God’s Revealed Will

The Bible is the record of God’s will expressed and written down, preserved so that we might have it today. All true theological ideas begin with God’s sovereign initiative. “God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets” (Heb. 1:1). That God is (Heb. 11:6), is stupendous enough, but that He would speak to man is a staggering truth. That He would speak in love, drawing us to Himself, is inexplicably amazing (Jn. 6:44; 12:32).

This message from God to man is what scripture and theologians refer to as revelation, which is defined as the act of disclosing or discovering to others what was before unknown to them; appropriately, the disclosure or communication of truth to men by God Himself, or by His authorized agents, the prophets and apostles. In theology, revelation is often divided into two categories: general and specific (or special). General revelation is what is made known to all men through creation (Ps. 19:1-6; Rom. 1:17-21). The 1689 London Baptist Confession says, “…the light of nature, and the works of creation and providence do so far manifest the goodness, wisdom, and power of God, as to leave men inexcusable; yet they are not sufficient to give that knowledge of God and His will which is necessary unto salvation.” In specific revelation, God has spoken to man in particular times and places through particular events (i.e., the Exodus, Isaiah 6, etc.) and codified those expressions in scripture.

Because of the fastidious rectitude of the Jewish priesthood, the Old Testament text has been preserved without significant controversy. Through the faithful watch care of the priesthood of the believer (the church, 1 Tim. 3:15), we have God’s word in the New Testament. Edward F. Hills said:

God preserved the Old Testament text by something physical and external, namely, the Aaronic priesthood. God has preserved the New Testament text by means of something inward and spiritual, namely, the universal priesthood of believers. Hence, the preservation of the New Testament text is not due to the decisions of any ecclesiastical organization, council or committee.

As we understand that we have the words of God concerning all things necessary for knowing and pleasing Him (2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Tim. 2:15), and as we experience the indwelling, illuminating work of the Holy Spirit (Rom. 8:9; Jn. 16:13; 1 Cor. 2:12-14), we can be delivered from every onslaught of error. We can forgo the fruitless, misguided forays into mysticism. We eliminate confusing searches for elusive, nebulous, self-authenticating contrivances falsely called “the will of God.” We can all know His will because it is written down for us (Ep. 5:17). God’s will and expectations for us are not found in the stars or psychological naval gazing but discovered as we are filled with His word (Col. 3:16).

The Christian life is a life of faith. We live it by believing what God has revealed, written down, and preserved in His word. As we read it, study and understand it, and “let it dwell in us unto all wisdom,” we are enabled to walk in the Spirit. Scripture is not merely one of the choices the Christian refers to for direction. It is our complete, inerrant guide and final authority in all matters of faith and practice. When dealing with trials, temptations, and disappointments, nothing will clear the way to victory like seeing our world - viewing our circumstances through the lenses of scripture. Seeing our world theologically is how we face life faithfully. Read the Bible, Study the Bible. Memorize and meditate upon it. Hear it preached and taught. Read it publicly and share it with others. Charles Spurgeon said, “Many books in my library are now behind and beneath me. They were good in their way once, and so were the clothes I wore when I was ten years old, but I have outgrown them. Nobody ever outgrows Scripture; the book widens and deepens with our years.”