Biblical Doctrines
Introduction to Christian Doctrine
Steve Akins
General revelation refers to a universal aspect of God, his knowledge and of spiritual matters, discovered through natural means, such as observation of nature (the physical universe), philosophy and reasoning, human conscience or providence or providential history. Theologians use the term to describe knowledge of God which is plainly available to all mankind. These aspects of general revelation pertain to outward temporal events that are experienced within the world or this physical universe.
Within this type of revelation, it is believed that God does not use specific words, or specific actions, but more general or encompassing events that occur in creation, conscience, and history. This belief in general revelation claims to have its support from the scriptures of Romans 1:20, Psalms 19:1-6, and Matthew 5:45. The idea is that general revelation is to show the works and existence of God in indirect ways.
General Revelation is insufficient to impart salvation, or any understanding or knowledge of salvation or the specific role of Jesus Christ. General Revelation is more to the experience of life by a person, and is solely dependent on the ability of the person to clearly comprehend any part of God's hand in external events or things.
Special revelation is a belief that knowledge of God and of spiritual matters can be discovered through supernatural means, such as miracles or the scriptures, a disclosure of God's truth through means other than through man's reason.
Theologians use the term "special revelation" to describe God's intervention to make his will and knowledge available that would not otherwise be available th ...