SS Outline 4.20.25

Systematic Theology: Revelation
1. Introduction

• If God exists, how can we know Him?
  • Revelation is God’s act of making Himself known to man.
  • 2 Timothy 3:16-17 – All Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching.
• Why This Matters:
  • Without revelation, man cannot truly know God.
  • God must initiate communication with humanity.

2. Two Forms of Revelation
A. General Revelation

• Definition: God's self-disclosure through creation, providence, and conscience.
  • Psalm 19:1-2 – The heavens declare the glory of God.
  • Romans 1:19-20 – God's invisible attributes are clearly seen in creation.
• Effects of General Revelation:
  • Sufficient to reveal God's existence and power.
  • Insufficient for salvation (does not reveal Christ).

*Why is general revelation not enough to bring someone to salvation?

B. Special Revelation

• Definition: God's direct communication through Scripture, prophecy, and ultimately Christ.
  • Hebrews 1:1-2 – God spoke in various ways, but now speaks through His Son.
  • John 1:14 – Jesus is the Word made flesh.
• Importance of Scripture:
  • Without it, we cannot know the specifics of God’s will or the gospel.
  • 
Why is Scripture the ultimate form of special revelation today?

3. The Necessity and Authority of Special Revelation

• Necessity: Man's sin nature blinds him to truth
  • 1 Corinthians 2:14 – The natural man does not accept the things of God.
  • The gospel must be revealed (Romans 10:17 – Faith comes by hearing the Word).
• Authority:
  • God-Breathed Nature: 2 Timothy 3:16-17.
  • Scripture is Complete: Jude 3 – the faith once delivered to the saints.
  • Warnings Against Adding to It: Revelation 22:18-19.

*How should the authority of Scripture shape our daily decisions?

4. Conclusion & Reflection

• General revelation reveals God's power but not salvation.
• Special revelation (Scripture and Christ) is necessary for salvation.
• Scripture is sufficient and authoritative for knowing God.

Reflection Questions:

• Why is special revelation necessary if general revelation exists?
• How should Christians respond to people who claim personal revelations today?