Divine Revelation

Revelation is defined literally as the uncovering or disclosure of something that is hidden. The Bible itself addresses the meaning of revelation.

Heb 1:1-2

In times past, God spoke in partial and various ways to our ancestors through the prophets; in these last days, he spoke to us through a son, whom he made heir of all things and through whom he created the universe,

1 Cor 2:9-10

But as it is written: "What eye has not seen, and ear has not heard, and what has not entered the human heart, what God has prepared for those who love him," this God has revealed to us through the Spirit.

Mt 16:17

Jesus said to him in reply, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father."

Mt 11:27

All things have been handed over to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him.

2 Pet 1:21

for no prophecy ever came through human will; but rather human beings moved by the holy Spirit spoke under the influence of God.

Rom 1:19

For what can be known about God is evident to them, because God made it evident to them.

The Roman Catholic Church, through her teaching arm, the Second Vatican Council also defined what is meant by revelation:

Constitution on Divine Revelation, No. 2

In his goodness and wisdom God chose to reveal himself and to make known to us the hidden purpose of his will by which, through Christ the Word made flesh, people have access to the Father in the Holy Spirit and come to share in the divine nature. Through this revelation, therefore, the invisible God out of the abundance of his love speaks to his people as friends and lives among them, so that he may invite them into fellowship with Himself.

Last Updated: January 3, 1997