Category: Theology 101
[Revelation & Inspiration Cont'd]
Romans 1:18-21. This text from Paul’s epistle to the Romans is the locus classicus for the doctrine of general revelation. Contained herein is the most explicit statement of God’s self-revelation to mankind.
The Apostle begins the section by speaking of the wrath of God which is revealed (apokalupto) against man’s “ungodliness” and “unrighteousness.” Paul further describes mankind as “the ones who suppress the truth in unrighteousness.” The term suppress (katecho) is important. It means “to hold down,” like a child playing in a swimming pool struggling to keep an inflated ball submerged (held down) as it strives to fly out of the water. Paul says that men are holding down and suppressing the truth.
But what truth? We are not left to grope for the answer; Paul identifies it as the truth about God’s existence, power, and divine essence. “[B]ecause that which is known about God is evident within [men]; for God made it evident to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made…” (vss. 19-20 NAS, emphasis mine). God is angry with men because they willfully neglect the verity of His character. His power, His very Godness is being denied by humankind.
More to the point for this discussion is the means by which man is made aware of the power and nature of God, namely, creation. Paul avers that God has made the truth known to men “through what has been made.” The created order is God’s medium through which He reveals His attributes to men in general. When man utilizes his sensory organs and rational capabilities to perceive and contemplate the universe, he finds himself on the trail that leads directly to the knowledge of God and His character. God reveals general knowledge of Himself to all men through the creation, and His providential control of it.
Psalm 19:1-6. This psalm magnanimously expresses the majesty of God as revealed by the universe—“The heavens are telling of the glory of God; And their expanse is declaring the work of His hands. Day to day pours forth speech, And night to night reveals knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words; Their voice is not heard.” (vss. 1-3, NAS). We observe the psalmist speaking of the “telling” and “declaring” of God’s glory, yet at the same time affirming that this is done without “speech” or “words.” How can something be declared or told without the use of speech or words? The intent of this heavenly poetic language is to assert that the glory of God is made known through His works. The truth of God’s glory is revealed as clearly in creation as if it were uttered from the mouth of a prophet.
Other passages that could be adduced include other Psalms, Acts Chapter 17 (where Paul argues with the Athenians that God’s governance of nations, plus the fact that man depends on God for life, motion, breath and existence, reveal a Creator), Romans Chapter Two (where the Apostle argues that man’s conscience reveals the law of God written on his heart).