Category: Theology 101
Revelation & Inspiration
Introduction
The following is intended to serve as an introduction to the doctrines of Revelation and Inspiration. It is not an exhaustive and detailed description of the doctrines, but a summary of them. Many questions and issues have been left out (and the inquirer is referred to the books listed in the bibliography for a starting point for further reading). However, I hope that this work may at least capture the essence of the doctrines, and provide its reader with a basic understanding of Revelation and Inspiration.
We hear people speak of having “a revelation,” and the Bible contains a book entitled Revelation. But what is a revelation, and what do theologians mean when they discuss general revelation and special revelation? What is the difference between them? What is being revealed? And what does the Bible (and the Church) mean when it says that the Scriptures are inspired writings? These topics will be explored in this essay.
Revelation
Revelation is the noun form of the verb “to reveal,” which means, “to uncover, disclose, divulge.” It carries the added nuance of making known that which is hidden or covered up. The two Greek words in the New Testament which are most frequently translated by the English word revelation (and its cognates) are apokalupsis and phaneros.
Apokalupsis is a compound word having a prefix apo which means “from” or “out of,” and a root kalupsis which means “to cover” or “to hide.” So (etymologically) apokalupsis describes the process of bringing something out of hiding, or removing the cover from a thing.
Phaneros describes something that is open to sight, visible, plainly seen. Therefore, when a thing is made manifest it may be said to be phaneros.
Hence, we can see the propriety of translating either of these Greek words by revelation.
In theology, when we speak of revelation we normally have in view God’s revelation of Himself to man. It entails that which God is pleased to make known or visible about Himself to His creatures. God is the actor in revelation. He is the sender, and man is the recipient. A distinction is usually made between general revelation and special revelation. The reason for this distinction should become clear in the following sections.