Two Revelations: Creation and the Bible

God has revealed himself to us in three very distinct ways. The greatest of these is in the person of Jesus. When we see Jesus, we see God (John 14:9). But we have two additional revelations available.

General Revelation

The first of these is often called general revelation. It is the creation itself. The psalmist tells us that the heavens declare the glory of God, revealing knowledge without spoken words (Ps. 19:1-3). Paul builds on that in Romans 1:18-20, where he claims that God’s eternal power and divine nature are clearly seen in what has been made.

There are definite limitations with general revelation. It tells us much in general terms about the power and glory of God. But it does so without words. So, it can only take us so far.

Special Revelation

General revelation can be thought of as an indirect revelation. It is what we can derive from what God does. But special revelation is quite different. It is revelation that God directly gives to us. This revelation is given through individuals, generally prophets and apostles, and we find it recorded today in the pages of the Bible.

Special revelation gives us much more detailed information about God, what he has done, is doing, and will do. It is God’s instruction to us. So, the special revelation we find in the Bible is more helpful in knowing and understanding God than the general revelation we see in creation.

Compatible Revelations

While there are two distinct forms of revelation given to us by God, it is important to recognize that they are both from God. Therefore, they are both true. There can be no real conflict between them. Any apparent conflict between them is because we misunderstand what he is telling us in one or the other of them. Or even both.

Science is, in short, the study of general revelation—of the creation. Theology is, on the other hand, the study of special revelation. It is important to remember that both fields of study are human endeavors and are subject to mistakes.

Origins

The Bible, God’s special revelation, affirms that God is the creator of all that is. But, apart from the expression “God said, and it was,” it provides little information about how God created the universe, the planet we live on, and the life that inhabits it, including our own. The Bible tells us the who and the why of creation but not the how.

As it investigates the creation, science works to unravel its how. While some scientists venture into trying to provide answers to the who and why questions, they are generally outside the scope of science.

While there are dissenters, the general consensus among scientists, both secular and religious, is that the Big Bang is the best explanation for the origins of the universe. And the Theory of Evolution best describes how life, once it started, diversified into the vast array we see today.

Has science answered every question about the Big Bang and Evolution? Certainly not. Science continues to explore and refine both of these as time goes on. And, no doubt, they will look different in the future. That is just the nature of science.

Some Words of Caution

Accepting the first few chapters of Genesis as accurate scientifically and historically is certainly the most straightforward approach to Genesis. And I do not fault anyone who is content to take that approach. Stepping beyond that simple reading can be challenging.

One of the challenges you will face is that it puts you at odds with those who hold tightly to a literal view. Sometimes, their opposition to other views can become quite vehement. You may even find some who will challenge your salvation. Don’t let them hold you back if you feel the Spirit’s lead to explore the science of creation.

The second challenge is, in my mind, much more significant. Be wary of the false claim that you cannot believe both the Bible and science. That lie can lead you to too easily abandon the Bible if you become convinced it is at odds with established science. Hold tightly to the inspiration, truthfulness, and authority of the Scripture. But that does not mean you have to accept someone else’s interpretation of what it means.

Remember that both the creation and the Scripture are God’s revelation to us. They are not at odds with each other. Regardless of what some may claim.

Conclusion

I know that many people who will read this post, along with the ones that came before it, will disagree with me—sometimes a little and sometimes a lot. And that is ok with me. My intent is not to convince you of the rightness of my position. It is more to explain how one believer has come to understand the revelations that God has given us in the creation and his inspired word.

I will follow this with a comment with links to the earlier posts in this series and some posts I wrote about the theology of the first eleven chapters of Genesis.