Understanding God’s Divine Revelation: A Journey of Faith and Salvation
What is Divine Revelation? Christians believe that God, in His infinite love and wisdom, freely chose to communicate Himself and His divine plan of salvation to humanity. This self-communication is known as divine or supernatural revelation. It is a gift from God, through which He invites us into a deeper life of love and understanding of His nature and will.
The Nature of Divine Revelation
Divine revelation is God’s way of disclosing His nature, His will, and His salvific plan to humanity. This revelation occurs gradually and is manifested through deeds and words that are inherently connected to each other. Unlike human knowledge, which can be attained through reason and experience, divine revelation is a gift that goes beyond human understanding. It is God’s initiative to make Himself known to us.
The Process of Revelation
God’s revelation began at the dawn of human history and continued progressively over time. The story of God’s self-disclosure and saving actions in history is known as salvation history. This history unfolds through various stages, beginning with God’s communication to our ancestors through the prophets. As it is written in the Bible:
"At many moments in the past and by many means, God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets; but in our own time, the final days, He has spoken to us in the person of His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things and through whom He made the ages." (Hebrews 1:1-2)
This passage highlights the continuity and culmination of divine revelation.
Salvation History
Salvation history is the narrative of God’s interactions with humanity, revealing His desire to save us from sin and bring us into a relationship with Him. This history reached its high point in the coming of Jesus Christ, the fullness of God’s revelation. Jesus is the Word of God made flesh, the Son of God who lived among us. Through His life, teachings, death, and resurrection, Jesus fully revealed God’s nature and His plan for our salvation.
Jesus: The Fulfillment of Divine Revelation
Jesus Christ is the pinnacle of divine revelation. As the Word made flesh, He embodies the fullness of God’s self-disclosure. Jesus’ teachings, miracles, and actions provide us with a perfect understanding of God’s love, mercy, and justice. He is the ultimate expression of God’s desire to communicate with us and save us. Through Jesus, we come to know the Father and understand His will for our lives.
The Gift of Revelation
Divine revelation is a pure gift from God. It is not something we can earn or discover on our own; it is God reaching out to us, inviting us into a deeper relationship with Him. This revelation is not just a transmission of information but an invitation to experience God’s love and to participate in His divine life.
Divine revelation is the cornerstone of Christian faith, revealing God’s nature, His will, and His plan for salvation. Through a gradual process of self-disclosure, culminating in the person of Jesus Christ, God has made Himself known to humanity. This revelation is a profound gift, calling us to respond with faith, love, and obedience. By embracing divine revelation, we enter into a deeper relationship with God and experience the fullness of His saving grace.
-- Catechism of the Catholic Church 50-54
