Examples of General Revelation in the Natural World
The concept of general revelation suggests that God's existence and character can be understood through observation of the natural world. This idea is rooted in biblical passages that describe the natural world as a reflection of God's glory and attributes. For instance, Psalm 139:11-12 and Job 12:22 illustrate God's omnipresence and revelation of hidden things, echoing the sentiment that God's nature is partially discernible through creation [3].
The biblical account of creation and the natural world is replete with examples of general revelation. The rainbow, as described in Genesis 9:8-17, serves as a symbol of God's covenant with Noah, signifying his promise never to destroy the earth with water again. This event is later referenced in Revelation 4:3, where the rainbow surrounding God's throne symbolizes God's grace and covenant-keeping nature [2].
The natural world is also depicted as being affected by human sin and God's judgment. The destruction of the earth by water in the time of Noah (Genesis 6) and the predicted destruction by fire in Revelation demonstrate the interconnectedness of the natural world and God's moral governance [5, 2]. The falling of stars and other celestial disturbances described in Revelation 6:13 and Isaiah 34:4 are examples of how the natural world reflects God's judgment on human sin.
Moreover, the biblical text often describes natural phenomena in a way that is observable to humans, rather than with scientific precision. For example, the description of stars falling to earth in Revelation 6:13 is presented in a manner that would be understood by the original audience, while also containing hints that anticipate modern scientific discoveries [1].
The various interpretations of Revelation by commentators like Jamieson, Fausset & Brown, and John Gill highlight the complex relationship between the natural world and God's revelation. While their specific understandings of apocalyptic imagery differ, they collectively underscore the significance of the natural world in understanding God's character and purposes [1, 4, 6].
The natural world, therefore, serves as a canvas upon which God's attributes, covenant faithfulness, and judgment are displayed, providing a foundation for the concept of general revelation. This understanding is woven throughout the biblical narrative, from creation to the apocalyptic visions of Revelation.
Sources
- Revelation (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Revelation 6:13: stars . . . fell . . . as a fig tree casteth her . . . figs-- (Isa 34:4; Nah 3:12). The Church shall be then ripe for glorification, the Antichristian world for destruction, which shall be accompanied with mighty phenomena in nature. As to the stars falling to the earth, Scripture describes natural phenomena as they would appear to the spectator, not in the language of scientific accuracy; and yet, while thus adapting itself to ordinary men, it drops hints which show that it anticipates the discoveries of modern science.”
- Revelation (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Revelation 4:3: 4:3 Rather than painting a visual picture of God (Exod 20:4; Deut 4:15-19), John uses gemstones and the rainbow (Gen 9:8-17; Ezek 1:28) to suggest God’s qualities. The rainbow speaks of God’s grace as it recalls God’s covenant with Noah (Gen 9:13-17) that he would never again destroy the earth with water. In Revelation, however, we see the earth destroyed by fire (cp. Gen 19:24-29).”
- Daniel (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Daniel 2:22: revealeth-- (Job 12:22). So spiritually (Eph 1:17-18). knoweth what is in . . . darkness-- (Psa 139:11-12; Heb 4:13). light . . . him-- (Jam 1:17; Jo1 1:4). Apocalypse (or "revelation") signifies a divine, prophecy a human, activity. Compare Co1 14:6, where the two are distinguished. The prophet is connected with the outer world, addressing to the congregation the words with which the Spirit of God supplies him; he speaks in the Spirit, but the apocalyptic seer is in the Spirit in his whole person (Rev 1:10; Rev 4:2). The form of the apocalyptic re”
- Revelation (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Revelation 16 (introduction): INTRODUCTION TO REVELATION 16 This chapter gives an account of the pouring out of the seven vials by the angels; their orders for it are in Rev 16:1. The first angel pours out his vial on the earth, the effect of which is a noisome and grievous sore upon the followers of antichrist, and the worshippers of his image, Rev 16:2. The second pours out his upon the sea; the events of it are, the sea became blood, and every living creature in it died, Rev 16:3. The third pours out his upon the rivers and fountains of water, which thereby became blood; upon”
- Genesis (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Genesis 6 (introduction): The most remarkable thing we have upon record concerning the old world is the destruction of it by the universal deluge, the account of which commences in this chapter, wherein we have, I. The abounding iniquity of that wicked world (Gen 6:1-5, Gen 6:11, Gen 6:12). II. The righteous God's just resentment of that abounding iniquity, and his holy resolution to punish it (Gen 6:6, Gen 6:7). III. The special favour of God to his servant Noah. 1. In the character given of him (Gen 6:8-10) 2. In the communication of God's purpose to him (Gen 6:13, Gen 6:17)”
- Revelation (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Revelation 6 (introduction): INTRODUCTION TO REVELATION 6 This chapter contains the vision of the opening six of the seals of the sealed book, by the Lamb, and of the events following thereupon. The preparation to the vision of the first seal is in Rev 6:1; the Lamb opens it, John hears a noise like thunder, and one of the living creatures bids him come and see; upon which he saw a horse, of a white colour, and a rider on it, who is described by a bow and crown given him, and by the victory he obtained, Rev 6:2; at the opening of the second seal, the second living creature invit”