Category: Theology 101
The Doctrine of Special Revelation
Definition/Recipients
In contrast to general revelation, the church has adopted the term special revelation to designate the revelation that God gives to specific people at specific times in history. The recipients of this revelation do not include mankind per se, but special men or groups within mankind. It is given (primarily) to His special people and provides them with special knowledge. Men gain information about what is pleasing and displeasing to God through special revelation. His attributes and character receive more detailed description than can be ascertained through general revelation. In some cases, men are called to particular vocations through the special communication of God’s will to them.
The means by which God transmits special revelation include dreams, visions, audible voice, prophets, theophanies, and other like things. However, the apex of all special revelation is the Incarnate Word—Jesus Christ. In Christ, God’s disclosure finds its fullest and most grand expression.