General Revelations of God

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A question that has perplexed humans through the ages is if we have the ability to reach God. The witness of Scripture and leading theologians attest that individuals have a limited knowledge of God through general revelation in the natural world. General revelation can provide valid knowledge that there is a God, which aids in the acceptance of special revelation.

General revelation is an individual's ability to gain knowledge of God through his presence in the world. The knowledge we are able to gain through general revelation is limited. It doesn't bring salvation and tells very little about God's character, but it can bring us knowledge of the existence of God. We are able to gain this knowledge of him because he is a Creator that interacts with his creation. The psalmist sang of God's presence in the world and Paul writes, "For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities--his eternal power and his divine nature--have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse" (Romans 1:20 NIV). He has ordered things so that there is "a voice of his in his works" (Edwards, MacGrath, 116).

God has designed his creation so he can be seen in different places by different people. For those interested in the natural world, the study of science can lead individuals to asking questions about the existence of God. For instance, a person studying the Big Bang Theory will ask what existed before the Big Bang started the explosion (Patterson Lecture). Although a scientist does not automatically assume there is a God, he or she will begin to think about the origin and order of the universe, and these are questions that are important in developing a belief in God. Oth...

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...roblems, namely that it is limited and can not bring salvation. There are valid concerns that need to be considered such as adding false beliefs to the truth derived through nature and the sinful human nature. But just because a doctrine has a few problems does not mean it should be discredited completely. Realizing that God exists through general revelation is an important basis for special revelation. Because of this, the doctrine of general revelation has a practical application within the church. It makes evangelism and missions imperative and aids in reaching people for Christ. Understanding how an individual has come to know that God exist is a beginning point for evangelism. General revelation can stir the conscience and bring an individual to an awareness of God, which serves as a foundation for God's special revelation to that individual.

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