Introduction
How does God make himself known to humanity? This fundamental question lies at the heart of Christian theology and shapes every aspect of our faith. The doctrine of revelation explores how the infinite, invisible God bridges the gap between heaven and earth to communicate with his creation.
In the Book of Romans, the Apostle Paul presents a comprehensive understanding of divine revelation that encompasses both God's general disclosure through creation and his special revelation through Scripture. From its opening verses, Romans grounds itself firmly in the concept of revealed truth, making it an ideal lens through which to examine this crucial doctrine.
Understanding revelation properly affects every area of Christian life and thought. It determines how we approach Scripture, how we understand God's character, and how we relate to both believers and unbelievers.
Biblical Foundation in Romans
Paul's understanding of revelation unfolds systematically throughout Romans, presenting revelation as both universal and particular, both accessible and mysterious.
The Gospel as Revealed Truth
Paul opens his letter by identifying himself as "set apart for the gospel of God—the gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures" (Romans 1:1-2). This introduction establishes crucial principles about revelation. First, the gospel originates with God himself, not human invention. Second, this revelation has a historical dimension, having been promised through the prophets. Third, Scripture serves as the authoritative record of this divine disclosure.
When Paul declares that he is "not ashamed of the gospel" (Romans 1:16), he grounds this confidence in revelation's divine authority. The gospel possesses power precisely because it is "the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes." Paul's boldness stems from his conviction that he speaks God's words, not his opinions.
General Revelation Through Creation
Romans 1:18-23 presents Paul's detailed discussion of general revelation—God's disclosure of himself through the created order. Paul argues that "what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse."
This passage reveals important truths about general revelation. First, it is universal in scope—all people have access to genuine knowledge about God through creation. Second, this revelation is clear, making God's attributes "clearly seen" and "plain." Third, it includes knowledge of God's "eternal power and divine nature," providing sufficient information to establish human accountability.
However, Paul immediately demonstrates general revelation's limitations. While creation reveals God's power and divinity, it does not disclose his redemptive plan. Moreover, human sinfulness corrupts the reception of even this clear revelation. People "suppress the truth by their wickedness" and exchange God's glory for idolatry (Romans 1:23). General revelation renders humanity accountable but does not provide salvation.
The Mystery Revealed
Paul concludes Romans with a doxology that returns to revelation's theme: "Now to him who is able to establish you in accordance with my gospel... in keeping with the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings" (Romans 16:25-26).
This passage introduces progressive revelation—the idea that God's disclosure unfolds gradually throughout history. The "mystery" refers to divine truth previously hidden and now made known. This mystery was "hidden for long ages past," indicating that God's redemptive plan, while eternally purposed, was not fully disclosed in earlier epochs.
The revelation occurs "through the prophetic writings," again emphasising Scripture's role as the medium of divine disclosure. Paul connects Old Testament prophecy with New Testament fulfilment, showing that revelation possesses both continuity and development.
Practical Implications
Paul's teaching about revelation carries profound implications for Christian life and ministry.
Approaching Scripture with Confidence
Paul's confidence in the gospel as divine revelation should shape how Christians approach Scripture today. When we read the Bible, we encounter God's authoritative word. This conviction affects both our study methods and our submission to Scripture's teaching, encouraging diligent study and careful interpretation.
Evangelism and Cultural Engagement
Paul's discussion of general revelation provides crucial foundations for evangelism and apologetics. Romans 1:19-20 establishes that all people possess genuine knowledge of God through creation, providing common ground for gospel conversations while explaining why special revelation through Christ remains necessary.
Understanding revelation's universal scope encourages cross-cultural evangelism and meaningful dialogue about ethics and justice. Since all people possess some knowledge of God through creation, Christians can engage constructively with secular culture while maintaining the gospel's distinctiveness.
Pastoral Ministry
Paul's teaching about progressive revelation has important implications for pastoral ministry and discipleship. Understanding that God reveals himself gradually helps pastors approach biblical education with appropriate patience. New believers can grow in knowledge as they mature in faith, appreciating how different texts contribute to understanding God's character.
Conclusion
Paul's teaching about revelation in Romans provides essential foundations for Christian faith and practice. Through both general revelation in creation and special revelation in Scripture, God has made himself known sufficiently for human accountability and salvation. This divine self-disclosure carries both universal scope and particular content, both condemning judgement and gracious redemption.
Understanding revelation properly affects every aspect of Christian life, shaping how we approach Scripture, engage in evangelism, conduct pastoral ministry, and participate in public life. As Paul's final doxology reminds us, God reveals his mystery "so that all the Gentiles might come to the obedience that comes from faith—to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen" (Romans 16:26-27).
