Special Revelation

Introduction: General revelation is God’s revelation of truth to all men at all times. It comes through means such as circumstances (or God’s providential working in the affairs of men), conscience (the inner knowledge of men), and creation. Special revelation is God’s revelation to special or particular people at special or particular times (Hebrews 1:1). Special revelation includes the following methods:

1. MIRACLES
1. Definition:
1. They are supernatural manifestations of divine power in the natural world.
2. Also called signs and wonders
2. Purpose of Miracles
1. To identify the true God (Exodus 7:17; Exodus 8:22)
2. To demonstrate the power of God (Exodus 9:14-16)
3. To bring glory to God and His Son (John 2:11)
4. To demonstrate the love of God (Matthew 14:14)
5. To confirm the word of God (Mark 16:20)
3. Times of Miracle Activity the Sundry Times (Hebrews 1:1)
1. Moses and Joshua
2. Elijah and Elisha
3. Christ and the Apostles
4. Tribulation
2. INCARNATION
1. The Son Declared the Father (John 1:18)
2. The Son Reveals the Father (Matthew 11:27)
3. The Father is Seen in the Son (John 14:7-9)
4. The Father is Known in the Son (2 Corinthians 4:6)
3. DREAMS
1. Definition: a vision that comes when one is asleep (Genesis 20:3; Genesis 46:2).
1. Used to reveal the secrets of God (Daniel 2:28)
2. Often had to be interpreted (Daniel 2:29-30)
2. May be Visual (Genesis 28:12) or Verbal (Genesis 31:24) or both.
4. VISIONS
1. Definition: a visual revelation to one who is awake
2. A Way for God to Make Himself Known (Numbers 12:6; Ezekiel 1:1)
5. PROPHECIES
1. Definition: as a means of revelation, it occurs when God puts His Spirit on a man and speaks through him (Numbers 11:25; 1 Samuel 10:6, 10; Jeremiah 20:9)
2. Forms
1. A foretelling of the future (Daniel 9:24)
2. A forth-telling of word of God (2 Peter 1:19-21)
6. SPOKEN WORDS
1. When Men Orally Heard the Voice of the Lord (Numbers 12:6-8; Deuteronomy 4:33-36; Exodus 20:18-19)
2. Most of the Bible was Spoken before it was ever Written.
3. Much of the Spoken Revelation of God Never Became Scripture.
7. SCRIPTURE
1. Definition: the writings of Gods word to be passed down to men.
2. God Set Revelation of Truth (John 5:39; John 17:17)

Conclusion: Deuteronomy 29:29 – “The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.” Are you allowing God to reveal His truth to you?