Another revelation

How do we know about God, learn what He is like? And not just know about Him, but know Him?

We would all respond that He has revealed Himself in the written Word, the Bible. Absolutely true. We might also say He manifested Himself in His Son, who is also referred to as the living Word of God. Also true, however what we know about Jesus comes from what’s written as well.

There is another source, though. Another revelation. It’s described this way by the apostle Paul:

For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. (Romans 1:19-20)

The written Word is not available equally to everyone. However this other revelation, in the creation, is available universally. And, Paul says, this revelation is sufficient that those who deny God are without excuse. In his speech in Athens, Paul suggests all people have enough to seek God, to “feel toward Him” and find Him. (Acts 17:27 – the entire passage is recommended.) Paul goes on – now that God’s Anointed has been revealed and validated by resurrection, all people everywhere are called upon to repent. In other words, the revelation in the creation should lead us to seek, and in seeking we should come across the witness of the resurrection.

Paul isn’t the only one who finds powerful testimony about God in the creation. David puts it beautifully:

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge. They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them. Yet their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. (Psalm 19:1-4)

And God Himself, when He confronts Job, points out example after example from the creation, proving His care for every part of it. You might review Job chapters 38-39, paying attention not only to the literal created things, but also considering what is revealed about God Himself in “the things that have been made”.

Here’s an exercise: How many things about God can you see in what has been made? Number one: He is—this didn’t all happen by accident. Certainly also His immense power. Also, from the harmony of the whole creation, we’re powerfully taught that there is just one God—the pagan notions of multiple competing gods could not possibly produce the creation we see. How about the attention to every single detail, as He reminds Job—doesn’t that teach us His involvement and loving concern for each and every individual? How about the lesson of God bringing life out of death, every springtime? You get the idea.

I hope you’ll take some time, maybe with your family or a Bible study group, to work at this exercise. And even more, I hope that your eyes will be constantly open to the wonders of the creation, moving you to give glory to its Creator. We cannot afford to ignore God’s revelation of Himself in His Word. (Hebrews 2:1-4) I think Paul, David, and God Himself would add that we likewise can’t afford to ignore the revelation in the creation.

Love, Paul