Bible Basics: Progressive Revelation
We didn’t get the Bible in one complete piece. God gave us His Word progressively, over the span of about 1,500 years. Progressive revelation is a movement from one truth to another.
What words come to mind when you hear the term theology? Dry…Dreary…Doubtful…DULL? You’re not alone.
Too often we don’t realize that theology—thinking about God—is an intimate part of our everyday lives, rather than something that takes place in ivory towers crowded with bearded men crouched over dusty books. We each engage in theology because we each have a set of beliefs about God. But rather than being content with our ideas about God as they now stand, we should each have a desire to know God better than we do today. If you’ve got that desire, then you’re ready to do theology!
Let these resources point the way to a faith more deeply connected with who God actually says He is.
We didn’t get the Bible in one complete piece. God gave us His Word progressively, over the span of about 1,500 years. Progressive revelation is a movement from one truth to another.
The Apostles’ Creed is the Church’s statement of faith—but it is not often explained! For personal study, it’s helpful to use a Bible commentary. A commentary examines Scripture verse by verse and sheds likes on difficult passages.
Aron Lee Ralston’s story of being trapped under a boulder is just as unbelievable as Jesus’ Resurrection. But that doesn’t make it any less true.
What about our mentoring, counselling, and discipleship? If we believe Scripture is powerful, we ought to make it central to any solution we offer. Is our confidence in methods, systems, theories, and philosophies, or is our confidence in God’s Word?
The word translated “inspired” in 2 Timothy 3:16 literally means “God-breathed” and expresses the concept of exhalation by God. The Scriptures are the product of God having breathed them out.
Before you write this off as applying to anyone but yourself, take a long, hard look at your own life. The goal of superstition is bondage. Remember that. If anything in your Christianity has you in bondage, it is probable that superstition is the breeding ground.
We don’t need to understand God’s will. Our job is to obey.
According to the Bible, God is there, and He has not been silent. He has made Himself known to us. That act and process is called “revelation,” a word meaning to unveil or uncover what was previously hidden, and making known what had been secret.
Discover how Nehemiah handled this failure as you listen to Pastor Chuck Swindoll’s message on Nehemiah 13. The ancient leader’s gracious, prayerful, and firm example remains relevant as a helpful standard for us today.
When Nehemiah finally completed the reconstruction of Jerusalem’s wall in Nehemiah 12:27–47, the Israelites met the accomplishment with hymns in praise to God. After decades of darkness, the people could see that God truly was moving among His people! Find joy with Pastor Chuck Swindoll as he demonstrates how the secret to happiness is continual trust in God.