How does God reveal?
How does God reveal? Two-fold distinction: -Special revelation in Christ and scripture (2 Tim 3:16 and Heb 1:1) -General revelation through external world and internally through being the image of God (Ps 19:1-4, Ps 94:8-10, Rom 1:19-21)
Calvin on Special revelation: “Despite the brightness which is borne in the eyes of all people, it is needful that another and better help be added to direct us aright to the very creator of the universe. It was not in vain that God added the light of the Word by which to become know unto salvation. In order that truth might abide forever in the world with a continuing succession of teaching and survive through all ages…it was God’s pleasure to have recorded the oracles on public tablets.” (Inst. I, VI, 1,2) Hodge on special revelation: “It is not denied that God reveals by God’s works and has done so from the beginning of the world. But all the truths thus revealed are clearly made known in God written word. The Bible contains all of the extant revelations of God…It is only through supernatural revelation that we know we can be saved.”
(Systematic Theology, I, pp. 25-26, 182)
Calvin on general revelation: “God not only has sowed in our minds that seed of religion but revealed himself and daily discloses himself in the whole creation and preservation of the universe. As a result, humans can not open their eyes without being compelled to see God.” (Inst. I, V, 1)
Hodge on general revelation: “The Scriptures clearly recognize the fact that the works of God reveal God being and attributes…Even without speech or words the heavens testify of God to all people…. It can not be doubted that not only the being of God but also the eternal power and Godhead are so revealed in God’s works as to lay a stable foundation for theology.” (Systematic Theology I, 24-26)
Calvin on the revelation form being the image of God: “Certain philosophers long ago called humans microcosms because they are rare examples of God'’ power, goodness, and wisdom and contains in themselves enough miracles to occupy our minds if only we are not irked at paying attention to them.” (Inst. I, V, 3) Author: Mark Driscoll