What is the doctrine of revelation?
Revelation is God making himself known. He does it in two main ways: general revelation through creation and conscience, and special revelation through Scripture and the person of Christ.
"The heavens declare the glory of God" (Psalm 19:1) — general revelation. "In these last days he has spoken to us by his Son" (Hebrews 1:2) — special revelation.
General revelation tells everyone there is a Creator and renders us "without excuse" (Romans 1:20). It is enough to leave us guilty; it is not enough to save us.
For salvation we need special revelation — Scripture and ultimately Jesus, the perfect revelation of God. The Bible is the inspired record of what God has said and done.
Original BibleDawn answer · reviewed 2026-06. Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy.