DRAWING NEAR
October 11
God's Self Disclosure
"God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in
many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to
us in His Son" (Heb. 1:1-2).
Scripture is the storehouse of divine revelation.
For decades liberal theologians have misrepresented the Bible as
merely a collection of man's religious thoughts and aspirations. But
Scripture is much more than that. It is in fact divine revelation
--God's self disclosure through His Spirit to the human authors. Man
could never know God's identity, attributes, perspectives, or
commands if God hadn't revealed them to him. Nor could man know his
own origin, purpose, or destiny.
Paul said, "'Things which eye has not seen and ear has not heard, and
which have not entered the heart of man, all that God has prepared
for those who love Him.' For to us God revealed them through the
Spirit" (1 Cor. 2:9-10). In 2 Timothy 3:16 he adds, "All Scripture is
inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for
correction, for training in righteousness." God inspired every word
of Scripture and speaks on every page.
Hebrews 1 speaks of two general means by which God revealed Himself:
Old Testament revelation ("long ago," v. 1) and New Testament
revelation ("in His Son," v. 2). First He spoke to the Jewish fathers
through the Old Testament prophets "in many portions." That refers to
all the books of the Old Testament. "In many ways" speaks of the
specific means by which He communicated: visions, prophecies,
parables, types, symbols, ceremonies, theophanies, and audible voice.
From the close of the Old Testament to the arrival of John the
Baptist, there were approximately 400 years during which God was
silent. But that silence was shattered when John announced the coming
of Christ. From that time on, God spoke through His Son. The gospels
record His life and teachings, the book of Acts shows the propagation
of His teachings through the apostles and early church, the epistles
apply His teachings to everyday life, and Revelation tells of His
triumphant return and the consummation of divine revelation.
Isn't it wonderful to know God's perspective on life and history?
Suggestions for Prayer:
Thank God that His Word is a lamp to your feet and a light to your
path (Ps. 119:105).
For Further Study:
According to Deuteronomy 29:29, what is the purpose of divine
revelation?
Drawing Near, Copyright 1993 John F. MacArthur, Jr.
All rights reserved. Used by permission.
http://www.gty.org
~~~
Hebrews 1:1-2
Heb 1:1 God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time
past to the fathers by the prophets,
2 has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has
appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds
Psalm 119:105
105 Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.
Deuteronomy 29:29
29 "The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but those things
which are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we
may do all the words of this law.
These devotions are posted with permission from John MacArthur's
first (1993) devotional work, _Drawing Near_, and they are also sent
out daily for free to several folks via e-mail.
In addition, John's second (1997) devotional, _Strength for Today_,
is also available free via e-mail only. _Strength for Today_ follows
the same format as what you have seen here from _Drawing Near_, but
with different monthly themes.
If you would like to receive daily devotions via e-mail from either
of these series, just let me know (via e-mail), and I will gladly add
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In Christ,
Peter
Peter G. Chase :: Columbus, Ohio, USA
pchase@wowway.com
STOP! Who do you think Jesus is?
http://www.gty.org/Gospel
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There is a living God. He has spoken in His word. He means just what he says, and will do all that He has promised. - Hudson Taylor
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