Utilizing General Revelation in Evangelism and Discipleship
Understanding General Revelation
General revelation refers to the knowledge of God and His attributes that can be obtained through natural means, such as observation of the natural world and human conscience. This concept is rooted in biblical teachings, with passages like Psalm 19:1-4 and Romans 1:20 indicating that God's existence and character can be understood through creation [1].
Biblical Foundation
The Bible provides the foundation for understanding general revelation. In Romans 1:20, Paul writes that God's "invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made" [3]. This suggests that general revelation is a universal phenomenon, available to all people regardless of their cultural or religious background.
Role in Evangelism and Discipleship
General revelation plays a significant role in evangelism and discipleship. It serves as a pre-evangelistic tool, allowing individuals to recognize their need for a savior and understand the basic attributes of God. Charles Hodge notes that "the appeal has always been 'to the law and testimony'" [7], indicating that general revelation is a precursor to special revelation, which is the specific message of salvation through Jesus Christ.
The Great Commission, as recorded in Matthew 28:19-20, emphasizes the importance of making disciples of all nations [2]. General revelation can be used to prepare people for the gospel message by helping them understand the existence and nature of God. Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown comment on Matthew 28:20, stating that teaching disciples involves instructing them to "observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you" [6].
Tradition and Interpretation
Different Christian traditions have varying views on the role of general revelation in evangelism and discipleship. The Reformed tradition, as represented by Charles Hodge, emphasizes the importance of special revelation, arguing that "without the written Word, men everywhere and in all ages, are ignorant of divine things" [3]. In contrast, the Catholic tradition, as expressed in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, acknowledges the value of general revelation while also emphasizing the necessity of special revelation for salvation [5].
Application
In practice, general revelation can be utilized in evangelism by pointing out the evidence of God's existence and character in the natural world. For example, the complexity and order in the universe can be used to illustrate God's power and wisdom. In discipleship, general revelation can be used to help believers understand the broader context of God's work in the world and their role within it.
The patristic fathers, such as Augustine, also recognized the importance of general revelation. Augustine notes that "where there is no love, there cannot be righteousness" [4], highlighting the connection between general revelation and the moral law.
Conclusion
General revelation is a vital component of Christian evangelism and discipleship. By understanding and utilizing general revelation, Christians can more effectively communicate the gospel message and help believers grow in their faith. As John Gill comments on Revelation 22:10, the message of the gospel is to be "sent in an open book, unsealed, to the churches, that they might be seen and read of all" [8]. This underscores the importance of sharing the message of salvation with all people, using general revelation as a foundation for the gospel.
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”
- Matthew “Go,and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, -- Matthew 28:19”
- CCEL (Reformed (Old Princeton)) “Charles Hodge, Systematic Theology, Vol. 1, section 30: known to them. Contrary to the Facts of Experience . 3. The doctrine in question is no less contrary to fact than it is to Scripture. The doctrine teaches that by the inward revelation of the Spirit saving knowledge of truth and duty is given to every man. But all experience shows that without the written Word, men everywhere and in all ages, are ignorant of divine things, — without God, without Christ, and without hope in the world. The sun is not more obviously the source of light, than the Bible is the source of divine knowledge. The a”
- Schaff ANF/NPNF (Patristic) “NPNF1 Vol 6: Augustine — Homilies on the Gospels — CHAP. V.--13. "Blessed are ye," says He, "when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely for my sake. Rejoice and be exceeding glad: for great(3) is (part 1): 8 where there is no love, there cannot be righteousness, for "love worketh no ill to his neighbour;"(1) and if they had it, they would not tear in pieces Christ's body, which is the Church.(2) 14. But it may be asked, What is the difference when He says, "when men shall revile you," and "when they shall say all manner of evil against yo”
- Catechism of the Catholic Church (Catholic) “Catechism of the Catholic Church, 24. (part 1): 24. 20 Cf. DV 3. 21 Dt 28: 10; Roman Missal, Good i Friday, General Intercession VI; see also Ex 19:6 22 Cf. Is 2:2-4; Jer 31:31-34; Heb 10:16 23 Cf. Ezek 36; Is 49:5-6; 53:11 24 Cf. Ezek 2:3; Lk 1:38 Previous - NextCopyright © Libreria Editrice Vaticana Catechism of the Catholic Church - IntraText HelpCatechism of the Catholic Church IntraText - TextPART ONE: THE PROFESSION OF FAITHSECTION ONE "I BELIEVE" - "WE BELIEVE"CHAPTER TWO GOD COMES TO MEET MANArticle 1 THE REVELATION OF GODIII. Christ Jesus -- "Mediator and Fullness of All Revelation"Pr”
- Matthew (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Matthew 28:20: Teaching them--This is teaching in the more usual sense of the term; or instructing the converted and baptized disciples. to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I--The "I" here is emphatic. It is enough that I am with you alway--"all the days"; that is, till making converts, baptizing, and building them up by Christian instruction, shall be no more. even unto the end of the world. Amen--This glorious Commission embraces two primary departments, the Missionary and the Pastoral, with two sublime and comprehensive Encourag”
- CCEL (Reformed (Old Princeton)) “Charles Hodge, Systematic Theology, Vol. 1, section 30: people. Everywhere, and under all dispensations, the rule of faith and duty has been the teaching of authenticated messengers of God. The appeal has always been “to the law and testimony.” The prophets came saying, “Thus saith the Lord.” Men were required to believe and obey what was communicated to them, and not what the Spirit revealed to each individual. It was the outward and not the inward word to which they were to attend. And under the gospel the command of Christ to his disciples, was, “Go ye into all the world and preach the gosp”
- Revelation (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Revelation 22:10: And he saith unto me,.... Not the angel, but Christ, as is manifest from Rev 22:12. This clause is left out in the Ethiopic version. Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book; as the orders are, when things are intended not to be published, but concealed, at least as yet, because of the distance of the accomplishment of them, which was not the case here; see Rev 10:4. Christ would have the things John saw and heard, written, and made public, sent in an open book, unsealed, to the churches, that they might be seen and read of all; that so the afflictions a”