General vs Specific Revelation
Which is Better for Evangelism, General or Specific Revelation?
One picture is worth a thousand words. However, there are many things that are impossible to communicate in pictures. The beauty of the Grand Canyon can be more easily communicated in a large mural, but the value of liberty is more easily communicated in an essay than a photograph. Pictures and words are the difference between general and specific revelation, and each has its place in the revelatory work of the Divine Master.
Psalm 19 is one of the most remarkable passages of scripture regarding Christian apologetics and the nature of God’s revelation. God wanted the ancient Jews to understand the dynamics of how human beings come to a true understanding of God and the universe—so much so that He inspired a song about it so the truths would be embedded in to their psyche.
General revelation is everywhere and it is beautiful.
The heavens declare the glory of God;
And the firmament shows His handiwork.
Day unto day utters speech,
And night unto night reveals knowledge.
There is no speech nor language
Where their voice is not heard.
Their line has gone out through all the earth,
And their words to the end of the world.
In them He has set a tabernacle for the sun,
Which is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber,
And rejoices like a strong man to run its race.
Its rising is from one end of heaven,
And its circuit to the other end;
And there is nothing hidden from its heat.
Creation demonstrates the handiwork of God. It gives us a sense of His majesty, glory, and power. It is constant, cycling, and powerful. Believers can benefit immensely blessed by contemplating the lessons taught about God in the natural world that surrounds them. It is universally available to everyone regardless of language or location.
Then comes verse seven.
The Psalmist abruptly shifts from general revelation to specific revelation. General revelation is the message that God gives to the world that everyone can see. It is all around us, everywhere. However, we do have draw conclusions about its implications. It is the communication of images and actions. Specific revelation uses words. It uses language, perfectly given by God and preserved providentially so that we can understand with specificity what he wants of us.
General revelation is insufficient. It is impossible to see the message of general revelation without the presupposition of the creator. It is only when the observer acknowledges where the created world is pointing, then he or she can understand what it is saying about the Creator.
Specific revelation is the key to the heart that unlocks the powerful message of general revelation.
The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul;
The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple;
The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart;
The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes;
The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever;
The judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.
More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold;
Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
Moreover by them Your servant is warned, and in keeping them there is great reward.
Who can understand his errors?
Cleanse me from secret faults.
Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins; Let them not have dominion over me.
Then I shall be blameless, and I shall be innocent of great transgression.
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight,
The written revelation of God converts the soul. It brings supernatural life to those who are dead in sin. Empowered by the Holy Spirit its words enlighten the minds of those who receive it. It encourages the heart, bringing joy and purpose to human existence. It enhances perception, giving those who receive it an enlightened understanding of everything else around them. It defines right and wrong, righteousness and sin. It reveals what is of true value and what is frivolous and meaningless. It changes the course of life in remarkable ways, helping people avoid calamity they would not have otherwise seen. It provides amazing rewards to those who read and heed its message.
In the end, the living word of God drives those who receive it, not only of obedience to God, but also a sincere desire to be pleasing to Him, even in our thoughts.
So, which is better? General revelation needs specific revelation to make it truly comprehensible.
Catch the audio version of this post here: General vs Specific Revelation
Photo by Ben White on Unsplash