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Why Baptist?

Why Baptist?

Why are we Baptists instead of Catholic, Protestant, Mormon, etc? What is it that makes Baptists both unique and correct?

First of all, it is important that we remember that all who trust Jesus are Christians. That is not to say that all who call themselves Christians are indeed saved. Neither is it to say that all who call themselves Baptists are saved. It is to acknowledge the fact that Baptist church membership is not necessary to salvation: trusting Jesus is necessary to salvation.

Baptist Identity In Doctrine And Practice

Things Common To Baptists And Many Other Christians

There are some doctrines that make Baptists unique among other groups of professing Christians. It is not a single doctrine that causes Baptists to be unique, but the combination of doctrinal beliefs and practices.

Baptists hold many doctrines in common with other professing Christians. Among those are: The Trinity, the inspiration, infallibility and inerrancy of Scripture, the doctrine of original sin, the belief in the virgin conception and birth of Jesus, Jesus’ sinless life, His death for our sins, His burial, and His literal, bodily resurrection from the dead. We also hold to His ascension into Heaven to sit at the right hand of the Father, and His bodily return to Earth in power and glory to establish His Kingdom, the judgment of both the righteous and the wicked, the eternal joy of the saints and the eternal punishment of the unbelievers, and the promise of a new Heaven and Earth.

That Which Makes Baptists Unique

There are doctrines which make Baptists unique among professing Christians. Not all of these doctrines are held by all Baptists. Since the beginning of Christendom there have been those who have not held to everything that is mentioned here. The failure to do so has often led to Baptists losing their unique identity as Baptists, though the name may remain on the church and on the sign. The totality of the doctrines believed is what makes Baptists unique. In addition to the fundamental doctrines of Christianity listed above, these are as follows:

1. The eternal security of the believer in Christ. (John 10:27-30;Romans 8:28-39;Ephesians 1:12-14;1 Peter 1:1-9).
2. Baptism of believers by complete immersion in water as an ordinance that is requisite to church membership. (Matthew 3:1-18;28:18-20;Acts 2:38-47;Romans 6:1-4)
3. The beginning of the New Testament church during Christ’s earthly ministry. John came immersing those who repented, and Jesus led His followers to do likewise. (See Matthew 3:1-18;John 4:1-;Matthew 28:18-20)
4. The identity of this church as Baptist in doctrine and practice.
5. The independence and autonomy of the local church under the headship of Christ and the leadership of His Holy Spirit. (1 Corinthians 1:1-3;Galatians 1:1-5 Note that here the churches are recognized as local and distinct bodies with no connection to one another beyond that of Christian fellowship. None had authority over the other. See also Revelation chapters 2-3, 2 Corinthians 8:18-24 and Colossians 1:1-2;4:15-18.)
6. The Lord’s Supper, or Communion Service, as an ordinance in the church by which the members of the church remember the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ, as well as the promise of His return. (Matthew 26:17-30;Luke 22:1-20;1 Corinthians 11:17-34)
7. That Baptists have existed in all ages since Christ established His church and are not Protestant, having begun before the Roman Catholic Church.

What we must all recognize is that there are indeed Christians in many denominations, but it is very important that we all unite ourselves to a church that is Biblical in doctrine and in practice.  

Concerning The Nature Of The Church

The Church General

Introduction

What is the church?  That is what we must determine before we delve into the composition and manifestation of the church.  The most basic meaning of the Greek word ekklesia which is translated “church” in the New Testament is “called out.”  This was a common term for a congregation or an assembly.  It speaks of those who are called out for a specific purpose and was specifically used in this manner when Luke spoke of the Ephesian assembly (which was a tumultuous mob) in Acts 19:32&39 where it is translated “assembly.”  With this in mind we can conclude that the church is a group of people called out by God for His own purpose.  In fact, Peter presents this fact to us very plainly in 1Pet 2:9 saying, “Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.”  (1 Peter 2:9) KJV 

The Old Testament Church

Though very little is said about the nation of Israel being part of God's church, the Bible does plainly present this fact to us.  Stephen, speaking of Moses, said, “This is he, that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers: who received the lively oracles to give unto us.”  (Acts 7:38) KJV  Now, there are those who would wish to deny that this is indeed a reference to Israel as being a part of God's church.  They would like to tell us that this is simply an assembly of people, and that is all that ekklesia is meant to convey to us in this context.  The fact remains, however, that the word ekklesia occurs more than 100 times in the New Testament, and only in Acts 19:32&39 is it translated “assembly.”  In every other instance it is translated “church” or “churches.”  The only time it is used to speak of an assembly other than the Lord's church is in Acts 19:32&39.  The typical usage of ekklesia in the New Testament is in reference to a called out group of people.  That is precisely what the nation of Israel was.  “When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt.”  (Hos 11:1) KJV  Thus, we can be assured that, though it did not function in the same manner as a New Testament church, there was indeed a church in the Old Testament.

The New Testament Church

What about New Testament days?  How do we see the church in the New Testament?  First of all, the local church is certainly seen in the New Testament.  The church is there with her leaders, discipline, and ordinances.  At the same time the church is also seen as a larger body that is composed of all who know Jesus.  It is this manifestation of the church that we want to consider.

When Jesus first mentions the church, He made a special promise to the church that actually demonstrates to us that the church is more than a local body alone.  Jesus said: “upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”  (Mt 16:18) KJV  Why say that this applies to more than the local church?  Because many local churches have died.  This promise must pertain to some form of church other than the local church.  Local church only proponents may say that this applies to the church in general.  To do so, however, is to concede that there is some form of church beyond the local church.  There is a church that shall never die, according to the promise of Jesus.  What church is it?

The apostle Paul was one who understood the church to be general in nature and manifesting itself in local assemblies.  It was he who told us “by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.” (1 Cor 12:13)  KJV  Entrance into the body of Christ comes by the baptism with the Holy Spirit (See Gal 3:26-29).  The question then arises, into what body is one baptized?  Historically, Baptists have required water baptism for local church membership.  I think that is the right thing to do.  If this is so, into what one body is the believer baptized into when baptized with the Holy Spirit?

Paul's language again shows us the general nature of the church when he said “God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.” (1 Cor 12:28)  KJV  Having just told the Corinthian church that their local assembly was the body of Christ, he proceeds to tell them about the gifts that are given to the church.  The first gift mentioned was apostles.  Were the apostles given to the Corinthian church, or the church general which is composed of Holy Spirit baptized believers?

There's hardly another passage in which the church general can be seen more clearly than the following: “He is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;  Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;  And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:  And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.   For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.   Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;  And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;  In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:  In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.”   (Eph 2:14-22)  KJV  Paul states that the Jew and the Gentile have been made one.  By the cross the Jews and Gentiles are reconciled into one body.  There is no Gentile church or Jewish church.  There is only the Christian church.  There is no longer Israel as the only chosen of God.  Gentiles are fellow heirs with believing Israel.  We are of the same household as the believing Jew.  Together the believing Jew and the believing Gentile are built into God's holy temple.  God dwells in this church.  One thing that local church only advocates miss is the fact that the body of Christ is present in this passage, but water baptism is not.  Neither will it serve any purpose to insist that it is implied.  What is expressly stated is that the cross is what brings people into this one body.  The body here is a body composed of the redeemed.

The church as the body of the redeemed is seen again in Paul's writings to the church at Ephesus.  “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;  That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,  That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.  So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.   For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:  For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.   For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.    This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.   Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.”  (Eph 5:25-33)  KJV  How does the church become the church?  By the cross of Christ.  This same Paul said, “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.”  (Acts 20:28)  KJV  For whom did Jesus die?  He died for the church.  Who is the church?  Those who have been redeemed: the ones purchased by the blood of Christ.  Local church only advocates must notice that water baptism, as important as it is, is never mentioned in these two texts.  What is mentioned is redemption through the cross of Christ.  The church general is composed of blood bought Christians.

Finally, the having seen the church as the bride of Christ, we must ask the question of the composition of the bride of Christ.  Who is in the bride?

The Bride of Christ Composed of All Saints, Both Old Testament And New Testament Saints

First of all, we must go to the Revelation to see the bride of Christ.  “I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.   Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.   And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.”  (Rev 19:6-8) KJV   Many of those who advocate the local church only (Landmark Baptist, Baptist-Bride) position state that  the white robes come from the righteous deeds of the saints.  In other words, the ones who are in the bride of Christ are the saints who live up to a certain standard of righteousness and holiness.  This standard has never been fully defined, to my knowledge.  It is supposed to begin with water baptism into the local church, however. 

Does the Scripture uphold this view of the robes of righteousness being righteous works?  It is this writer's contention that the Scriptures do not support that position.  Isaiah rejoiced in God's grace saying, “I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.”  (Isa 61:10)  KJV  Isaiah ascribed the garments of salvation and the robe of righteousness as being a gratuitous gift from God, not as something done by the saint.  Jesus alludes to this in one of His parables:  “When the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment:  And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless.   Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.   For many are called, but few are chosen.”  (Mt 22:11-14) KJV  In Jesus' day it was common for great men to invite many people to celebrate when family members were married.  We are told by some scholars that often the host would freely provide garments for his guests.  It was a great show of disrespect to one's host to not wear the provided garments.  Jesus is telling us that we cannot partake of the joy of His kingdom if we do not accept the garments that He gives us.  What is the wedding garment, or the fine linen in which the bride shall be clothed in the day of her marriage to the Lamb?  It is the robe of righteousness.  It is the imputed righteousness of the Lord Jesus Christ (Rom 3:19-28;5:1-3).  Thus it is that the bride who has prepared herself and to whom it has been given to be arrayed in fine linen clean and white is none other than all those who have been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb of God.  The bride of Christ is composed of those who are justified by faith in Jesus.

We also see the bride of Christ portrayed in the book of the Revelation as the city New Jerusalem.  “There came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb’s wife.   And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God.”   (Rev 21:9-10) KJV  One statement especially about this city leads this writer to believe that all of the redeemed of all ages will be a part of the bride of Christ.  That statement is as follows: “Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.   For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.”  

(Rev 22:14-15) KJV  The reader will quickly notice that the only ones who are without the city are those who are not redeemed.  By this we readily see that the city is populated with the redeemed*.  That being so, and the city being the bride, the bride of Christ is composed of all of the redeemed of all ages.  In fact, we find that Abraham and other Old Testament saints anticipated entrance into the New Jerusalem.  “These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.    For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.   And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned.   But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.”  (Heb 11:13-16) KJV  This writer knows of no city for which they could have been looking other than the New Jerusalem, and God has prepared this city for them.  This being so, we can safely conclude that the redeemed of all ages are in the church, the bride of Christ.

Concluding Thoughts

For many Baptists this is somewhat shocking to consider.  After all, there are groups of Baptists who claim to trace their lineage all the way back to John the Baptist.  The claim is often made that Baptists are the true church to the exclusion of all others.  While most of those who make these claims would accept that there are Christians outside of Baptist churches, they would not accept that these Christians share with them in being members of the general body of Christ.  We should not feel in any way threatened by this truth, however.  Baptist identity should still be important to us.  We simply should not find our identity in a supposed linked-chain succession of baptisms that go back to John.  Neither should we find our identity in a supposed kinship to Christians who held Baptistic doctrines through the ages.  Our identity should be found in Christ and in faithful obedience to His Word.  That in itself is so unusual today that those who faithfully follow Jesus will certainly stand out from the crowd.

* If one examines the context of Rev 21:1-3 it is possible that the ones who enter the city do not actually live there, but only worship there in this holy city/ tabernacle.  Either way, those who have access into this city are the bride of Christ.  It remains that this group of people are the redeemed of all ages, and the redeemed are the church.

The Eternal Nature Of God

What This Means

            When we speak of God as being eternal, what we mean is that He has no beginning and no end. God has always existed. He was not created, did not spring out of nothing, but has always existed. Moses declared that God is from forever to forever. “Lord, thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, Or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, Even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.” (Psalm 90:1–2) He tells us that there is no God before Him, and none after Him (Isaiah 43:10). This is why Jesus is spoken of as being Alpha and Omega (Revelation 1:8): Alpha is the beginning of the Greek alphabet, and Omega is the ending of it. There is no pre-Alpha, nor is there a post-Omega. Neither is there any God other than the One who is eternal, having neither beginning nor end of life.

How We Know This To Be True

            There is only one way that we know anything about God, and that is through Him revealing Himself to us. Paul said, “O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counseller? Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.” (Romans 11:33–36) God is past knowing, unless He chooses to make Himself known. We only know God through His revelation of Himself, which comes to us in two ways: general revelation and special revelation.

            In general revelation, God makes Himself known to us in nature. Both nature around us, and our own nature, testify to us of the eternal existence of God. Paul told the Romans, “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.” (Romans 1:18–21) Man has the knowledge of God within himself. Man is born with the knowledge of God. He also sees the testimony of God’s existence in the Creation. The person who takes the time to consider recognizes the folly of the evolutionary idea that all that is in the world came into being by time and chance. There must be a Creator who is all powerful and was before all things, and thus eternal.

            God also makes Himself known to us by special revelation, which is His speaking to us in His Word and in His Son. Jesus made God known to us (John 1:1-4,14018). The Scriptures are God’s making Himself known to us also (2 Timothy 3:14-17;Deuteronomy 29:29;2 Peter 1:16-21). This is why Jesus said, “I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.   Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.  He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.  All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you.” (John 16:12-15) (KJV) We know God because His Word tells us of Him.

God Alone Is Eternal

            Remember that God is the Creator of all things. Life comes from Him. There is none before Him and there is none after Him. He is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end (Revelation 1:8). This means that the eternal nature of God differs from the eternal life that we have. In fact, note His words through John: “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; (for the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.” (1 John 1:1–3) The eternal life that God has is prior to all other life. This means that God is alone in having no beginning. This is one thing that sets Him apart from all other gods (See Isaiah 43:10-13). This is why Paul spoke of Him as being the sole possessor of immortality (1 Timothy 6:15).

            God’s eternal nature is the source of our eternal life. The life was made known to us (1 John 1:1-3), and we partake in that life by it being given to us (John 1:1-5;17:1-3). When we are born again, the eternal life which we receive is derivative. It is not original to us, but is the gift of God (See John 3:16-18,36). “Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: that as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 5:20–21) We do not attain to the same level as God, but are the humble recipients of His gift of life (Romans 6:23), and Christ Jesus is our life (See Colossians 3:1-4).

Practical Application

            There are many things to learn from this great truth, but I shall focus on three important things:

1.     Humility. This truth should humble us by causing us to realize just how little and helpless that we are. “For thus saith the high and lofty One That inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, With him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, To revive the spirit of the humble, And to revive the heart of the contrite ones.” (Isaiah 57:15)

2.     Worship. This should lead us to worship God by seeking Him when we have needs. “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering: for he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted:” (James 1:5–9) “Do not err, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” (James 1:16–17)

3. Trusting Him for eternal life. “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.” (John 3:36)

Revelation

Defined

 Revelation- a disclosure of something that was before unknown; and

divine revelation is the direct communication of truths before unknown

from God to men. (McClintock & Strong Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature)

Revelation Logical

The doctrine of revelation is a doctrine that is very logical.  God is an intelligent God.  He has created intelligent creatures.  This being so, it stands to reason that God would communicate to them His reason and will for their being.  There are also things about life and about God that we would not otherwise know.   “The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.” (Deut 29:29)(KJV)  God has given us revelation that we can know His purpose for us and fulfill this purpose.

Revelation Necessary

             Revelation is necessary, because God is not known apart from His revelation. 

“O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor?” (Rom 11:33-34)(KJV)  God is far beyond all human comprehension.  The wisdom, ways, and mind of God are limitless.  They are of a depth that cannot be fathomed (measured).  In fact, the Bible tells us that there is much more of God than is revealed to us.  Habakkuk said, when he saw a vision of God, “His brightness was as the light; he had horns coming out of his hand: and there was the hiding of his power.” (Hab 3:4)(KJV)  God is so great that, when He reveals Himself, He is still hidden!  Isn’t that amazing?  God’s greatness is such that, when He manifests Himself to us, more is hidden of God than is made known of Him.  This greatness makes revelation necessary. 

Two Forms of Revelation

            There are two forms of revelation: general revelation and supernatural revelation.

In general revelation God makes Himself known to all.  This could also be called natural revelation.  The Psalmist said, “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.  Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge.  There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.” (Ps 19:1-3)(KJV)  All of creation testifies to the majesty of its Creator.  The signature of God is seen upon the canvas of His world and works.  Creation also testifies to the eternal nature and power of God.  In fact, man is responsible to God because creation reveals to him that God is present.  “The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.   For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse.”( Rom 1:18-20)(KJV)    God has revealed himself in man by giving him an inherent knowledge of God.  He has also revealed His eternal power and deity to man in nature.

God’s general revelation of Himself is also seen in history.  As Paul stood before the people of Lystra, he told them that God had revealed Himself to them by providing for them throughout each year of their lives. “The living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein: Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways.  Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.” (Acts 14:15-17)(KJV)  In many other ways, and in many other times, God has revealed Himself throughout history.  This could also be spoken of as providential revelation, or God’s revelation of Himself through intervening in the lives of His creatures.

In supernatural revelation God works in ways that are above nature.  Supernatural revelation is more specific than natural (or general) revelation.  General revelation does not make known to us the truth of the triune nature of God.  Supernatural revelation teaches us this.  We do not learn of the person and work of the Holy Spirit from nature, but we do learn this great truth because of God’s supernatural revelation.

Supernatural revelation has two basic forms.  The first is the incarnation and life of Jesus.  Jesus came into the world to make God known unto man.  “No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.”( John 1:18)(KJV)  There are many, many things about our great and wonderful God that we would never have known if Jesus had not come into the world.  The unseen God was not seen in nature, but He is seen in the person and work of Jesus Christ.  “God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,  Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds.”( Heb 1:1-2)(KJV)

             The second form of supernatural revelation is the written word of God.  This is called Biblical revelation.  God has made His will and ways known to man through the truths He has revealed to us in His word.  This word of God is revelation.  This is not to be confused with inspiration which deals with the process by which we received the word.  The word of God is God’s revelation of Himself and His will to us.  Paul told the Galatian church that the law of God found in the Old Testament is a Divine revelation.  “Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.”( Gal 3:19)(KJV)  God used angels and Moses to reveal Himself to us and give us the law.  This is indeed supernatural, for we would not have known many of the things taught us in the Old Testament had God not chosen to tell us.   .   “The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.” (Deut 29:29)(KJV)   Peter also spoke of the word of God as being a supernatural revelation.  “We have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.  For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.   And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount.   We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:  Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.   For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.”( 2 Peter 1:16-21)(KJV)  Peter stated that he was an eyewitness to the glory of Jesus.  He was present when God the Father spoke from Heaven to testify of His pleasure in His Son.  This was a supernatural revelation that would not/ could not occur naturally.  Peter also stated that God has revealed Himself to us through the writings of the prophets, and that this was given supernaturally. 

            We also find that the New Testament scriptures are a supernatural revelation of God.  Note Jesus’ promise concerning the coming of the Holy Ghost: “I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.   Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.  He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.  All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you.” (John 16:12-15) (KJV)  Today we are blessed to have the Word of God which has been revealed through the work of the Holy Ghost.  This has happened just as Jesus promised it would.

            Finally, we find supernatural revelation at the coming of Jesus.  “Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.” (Rev 1:7) (KJV)  This revelation of Christ brings about eternal change for His children.  “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.”  (1Jn 3:2) KJV