How God Reveals Himself to Humanity
In the Christian faith, particularly within Catholicism, understanding what God reveals is central to knowing Him and His purpose for humanity. This revelation, communicated through Sacred Scripture and the teachings of the Church, is God’s way of expressing His essence, His relationship with creation, and His desire for communion with us. Let’s explore what God reveals, referencing key teachings from the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC).
1.) God’s Nature and His Call to Love
God reveals Himself as love (1 John 4:8). In the Bible, we see this truth through His interactions with humanity—from the covenant made with the people of Israel to the self-giving of Jesus Christ. God’s revelation calls us to respond in kind by loving others, as love is the path to happiness and fulfillment. The CCC emphasizes that through all the words of Sacred Scripture, God speaks His single Word, Jesus Christ, in whom He fully expresses Himself (CCC 102).
2.) God is One
One of the foundational truths of God’s revelation is that there is only one God. This monotheistic belief is central to both Judaism and Christianity. When God revealed Himself to Abraham and entered into a covenant with him, He set the stage for a special relationship with the descendants of Israel. This covenant, renewed over generations, revealed that Yahweh, the God of Israel, is the one true God—the Creator of all things and the sustainer of everything that exists (CCC 199-204). Worship of God alone and testimony to His uniqueness became the identity of the Chosen People.
3.) The Mystery of God
God’s nature is fundamentally mysterious. He is transcendent, eternal, infinite, and beyond human comprehension. Yet, despite His transcendence, God reveals Himself in ways that humans can grasp—by forming relationships, befriending prophets, and entering into history. The paradox of God’s nature lies in His complete otherness and His intimate closeness with creation. He is not only the Almighty Creator but also the one who is personally involved with His people (CCC 212-217).
4.) God as Creator
God reveals Himself as the Creator of all that exists. The opening chapters of Genesis poetically describe how God created the heavens, the earth, and all living beings, bringing order out of chaos. This creative act was not merely a historical event but an ongoing reality; God continues to sustain creation, showing His fatherly care in every aspect of life (CCC 279-308). Humanity, created in God’s image, is called to participate in His creative work by caring for creation responsibly.
5.) The Reality of Evil and Human Freedom
The existence of evil and suffering in the world is another reality addressed in divine revelation. God reveals that evil is not a creation of His but is a consequence of human freedom. By choosing to disobey God, Adam and Eve brought sin into the world, leading to a fractured relationship between humanity and God, as well as disharmony within creation itself. This original sin continues to affect human nature, yet God’s grace is always available to restore what was broken (CCC 374-390).
6.) God’s Loving Faithfulness
Throughout the history of salvation, God has demonstrated unwavering love and faithfulness. Despite humanity’s recurrent unfaithfulness, God continued to make covenants, raise up leaders, and offer hope. He saved the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, guided them in the wilderness, and fulfilled His promises even when they faltered. The culmination of God’s loving faithfulness was the sending of His only Son, Jesus Christ, as the promised Messiah who would redeem humanity from sin and restore their relationship with God (CCC 214-221).
7.) God’s Self-Revelation through Jesus
Jesus Christ is the full revelation of God’s nature and will. As the Word made flesh, Jesus embodies God’s self-communication, teaching humanity who God is and what He desires for us. Jesus reveals God not only through His teachings but also through His actions—His compassion, miracles, sacrifice, and resurrection. In Jesus, God’s plan of salvation is brought to fulfillment, showing us the way to eternal life and union with God.
God reveals Himself in various ways—through creation, the history of Israel, Sacred Scripture, and most profoundly through Jesus Christ. This revelation is an invitation to enter into a loving relationship with Him, to understand His will, and to align our lives with His divine plan. Through faith and reflection on God’s word, we come to see more deeply His nature, His love, and His call for us to be united with Him eternally.