Special Revelation

Definition and Meaning

Special revelation refers to revelation—God's disclosure of Himself—given at particular times, to particular people, and in particular ways. It is paired with the concept of general revelation, which is understood to be given to all people through the natural world and the human conscience. Protestant theology generally holds that God's existence and power can be known to some degree through general revelation. It maintains, however, that the forgiveness of sins and the way of salvation can be known only through special revelation. The modes of special revelation commonly identified include words given to the prophets, dreams and visions, miracles, and historical events such as the Exodus. Its culmination is understood to be the incarnation of Jesus Christ.

Biblical and Historical Background

Psalm 19:1–6 and Romans 1:20 are frequently cited as the basis for general revelation. Passages cited in support of special revelation include Psalm 19:7–11, Hebrews 1:1–3, and 2 Peter 1:20–21. Hebrews 1:1–2 states that 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."

The Reformers emphasized that special revelation is recorded in Scripture. Chapter 1 of the Westminster Confession of Faith (1646) confesses that the light of nature alone is insufficient to give the knowledge necessary for salvation. It further states that God caused His will to be committed wholly to writing in Scripture and that the former ways of revealing His will have now ceased. The Catholic Church, in the Second Vatican Council's Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation (Dei Verbum, 1965), regards Scripture and Sacred Tradition together as the channels through which the word of God is transmitted. In the twentieth century, Karl Barth rejected natural theology and emphasized revelation in Jesus Christ, prompting continued debate over the nature of revelation.

Practice in the Korean Church

The principal point of contention in the Korean church is whether new special revelation is still given today. Presbyterians in the Reformed tradition hold that new special revelation ceased with the completion of the canon. They connect this with the sufficiency of Scripture, the doctrine that Scripture alone is sufficient for faith and life. Pentecostal and charismatic denominations hold that gifts such as prophecy and tongues continue today. They generally do not, however, regard these as revelation carrying the same authority as Scripture, explaining instead that such gifts must be discerned in light of Scripture. This discussion extends into the debate over cessationism and continuationism. Methodist and Holiness churches, which stand in the tradition of Wesleyan theology, uphold Scripture as the final authority while also placing importance on religious experience.

In the Korean church, revelation claimed to have been received directly from God apart from Scripture is commonly called "direct revelation" (jiktong gyesi). Many denominations are reported to have used claims of new revelation beyond Scripture, or claims of revelation concerning a particular individual, as a major criterion in making heresy determinations. Those who make such claims sometimes counter that they have not added anything to Scripture but have merely uncovered its hidden meaning.