Examples of Natural Revelation in Personal Life and God's Existence
Natural revelation refers to the knowledge of God that can be gained through observation of the natural world and human experience, apart from special divine intervention or scripture [4]. This concept suggests that certain truths about God's existence and attributes are accessible to all people through general means.
One primary example of natural revelation is the existence and order of the created universe. The intricate design and vastness of the cosmos are often seen as evidence pointing to a divine creator [2]. For instance, passages like Psalm 19:1 declare, "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork." The consistent laws governing the universe, from celestial movements to biological processes, can lead to the conclusion that an intelligent and powerful being established them [2]. The Apostle Paul, in Romans 1:19-20, states that "what may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead" [4]. This implies that humanity is without excuse for not recognizing God's existence through creation.
In personal life, individuals may experience natural revelation through their conscience and innate moral compass. The sense of right and wrong, the desire for justice, and the awareness of moral obligations are often considered reflections of God's character imprinted on humanity [3]. Even without specific religious instruction, people often recognize universal moral principles. The "secrets of his heart made manifest" through the word of God can reveal one's true character, leading to a recognition of spiritual realities [5].
Furthermore, the human capacity for reason, love, and creativity can be viewed as echoes of a divine source. The ability to ponder existential questions, to appreciate beauty, and to form deep relationships can suggest a transcendent origin for these qualities. While natural revelation can point to God's existence and some of His attributes, it does not provide the full scope of His character or His plan for salvation, which requires special revelation, such as that found in the Scriptures [1].
Sources
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Revelation — An uncovering, a bringing to light of that which had been previously wholly hidden or only obscurely seen. God has been pleased in various ways and at different times (Heb. 1:1) to make a supernatural revelation of himself and his purposes and plans, which, under the guidance of his Spirit, has been committed to writing. (See WORD OF [532]GOD.) The Scriptures are not merely the "record" of revelation; they are the revelation itself in a written form, in order to the accurate presevation and propagation of the truth. Revelation and inspiration differ. Rev”
- Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “Revelation 4:11 cross-references: Genesis 1:1, Exodus 20:11, Deuteronomy 32:4, 2 Samuel 22:4, 1 Chronicles 16:28, Nehemiah 9:5, Job 36:3, Psalms 18:3, Psalms 29:1, Psalms 68:34, Psalms 96:7, Proverbs 16:4, Isaiah 40:26, Isaiah 40:28, Jeremiah 10:11, Jeremiah 32:17, John 1:1, Acts 14:15, Acts 17:24, Romans 11:36, Ephesians 3:9, Colossians 1:16, Hebrews 1:2, Hebrews 1:10, Revelation 5:2, Revelation 5:9, Revelation 5:12, Revelation 10:6, Revelation 14:7”
- Isaiah (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Isaiah 33:15: 33:15 A godly life provides evidence that an individual truly knows God (see Col 3:5-17; Jas 2:14-18; 1 Pet 1:14-16; 1 Jn 1:5-6).”
- Romans (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Romans 1:19: Because that which may be known of God,.... There are some things which could not be known of God by the light of nature; as a trinity of persons in the Godhead; the knowledge of God in Christ as Mediator; the God-man and Mediator Jesus Christ; his incarnation, sufferings, death, and resurrection; the will of God to save sinners by a crucified Jesus; the several peculiar doctrines of the Gospel, particularly the resurrection of the dead, and the manner of worshipping of God with acceptance: but then there are some things which may be known of God, without a revelation”
- 1 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Corinthians 14:25: And thus--omitted in the oldest manuscripts and versions. secrets of his heart made manifest--He sees his own inner character opened out by the sword of the Spirit (Heb 4:12; Jam 1:23), the word of God, in the hand of him who prophesieth. Compare the same effect produced on Nebuchadnezzar (Dan 2:30 and end of Dan 2:47). No argument is stronger for the truth of religion than its manifestation of men to themselves in their true character. Hence hearers even now often think the preacher must have aimed his sermon particularly at them. and so--”