For those who feel strongly about basing everything on the written Word, what role does “revelation” have in forming our beliefs and practices? Isn’t recorded Scripture enough to determine sound doctrine? How do we receive and understand revelation given by the Holy Spirit? If we have the Word, why do we need further revelation?
For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which He has called you, what are the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His great might that He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. (Ephesians 1:15-21 ESV)
I believe in the “spirit of wisdom and revelation” because Jesus is the Living Word who is always communicating with us. Not to form new doctrines, but to complement and better understand what is already laid out as foundational to our faith. He is consistently revealing the Father’s heart for us and reminding us of everything Jesus purchased for us at the cross. He wants us to know the power that is working inside of us to accomplish everything He has planned. Jesus, the Living Word, is always speaking through His Helper – the Holy Spirit – in interpreting His Father’s will. Thus, “revelation” is still very much needed if we are to put sound doctrine into practice.
I did some digging into how much (divine) “revelation” played a part in the early Church. Initial inquiry shows how the apostle Paul’s own doctrine was shaped by revelation just as much as “the law.” As a matter of fact, he even states that the only way to fully understand “the law” (God’s written Word) is through revelation by the Holy Spirit. The turning point came with Christ Jesus – the Living Word of God. He was the ultimate “Revelation” of who the Father is. And just as Jesus promised His followers, Holy Spirit now continues to reveal the power of Christ that is at work within us (John 14:26).
Here is a simple overview of how revelation played a part in the early church:
TYPES OF REVELATION SEEN IN THE NEW TESTAMENT:
- Prophetic Words: Acts 13, 21, 1 Corinthians 14
- Visions: Acts 9, 16, 2 Corinthians 12
- Inner Prompting/Compulsion: Acts 16, 20
- Communal Discernment: Acts 15
- Direct Revelation from Jesus: Galatians 1, 2 Corinthians 12
HOW REVELATION WAS DIRECTED:
- Evangelism: Philip, Peter, and others are directed to specific people.
- Inclusion of Gentiles: Major moments (Acts 10, 15) led by the Spirit to break tradition.
- Crisis and Persecution: Spirit gives boldness, direction, and even comfort.
- Leadership: Spirit identifies leaders and qualifies them by character, not status.
- Prophetic Insight: Spirit reveals future events (famine, danger, etc) to prepare the church.
It’s fairly clear throughout the New Testament that Paul and the early church were led and directed by the revelation of Holy Spirit. But rather than being an end in itself (“I got a revelation!”), it was the means by which the Holy Spirit confirmed God’s Word in order for them to fulfill their commission. And the revelations always pointed them back to the finished work of the cross and that which God had already established as core tenets and doctrines of their faith. The revelations directed their course, empowered their call, solidified their faith, and gave them strategic insight and wisdom in how to reach the lost.
When we speak of “revelation” today, let’s remember what it’s for. True revelation will not only draw us closer to Christ and inspire a greater love for His Word, but it will empower us to share the good news of the Kingdom. Let’s learn the lessons from the early church and receive revelations so that we can better evangelize the lost and minister to the needs of others. May we celebrate the Holy Spirit’s voice and keep an open ear to how He may want to reveal even more of the Father’s heart and will for the days to come.
Comments are closed.