Revelation in Christianity is direct communication from God to reveal spiritual truths. Theology of revelation defines its nature, necessity, and criteria for distinguishing it from other concepts. It cites human history and the world’s condition as proof of its need. Christian and private revelations are distinguished, with the former intended for the entire church and the latter for individual souls. Criteria for true revelation include conformity to established doctrine, reason, natural law, internal conviction, and benefits for public and private life.
In the Christian religion, revelation describes a direct communication between God and mankind in order for him to reveal or convey spiritual truths about his nature. The theology of revelation refers to a set of formal doctrines or religious opinions that seek to define the nature, meaning, and scope of revelation. It also attempts to distinguish revelation from other religious concepts such as divine inspiration and divine assistance. A significant part of theology is a defense not only of the existence of revelation but of its necessity if man is to have any true understanding of the nature of God.
While the theology of revelation may differ among the various sects of Christianity, there are certain basic lines that each theology shares. Such theology generally first establishes why revelation as a concept is possible and the nature of revelation. Once this possibility is demonstrated, it is further shown why revelation is morally necessary to the Christian faith. Having established the necessity of revelation, the various theologies establish the criteria of what constitutes a revelation, to distinguish it from the other ways in which God shows man aspects of himself. A distinction is then usually made between Christian revelations, which are those intended by God for the Christian Church as a body, and private revelations, which are directed to an individual soul.
In the theology of revelation, the possibility of revelation is undeniable if God exists as a personal God. Having given man the power to reason and communicate his thoughts to other men, he could not be incapable of communicating with his own creation. The core of a revelation is that it is God’s direct speech to man. Revealed truths can occur through supernatural means, because otherwise they may not be accessible to the human mind. His communications can be made through a mortal instrument, such as a prophet.
As proof of the need for direct communication from God, the theology of revelation cites human history and the current condition of the world. In a moral sense, it is evident that mankind cannot understand the fundamental principles of natural law or acquire the knowledge necessary to live righteously without revelations from God. While the rare individual may discover some fundamental truths about natural and spiritual law, the revelation is necessary for the majority of mankind to understand these truths.
The criteria for determining true revelation can vary among Christian sects. In general, it should conform to established religious doctrine and with reason and natural law, the inherent sense of right and wrong instilled in man by God. There should be an internal conviction of the truth of the revealed doctrine and that it reflects the highest aspirations of man. The benefits of him for both public and private life should be obvious.
Theology distinguishes from Christian and private revelations. Christian revelations are communications from God for the benefit of the entire Christian Church as a body. These are revelations that God made known through his Son, Jesus Christ, and through Christ’s apostles. The Christian faith also recognizes that private revelations are made to individual souls favored by God. These revelations are accepted as long as there is nothing in them that contradicts established doctrine or might undermine the faith of others.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
