biblical texts. For example, certain writings like the Gnostic gospels found at Nag Hammadi (dated to the second and third centuries AD) have been proposed as authoritative by some groups, yet they were never included in the recognized biblical canon. Because Scripture (Genesis to Revelation) is God’s inspired Word, any additional purported revelation is held to a high level of scrutiny, as the completely authoritative texts are those found in the established canon.

Distinction from Biblical Revelation

Biblical revelation is what Christians believe God has authentically communicated to humankind through the 66 books of the Old and New Testaments. These writings have been attested through a combination of textual evidence, historical tradition, and widespread acceptance by the early church. The Dead Sea Scrolls, discovered in 1947 at Qumran, offered strong archaeological confirmation of the accuracy of the Hebrew Scriptures, aligning closely with medieval manuscripts and underscoring the consistency of the Old Testament.

Galatians 1:8 underscores the exclusivity of the biblical message: “But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be under a curse!” Thus, any newly claimed revelation which contradicts or alters established doctrine is rejected. Likewise, Jude 1:3 states, “I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend earnestly for the faith entrusted once for all to the saints,” highlighting the once-for-all nature of the gospel message.

Historical Perspectives on Extrabiblical Claims

Early Christian leaders (e.g., Irenaeus and Athanasius) confronted numerous movements proposing additional or secret revelations. One notable example is the Gnostic sects, who claimed special esoteric knowledge beyond Scripture. Church councils affirmed that the 27 books of the New Testament were the final written revelation for believers, thus defining the boundaries for authoritative teaching.

Later history witnessed various claims of revelation outside Scripture. Groups such as Montanists in the second century asserted new prophetic messages that rivaled the New Testament. These claims were systematically evaluated and often rejected on the basis that they diverged from apostolic authority and the teaching “once for all delivered” to the saints.

Scriptural Emphasis on Sufficiency

Scripture is considered sufficient for doctrine, reproof, and righteous living. Second Timothy 3:16 declares: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” The language of “all Scripture” places the highest value on the recognized biblical canon.

This sufficiency does not preclude God’s active guidance through the Holy Spirit in personal convictions and daily leading (Romans 8:14). However, the distinction remains that biblical revelation holds universal authority (“The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever,” Isaiah 40:8), whereas personal leadings and private revelations must be evaluated by God’s authoritative Word.

Criteria for Evaluating Claims

1 John 4:1 commands believers to “test the spirits to see whether they are from God.” Within this context, testing involves:

• Consistency with Scripture. Claims must not add or detract from biblical teaching.

• Harmony with core doctrines. Doctrines of the Trinity, the incarnation of Christ, and salvation cannot be contradicted (John 1:1–3; John 14:6).

• Fruitfulness in godliness. Jesus highlighted that “every good tree bears good fruit” (Matthew 7:17). A genuine spiritual message aligns with truth and produces righteous outcomes.

• Historical and communal affirmation. The early church’s recognition of books aligning with apostolic authenticity and doctrine remains a model for evaluating new claims.

The Role of Church Tradition and Councils

Church traditions and discussions at councils (e.g., the Council of Hippo in AD 393 and the Council of Carthage in AD 397) carefully recognized the canonical texts. These councils relied on existing widespread use and apostolic connection of books already accepted by believers across various regions. This process was not about assigning authority; rather, it was discerning which writings had already demonstrated authenticity and consistency. Any purported extrabiblical revelation that appeared later or contradicted these texts was deemed non-canonical.

Potential Dangers of Extrabiblical Revelation

Relying on extrabiblical sources for doctrinal or moral guidance risks leading individuals away from established truth. History is filled with cases where aberrant groups emphasized additional revelations above Scripture, often culminating in doctrinal and ethical errors.

Galatians 1:9 repeats the solemn warning: “If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be under a curse!” Thus, fidelity to biblical revelation safeguards against distortion.

Biblical Examples of Non-Canonical Writings

Scripture occasionally references external documents (e.g., the Book of Jashar in Joshua 10:13). While these writings existed, they were not recognized as abiding, inspired revelation for all God’s people. Their presence in biblical narrative underscores the reality that not every writing from Israelite history or early Christian times was divinely inspired. Scripture consistently reserves the label of inspired text for the canon.

Affirmation of Biblical Authority

Extrabiblical revelation, regardless of its claims, remains subject to the Word of God. First Corinthians 14:29 says, “Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said.” Even true prophecies in the early church context were tested against God’s truth. Scripture, given once for all, remains the unshakable yardstick by which all teaching is measured.

Conclusion

Extrabiblical revelation encompasses any claim that purports new or supplementary spiritual knowledge alongside Scripture. While believers acknowledge God’s ongoing guidance through the Holy Spirit, the closed canon serves as the supreme and final authority. Consistent with Galatians 1:8–9, any teaching that runs contrary to the biblical message is rejected, reinforcing that God’s written Word provides the complete revelation necessary for faith, salvation, and daily life.