Two Sources of Revelation

Two Sources of RevelationText: Psalm 19

This psalm is about God revealing Himself to men. He did this in two different ways – through the world around us (natural revelation) and through the word of God (special revelation). Both of these are important, but one has a distinct advantage over the other.

Natural Revelation

  • Creation tells of God’s glory (v. 1-2) – proof of a designer (Hebrews 3:4); shows His attributes so clearly that man is “without excuse” (Romans 1:20)
  • Revelation without words (v. 3) – different from special revelation [next point]; information is limited; yet there is no language barrier; this is why every culture throughout history has worshipped “God” in some form
  • Gone through all the earth (v. 4) – God wants to be sought after and found by man (Acts 17:26-28); again, the natural world is a witness to Him (Acts 14:16-17)
  • Involves fixed natural processes (v. 5-6) – God created natural laws to go on perpetually (Genesis 8:22); many see this and ignore/mock God (2 Peter 3:3-4); others see this and seek for God (Acts 17:27)

Special Revelation

  • This is the word of God – described as LAW (codified body of instructions; fixed standard); TESTIMONY (evidence for faith); PRECEPTS (what we must do); COMMANDMENTS (what we must not do); basis for FEAR (reverence; examples of judgment); JUDGMENTS (just rulings; God’s fair treatment of man)
  • The psalmist described the characteristics of God’s word – PERFECT (complete, whole; nothing is missing that is needed); SURE (established on a firm foundation); RIGHT (straight, upright; nothing corrupt); PURE (morally pure/innocent); CLEAN (pure/untainted; fear/reverence leads to obedience); TRUE (reliable, stable; God is perfectly fair)
  • He also explained what the word of God does – restores the soul (restores our broken relationship with God, Isaiah 59:2); makes wise the simple (source of true wisdom, Proverbs 8:22-23); rejoices the heart (doing right allows us to have a clear conscience, 1 John 3:21); enlightens the eyes (shows us the line between right and wrong, 1 John 3:4); endures forever (God and His word endure, Psalm 90:2; Isaiah 40:8); is righteous altogether (no injustice in God or His word, Rom. 9:14)

More Desirable Than Gold

  • The psalmist concluded by describing God’s word (special revelation) as being valuable/sweet – valuable because it warns us of judgment/punishment for sin (v. 11); sweet because it directs us toward God’s promises (v. 11)
  • How must we respond to God’s word? – turn away from sin (v. 12-13); seek to be wholly pleasing to Him (v. 14)

Conclusion

  • God has shown us who He is and what His will is for us – let us not ignore what He has revealed
  • Instead, let us seek to do His will in all things so that we can be pleasing to Him