Bibliology - Revelation of God's Word
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Introduction
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Definition
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Dictionary to remove the veil
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Doctrinal the act of God by which He imparts knowledge to man which man could otherwise never know (Deuteronomy 29:29; Amos 3:7)
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Divisions
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Divine Revelation all the methods by which God makes Himself and His truth known to man
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General Revelation
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A division of divine revelation
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Refers to those ways (circumstances, conscience, creation) by which God has revealed Himself to all men at all times (Romans 1:17-20)
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Reveals only general information
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The existence of God
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The guilt of man
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The judgment of God
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NOTE: does not reveal Gods plan of salvation and is therefore not sufficient for salvation
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Special Revelation
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A division of divine revelation
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Refers to those ways (miracles, coming of Christ, visions, prophets, etc.) in which God has revealed Himself to special people at special times
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The only way to truly know Gods truth (John 17:17)
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The identity of God
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How things began
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How things will end
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The heart of man
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The way of salvation
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Relationship to Other Doctrines
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Salvation and Service depend on the Interpretation and Illumination of the
Bible
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Interpretation and Illumination depend on the Preservation of the Bible
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Preservation depends on Inspiration
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Inspiration depends on Revelation
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Revelation depends on the existence and interest of God
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DOCTRINAL OUTLINE OF REVELATION
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Revelation Consists of Secrets made Known (Deuteronomy 29:29; Daniel 2:19-23,27-30,47; 10:1)
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Revelation Comes in Special Seasons (1Samuel 3:1,7,21)
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Revelation Comes to Selected Groups and Individuals (Amos 3:7; Matthew 11:25)
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Revelation Comes From a Supernatural Source (Matthew 16:17; Galatians 1:11-12)
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Revelation Comes By the Work of the Spirit (Luke 2:25-26; 1Corinthians 2:6-16)
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GENERAL REVELATION
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Circumstances; or, Providence (Romans 1:18)
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In the rise and fall of nations (Deuteronomy 32:29-43; Psalm 75:6-7; Isaiah 12-13; Jeremiah 50:9-13)
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In the preservation of Israel (2Samuel 7:12-18; Jeremiah 31:35-37)
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In His goodness to all men (Psalm 145:9; Matthew 5:45; Acts 14:17)
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Knowledge that there is more (John 1:9; Titus 2:11; Acts 17:27; Jeremiah 29:13)
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Conscience
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Something in man telling him that there is a God (Romans 1:19)
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Reveals the existence of right and wrong: convicting of sin and rewarding righteousness (Romans 2:14-15)
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In different men may be weak (1Corinthians 8:7), defiled (Titus 1:15) or seared (1Timothy 4:2)
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When kept pure, our conscience can be a helpful guide for living (Acts 23:1; 24:16)
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Creation
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The glory of God (Psalm 19:1-3)
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The eternal power (Romans 1:20)
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The Godhead (Romans 1:20; see Acts 17:29; Colossians 2:9)
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SPECIAL REVELATION
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Miracles
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To declare the power of God (Joshua 2:9-11; 4:23-24)
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To identify the Son of God (Matthew 11:1-6; John 5:36; 10:25; 14:11)
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To confirm the word of God (Mark 16:17-20)
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Incarnation (Matthew 11:27; John 1:18; 14:9-10)
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Direct Communication
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Dreams (Daniel 2:28) when asleep
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Visions (Ezekiel 1:1) when awake
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Spoken words (Numbers 12:6-8) *most of the Bible was spoken before it was ever written
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Written Word of God (John 5:39; Romans 1:1-2; 16:25-26)