Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Scope God's General Revelation refers to the knowledge of God and His attributes that is available to all people through the natural world and human conscience. Unlike Special Revelation, which is specific and includes God's direct communication through Scripture and the person of Jesus Christ, General Revelation is universal and accessible to everyone, regardless of their exposure to the Bible or Christian teaching.
Biblical Basis The concept of General Revelation is rooted in several key biblical passages.
Psalm 19:1-4 declares, "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge. They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them. Yet their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world." This passage illustrates how creation itself testifies to the existence and majesty of God.
Romans 1:19-20 further elaborates on this idea: "For what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—His eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse." Here, the Apostle Paul emphasizes that God's attributes are evident in the natural world, leaving humanity without excuse for unbelief.
Nature and Purpose General Revelation serves several purposes. It reveals God's existence, power, and divine nature, providing a foundation for human accountability. It is intended to lead individuals to seek further knowledge of God, potentially guiding them toward Special Revelation and a saving relationship with Him. General Revelation also underscores the universality of God's witness, as it is not confined to any particular culture or language.
Human Conscience In addition to the natural world, General Revelation is also evident in the human conscience.
Romans 2:14-15 states, "Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law. They show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts sometimes accusing them and at other times even defending them." This passage highlights the moral awareness inherent in all people, which reflects God's moral order and serves as a witness to His righteousness.
Limitations While General Revelation is sufficient to reveal God's existence and some of His attributes, it is limited in its ability to convey the full scope of God's redemptive plan. It does not provide the specific knowledge of salvation through Jesus Christ, which is disclosed through Special Revelation. Therefore, while General Revelation can lead individuals to acknowledge a Creator, it necessitates the complement of Special Revelation for a complete understanding of God's will and the path to salvation.
Theological Implications The doctrine of General Revelation affirms that God has made Himself known to all humanity, establishing a basis for moral responsibility and the pursuit of truth. It challenges individuals to respond to the knowledge of God evident in creation and conscience, prompting a search for deeper understanding through the Scriptures and the gospel of Jesus Christ.