Definition and Scope
God's open revelation refers to the ways in which God has made Himself known to humanity through means accessible to all people. This encompasses both general revelation, which is available to all through nature and conscience, and special revelation, which includes the Scriptures and the person of Jesus Christ. Open revelation is distinct from private or closed revelation, which is given to specific individuals for particular purposes.

General Revelation
General revelation is the knowledge of God and His attributes as revealed through the natural world and human conscience. The Apostle Paul articulates this concept in Romans 1:20 : "For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood from His workmanship, so that men are without excuse." This passage underscores that the created order reflects God's power and divinity, making His presence evident to all.

The psalmist also speaks to this in Psalm 19:1-4 : "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. Without speech or language, without a sound to be heard, their voice has gone out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world." Here, the natural world is depicted as a universal testimony to God's glory and craftsmanship.

Special Revelation
Special revelation refers to God's self-disclosure through more direct means, primarily the Scriptures and the incarnation of Jesus Christ. The Bible, as the written Word of God, is central to special revelation. It is described in 2 Timothy 3:16-17 as being "God-breathed and useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work."

The ultimate expression of special revelation is found in Jesus Christ, the living Word. John 1:14 states, "The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." Through Jesus, God has provided the clearest and most complete revelation of Himself, His character, and His will for humanity.

Purpose and Implications
The purpose of God's open revelation is to make Himself known to humanity, inviting all people into a relationship with Him. It serves to reveal His nature, His moral law, and His plan for salvation. As stated in Hebrews 1:1-2 , "On many past occasions and in many different ways, God spoke to our fathers through the prophets. But in these last days, He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, and through whom He made the universe."

God's open revelation calls for a response from humanity. It demands recognition of His sovereignty, repentance from sin, and faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. The accessibility of this revelation underscores the accountability of all people to respond to God's invitation, as highlighted in Acts 17:30-31 : "Although God overlooked the ignorance of earlier times, He now commands all people everywhere to repent. For He has set a day when He will judge the world with justice by the Man He has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising Him from the dead."

Conclusion
While God's open revelation is available to all, it requires a heart willing to seek and respond to the truth. Through both general and special revelation, God has provided ample evidence of His existence, character, and redemptive plan, inviting all to come to Him in faith and obedience.