Progressive Revelation - Part 1
As we read and study more from the Bible in our walk with God, we recognize other truths. There are items which were not directly presented or knowledge needed when we were saved, but are now jumping out of the pages of scripture. A friend of mine calls this “Progressive Revelation.” And so it is. However, it never had a label until recent years. But this has always been the manner in which believers have learned what God has to say, Isaiah 28:10; 1st Corinthians 3:2.
So we come to our most important and primary discussion point. What is your position with and before God? We will cover this issue many times here in Bible Basics, both adjacent to our presentations, as well as individually. We invite all to continue with us regardless of their position before God. Just be mindful that ones position in Christ will determine their ability to understand and accept all of God’s words in the spiritual realm.
But let’s not get to heady here, I have never met a person that knew and understood all of God’s words, including me. I have met several that thought they did, but they need only talk a short time to make it clear they do not, 1st Corinthians 3:20-21. Once we make that heartfelt commitment to God, based on His terms and His words as found in the Bible and not the terms, doctrines or words of man, then the more the God we serve will make available to us.
Once “saved” (and you only get saved one time and you cannot lose it, Hebrews 6:1-6), we begin to see the answers to some mysteries as the Holy Spirit “illuminates” them. He clears some of the darkness , but we will never know the totality of God’s plan this side of Heaven. I’m not convinced we will know it all once we abide there either. But what we learn here is done through personal study, first with God and His word, then mentorship, then commentaries, etc.
I want to highlight this word “illuminated.” It means to “put a light on it” in enabling us to see what is there. The information was always there for us, just not clear. I assume God did it this way so as not to confuse us folks, and to help us not “get ahead of ourselves.” God has always provided what we need in a timely fashion, again, 1st Corinthians 3:1-2.
As we build and add to this site, we will be working in that direction by presenting an infinite number of topics. Most are already in my library, but each topic seems to open up others. And you may note, at times, stand alone dates on a page of various entries. This is the date the original study was completed in draft form. Edits may have been, and probably were, made over the years since that date.
So where are you in “Progressive Revelation? Are you a believer in Jesus Christ as your only and true savior? Believers have all been there with you at one time or another and considered this question. Some have accepted that invitation immediately to join the family of God. Others have put it off "for a day or two" while they consider the message. And many have just walked away, not interested, but did come back after a while as life “illuminated the truth” of the Bible. I was in this last group for many years.
Though attacked and maligned continuously, the Bible has never been found to be in error. It has never been found to have changed in content as presented by original writers. It is not a social studies book. It is not a personal view point. And it is not a "pick and chose" volume where one may arbitrarily ignore it or supersede it with the words of man.
The Bible is the anvil Christianity and truth, and adherence to it is the benchmark of true faith in God. It is not all of God's Word, but it is all God's words.
We conclude this subject with the next entry shortly.