In the Christian understanding of divine revelation, God's initiative is central to the unfolding of His will and purpose for humanity. The Bible presents God as the primary actor in revealing Himself and His plans, both in the natural world and through special revelation. This entry explores the various dimensions of God's initiative in revelation as depicted in the Scriptures.

1. The Nature of Divine Revelation

God's initiative in revelation is rooted in His desire to make Himself known to His creation. The Bible begins with the assertion of God's creative power: "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth" (Genesis 1:1). This act of creation is itself a form of revelation, as the natural world reflects God's attributes, such as His power and divine nature (Romans 1:20).

2. Revelation through the Prophets

Throughout the Old Testament, God takes the initiative to communicate with His people through the prophets. These chosen individuals serve as God's mouthpieces, delivering His messages to Israel and the nations. The prophet Amos declares, "Surely the Lord GOD does nothing without revealing His plan to His servants the prophets" (Amos 3:7). This underscores God's proactive role in ensuring His will is known.

3. The Incarnation of Christ

The ultimate expression of God's initiative in revelation is the incarnation of Jesus Christ. In the New Testament, the Gospel of John states, "The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us" (John 1:14). Through Jesus, God reveals His character, love, and redemptive plan in a personal and tangible way. Jesus Himself affirms, "Anyone who has seen Me has seen the Father" (John 14:9), indicating that He is the fullest revelation of God.

4. The Role of the Holy Spirit

God's initiative continues through the work of the Holy Spirit, who guides believers into all truth. Jesus promises the coming of the Spirit, saying, "But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all truth" (John 16:13). The Holy Spirit illuminates the Scriptures, convicts of sin, and empowers the Church to fulfill its mission, ensuring that God's revelation remains active and dynamic.

5. The Revelation of Scripture

The Bible itself is a testament to God's initiative in revelation. As the inspired Word of God, Scripture is "God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness" (2 Timothy 3:16). Through the Bible, God provides a comprehensive revelation of His nature, His will, and His plan for salvation.

6. Eschatological Revelation

God's initiative in revelation also encompasses the unveiling of future events. The Book of Revelation, for instance, is a prophetic vision given to the Apostle John, revealing the ultimate triumph of God over evil. It begins with the words, "The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants what must soon take place" (Revelation 1:1). This apocalyptic literature assures believers of God's sovereign control over history and His promise of a new creation.

In summary, God's initiative in revelation is a foundational theme throughout the Bible, demonstrating His active role in making Himself known and guiding humanity toward His ultimate purposes. Through creation, the prophets, the incarnation of Christ, the work of the Holy Spirit, the Scriptures, and eschatological prophecy, God reveals His character and His redemptive plan for the world.