LEONARD THEOLOGICAL COLLEGE
Subject: Introduction to Christian Doctrine
Topic: Revelation
Submitted to: Rev. Dinesh Angolker
Submitted By: Nirmal Cherian
Submitted on: 5th December 2018
INTRODUCTION
In this assignment I am bringing study on topic Revelation. This doctrinal study of revelation can
help us to analyze how various knowledge about Christian facts are revealed with authority. Revelation is
the basis and content of Christian faith and without it there would be no knowledge of God and no
Christian faith.
I. DEFINITION OF REVALATION
According to Author Gilbert B Weaver in his article ‘The doctrine of revelation and
inspiration in the Old Testament’ revelation is defined as God's witness and communication of Himself
to the World for the full communion of man with God.1 Thus word revelation refers to both the act of
revealing and identifying the content of what is revealed.
II. CONCEPT OF REVALATION FROM OLD-TESTAMENT
According to Theologian Hans Schimidit in his writings ‘Revelation in the Old Testament’
convey according to Old Testament view God who is not perceptible to the senses, sometimes comes out
of his concealment and reveal himself.2
II.1 REVELATION IN NATURE- Nature in Old Testament is considered as phenomena revealing God’s
presence. Example: Revelation of Elijah at Horeb where he witnessed storm, fire, earthquake(1 King
19:9), Psalm 19:1.
II.2 THE WORD OF YAHWEH- Revelation was received in the form of divine words. Example:
Samuel hearing God’s voice(1 Samuel 3:2).
1
https://biblicalstudies.org.uk/pdf/grace-journal pdf author Gilbert B weaver accessed on 17 /11/ 2018at 9:00Pm.
2
Jaroslav Pelikan ed., Twentieth Century Theology In the making (London: Fontana Books,1970), 34.
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II.3 REVALATION IN HISTORY- There was also indirect revelation which could be perceived in an
extraordinary, meaningful and morally determined course of events.3 Example: Living God is seen by his
activity of love, kindness, righteousness and holiness.(Psalm 98:2, Jeremiah 33:16).
III. CONCEPT OF REVALATION FROM NEW-TESTAMENT
According to Theologian Rudolf Bultmann in his writings ‘Revelation in the New Testament’
convey it is an event brought about by God, through which he brings into effect on earth and for human
what was previously only a reality in his plan and resolution.4 It is God himself becomes visible in
revelation and his revelation can be identified through his work in human by placing him in different
situation and using him on his behalf.
III.1 REVELATION CONCEPT IN GOSPEL- According to Theologian Rudolf Bultmann in his
writings ‘Revelation in the New Testament’ states that Gospel writers had conveyed concept of
revelation in relation to Jewish perspective as well as with Hellenistic origin5 mainly (Mathew 11:25 and
Luke 10:21 which is derived from Jewish work whereas Mathew 11:27 and Luke 10:22 have Hellenistic
origin.) 6. The Gospel writers emphasis Jesus. The Gospels thus present Jesus as the supreme gateway of
revealed truth, the authentic path to the experience of God. Life of Jesus, death and resurrection thereby
became supreme revelation after him and the fullness of revelation was only finally delivered when the
Parousia of the son of man occurred at the end time(Luke 17:30).7
III.2 REVELATION CONCEPT BY PAUL- According to Theologian Rudolf Bultmann in
his writings ‘Revelation in the New Testament’ states that Paul convey God makes known and
manifests himself and carrying something out among men and demanding something. from
them.(Rom 3:25; 9:17,22; Phil 1:28). Paul convey preaching can reveal knowledge of God and
can lead some to life and others to death ( 2 Cor 2:14-16). So revelation can be considered as both
judgment and salvation. According to Paul revelation is man’s knowledge of himself in his
relationship to God.8
IV. DOCTRINE OF REVALATION IN PATRISTIC VIEW
According to theologian John A. McGuckin in his book Patristic Theology convey that early
church fathers made their view of revelation as divine truth revealed in Christ through his incarnation.
3
Ibid., 37.
4
Ibid., 42.
5
Hellenistic orgin means views relating to the Greeks or their language, culture, etc.,
6
Ibid., 44.
7
John A. McGuckin. Patristic Theology (Great Britan: SCM Press,2005),296.
8
Jaroslav Pelikan ed., Twentieth Century Theology In the making (London: Fontana Books,1970), 42.
2
Example: Ignatious of Antioch convey his idea God has revealed himself in his own son, Athanasius and
Cyril in early centauries conveyed incarnation as supreme revelation of the person and presence of God
in Christ. Justin Martyr and Tertullian convey Jesus as the creative logos personified and source of all
source of sacred revelation. 9
V. DOCTRINE OF REVALATION IN SCHOLISTIC VIEW
According to book The Christian faith by J. Neuner S. J convey scholastic view of
revelation is related with self-communication of God which can be identified through God’s creation.
Examples: First Vatican Council (led by Pope Pious 1X) conveys God revealed through his creation is
communicated through scripture and Church tradition and faith guides foundation for these truths.
According authors Peter C. Hodgson and Robert H.King in their book Readings in Christian
Theology convey Thomas Aquinas in his work of ‘Summa Contra Gentiles’ convey God as eternal and
his nature can be revealed through his creation. Nature and its perfection reveal nature of God. God is the
First Mover, First Cause, Necessary Being, Model of Perfection and Intelligent Being.10 Theologian like
Saint Anselm of Canterbury introduce doctrine of revelation as nature of God in reality can be revealed
in creation as divine revelation.
VI. DOCTRINE OF REVALATION IN REFORMATION VIEW
Reformed traditions convey revelation can be identified through Scripture and also through nature
of creation but rejected importance of tradition. According to Article ‘Where does God reveal himself’
by Rev Brian Flamme convey in era of reformation scholars like Luther explains Revelation of God
can be identified through natural order and through scriptures, John Calvin says general knowledge of
God can be discerned throughout the creation, in scripture, in natural order and in humanity. Theologian
Hollatz convey God makes himself known both by the light of nature and by the effects clear in the
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kingdom of nature also God reveals himself through his word.
VII. DOCTRINE OF REVALATION IN MODERN VIEW
According to Helmut Thelicke in his book Modern Faith and Thought convey revelation
is established by relationship between the revealing God and responding humanity. Theologian Semler
convey God as author of revelation works in the horizontal direction of historical development.12
According to Theologian Brunner Revelation cannot be understood impartation of data about God but
9
John A. McGuckin. Patristic Theology (Great Britan: SCM Press,2005),296.
10
Peter C.Hogson and Robert H.King eds. Readings in Christian Theology (Philadelphia: Foretresspress,1985),88.
11
https://lutheranreformation.org/theology/where-does-god-reveal-himself/ accessed on 17 /11/ 2018 at 9:40Pm.
12
Helmut Theilicke, Modern Faith and thought (U.S.A: Eerdmans: 1990),142.
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establishment of personal relationship with God. According to Theologian Karl Barth convey a threefold
movement to reveal God which includes word of God in Christ through scripture, proclamation of the
word and he also convey God is revealed through experience of individual. According to German
Theologian F..D.E. Schleiermacher ‘Christian Faith’ is revealed by total dependence upon God and he
convey this feeling of absolute dependence constitutes starting point of Christianity and it is regarded as
critical exploration of deep feeling of humanity. 13
VIII. DOCTRINE OF REVALATION IN POST-MODERN VIEW
According to Dr. John Morrison in his article The Concepts of Revelation and
Inspiration in Postmodern-Emergent convey ideology of revelation in post modern era is that the
revelation of God is inclusive and is not limited to particular religion. According to theologians Pagitt
and Jones Christ is not the only way to God, but has had a way opened to know him, no matter what
religion they might adhere.14
THEOLOGICAL REFLECTION
I would like to reflect that existence of Church and it’s doctrine is through revelation from
God. God has revealed himself through his redeemed people to the world for the expansion of his
kingdom.
CONCLUSION
I would like to conclude that God’s revelation is continuing in this world in his wish and we are
expected to be carriers of it.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Pelikan, Jaroslav ed.. Twentieth Century Theology In the making. London: Fontana Books, 1970.
McGreath, E Alister . Christian Theology an introduction. UK: Blackwell Publishing,2001.
McGuckin, John A. Patristic Theology. Great Britan: SCM Press, 2005.
Hogson, Peter C and Robert H. King eds. Readings in Christian Theology .Philadelphia: Foretresspress,1985, 88.
Theilicke, Helmut. Modern Faith and thought. U.S.A: Eerdmans: 1990.
INTERNET SOURCE
https://biblicalstudies.org.uk/pdf/journal pdf author Gilbert B weaver accessed on 17 /11/ 2018 at 9:00Pm.
https://lutheranreformation.org/theology-does-god-reveal-himself/ accessed on 17 /11/ 2018 at 9:40Pm.
https:// The Concepts of Revelation and Inspiration in Postmodern Theology /accessed on12/11/ 2018 at 9:00Pm.
13
Alister E McGreath, Christian Theology an introduction (UK: Blackwell Publishing,2001),206.
14
https:// The Concepts of Revelation and Inspirationin Postmodern Theology /accessed on12/11/ 2018 at 9:00Pm.
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