Understanding God through Natural Revelation in Scripture
Natural revelation refers to the knowledge of God that can be gained through observation of the created world and human conscience, distinct from special revelation found in Scripture [6, 8]. While the Bible emphasizes God's self-disclosure through written word and divine acts, it also points to a general knowledge of God accessible to all humanity.
The concept of "knowing God" in Scripture often implies an intimate, saving relationship, as seen in passages like 2 Corinthians 5:16 or Philippians 3:8, 10 [6]. However, the Bible also indicates that people can "know about God" through creation, even if they do not respond to that knowledge appropriately [6]. For instance, the Hebrew word for "know" (יָדַע, yada') in contexts like Exodus 6:7 signifies an experiential and relational understanding, akin to human sexual relations, rather than mere abstract facts [7]. To "know God as Yahweh" means to be in a relationship where one continually learns about His character and will [7].
Despite this emphasis on relational knowledge, the biblical text suggests that certain truths about God are evident apart from direct divine communication. Job 9:2 acknowledges a fundamental understanding of God's nature, asking, "Truly I know it is so; but how can man be just with God?" [2]. This implies a recognition of God's existence and justice. Similarly, biblical names like Deuel, Jediel, Eldaah, and Eliada, which mean "the knowledge of God," reflect an ancient awareness of God's knowability [1, 3, 4, 5].
However, the extent to which humanity can fully comprehend God through natural means is limited. As Job 11:7 asks, "Canst thou by searching find out God?" [8]. John Gill's commentary on this verse explains that while the existence of God can be inferred from creation, His nature, being, and perfections cannot be fully discovered through human inquiry alone [8]. An ancient philosopher, when asked to define God, continuously requested more time, illustrating the profound difficulty of fully grasping God through human reason [8].
The Apostle Paul, particularly in Romans, addresses the idea that humanity possesses a foundational knowledge of God through creation. one tradition argues that people "knew God" but failed to honor Him or give thanks, instead worshipping idols of their own making [6]. This suggests that natural revelation provides sufficient information for humanity to be held accountable, even if it does not lead to a saving relationship without further divine intervention.
Sources
- Hitchcock's Bible Names “Hitchcock's Bible Names: Deuel — the knowledge of God”
- Job “Job 9:2 (LITV) — Truly I know it is so; but how can man be just with God?”
- Hitchcock's Bible Names “Hitchcock's Bible Names: Jediel — the knowledge, or renewing, of God”
- Hitchcock's Bible Names “Hitchcock's Bible Names: Eldaah — knowledge of God”
- Hitchcock's Bible Names “Hitchcock's Bible Names: Eliada — knowledge of God”
- Romans (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Romans 1:21: 1:21 To know God in Scripture usually means to have an intimate, saving relationship with him (see 2 Cor 5:16; Gal 4:9; Phil 3:8, 10). Here, however, they knew God means that people knew about God. All people have some understanding of God through creation, yet they do not do what is right based on that knowledge. Rather than learn more about God, they worship gods of their own making.”
- Exodus (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Exodus 6:7: 6:7 Then you will know that I am the Lord: The Hebrew word translated know is always based on experience and relationship. The same word is used to describe human sexual relations. To know God as Yahweh is not just to know abstract facts about him, but to be in a relationship with him in which we are always learning who he is and what he wants us to do. This is the only true rescue from the human predicament of sin described in Gen 3–11. The importance of “knowing the Lord” in the book of Exodus is seen in its recurrence, especially in Exod 5–18 (5:2; 7:5, 17; 8:10”
- Job (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Job 11:7: Canst thou by searching find out God?.... God is not to be found out by human search; that there is a God may be found out by inquiring into the book of nature, by considering the creatures that are made, who all proclaim some first cause or maker of them, who is God; but then it cannot be found out what God is, his nature, being, and perfections: an Heathen philosopher (i), being asked by a certain king what God was, required a day to give in his answer; when that was up he desired a second, and still went on asking more; and being demanded the reason of his dilatorines”