Revelation is not primarily the imparting of information but rather the self-giving and self-evidencing of God.
(Oden, Thomas C. (2009-07-23). Classic Christianity (p. 17). HarperOne. Kindle Edition.)
When we try to think through how God has made Himself known we cannot ignore His creation (see Genesis 1-2; Psalms 19; etc…) But as visible and evident as God is in His creation it is through Jesus Christ that God has chosen to give of Himself most fully (see John 14:1-6; Colossians 2:9; Hebrews 1:1-3). This self-giving through Christ cannot be understood apart from the ways in which God gave of Himself to His own people, created by His call and guided by His hand in the Old Testament. From Genesis 12 when God called an idol worshiper named Abram to leave his immediate family and follow God to a land yet unknown, God was about creating a nation. This nation was not created to contain God’s revelation but rather that God might make Himself known more fully through them. Oden calls this revelation of God through a unique people who are descended from Abraham the ‘scandal of particularity’ (“There remains a “scandal of particularity” in all historical revelation. If God is to become known in history, then that must occur at some time and some place in history.” (Oden, Thomas C. Classic Christianity (p. 18)). Thus we read the OT and watch as God reveals Himself in actions, in words, and in a relationship with His people. Though this revelation is given to a particular people at a particular time in history we can come to a fuller and better understanding God’s nature and character.
I am often haunted by the words of Philip, one of Jesus’ earliest followers, asked of Jesus: “show us the Father” (John 14:8). With what must have been sadness and disappointment Jesus answered, “Have I been among you all this time without you knowing Me, Philip? The one who has seen Me has seen the Father…” (John 14:9). I am haunted because I have often pled with God for the same thing- Lord, show me yourself! The answer, however, is right in front of me…wherever I see Jesus at work the Father is at work (John 5:19-20). All in need is for God’s Holy Spirit to open my eyes to see what is already true.
WINSTON COMMUNITY BAPTIST CHURCH 