For those who feel strongly about basing everything on the written Word, what role does “revelation” have in forming our beliefs and practices? Isn’t recorded Scripture enough to determine sound doctrine? How do we receive and understand revelation given by the Holy Spirit? If we have the Word, why do we need further revelation?
For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which He has called you, what are the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His great might that He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. (Ephesians 1:15-21 ESV)
I believe in the “spirit of wisdom and revelation” because Jesus is the Living Word who is always communicating with us. Not to form new doctrines, but to compliment and better understand what is already laid out as foundational to our faith. He is consistently revealing the Father’s heart for us and reminding us of everything Jesus purchased for us at the cross. He wants us to know the power that is working inside of us to accomplish everything He has planned. Jesus, the Living Word is always speaking through His Helper – the Holy Spirit – in interpreting His Father’s will. Thus, “revelation” is still very much needed if we are to put sound doctrine into practice.
I did some digging into how much (divine) “revelation” played a part in the early Church. Initial inquiry shows how the apostle Paul’s own doctrine was shaped by revelation just as much as “the law.” As a matter of fact, he even states that the only way to fully understand “the law” (God’s written Word) is through revelation by the Holy Spirit. The turning point came with Christ Jesus – the Living Word of God. He was the ultimate “Revelation” of who the Father is. And just as Jesus promised His followers, Holy Spirit now continues to reveal the power of Christ that is at work within us (John 14:26).
Here is a simple overview of how revelation played a part in the early church:
TYPES OF REVELATION SEEN IN THE NEW TESTAMENT:
HOW REVELATION WAS DIRECTED:
It’s fairly clear throughout the New Testament that Paul and the early church were led and directed by the revelation of Holy Spirit. But rather than being an end in itself (“I got a revelation!”), it was the means by which the Holy Spirit confirmed God’s Word in order for them to fulfill their commission. And the revelations always pointed them back to the finished work of the cross and that which God had already established as core tenets and doctrines of their faith. The revelations directed their course, empowered their call, solidified their faith, and gave them strategic insight and wisdom in how to reach the lost.
When we speak of “revelation” today, let’s remember what it’s for. True revelation will not only draw us closer to Christ and inspire a greater love for His Word, but it will empower us to share the good news of the Kingdom. Let’s learn the lessons from the early church and receive revelations so that we can better evangelize the lost and minister to the needs of others. May we celebrate the Holy Spirit’s voice and keep an open ear to how He may want to reveal even more of the Father’s heart and will for the days to come.
Wanda has been in ministry for over 35 years as a worship leader, teacher, author, deliverance counselor, and speaker.
4 Responses
Wanda,
I am a recipient of the revelation for the Seven Letters. For centuries, the only application of the letters is that they represent the progression of time over the centuries, with Laodicea being the church of the last days. With My Letter to You, Holy Spirit has given a fresh word for the Ecclesia in this hour. Hope you have been able to read it!
If God’s Spirit is not giving us (any) revelation today, James 1:5 is a lie – along with a lot of other Christian principles. Perhaps the controversy is more about degree and mode of delivery than revelation itself. Without any “fresh” word, how can anyone “know” they are saved? Without the wisdom God affords us the Gospel itself loses meaning! I believe there is a healthy concern about what Ezekiel warned about prophets claiming a word from the Lord who had not seen anything [Ezek 13:3]. Let’s face it – it’s easy & tempting to stand up and SAY, “The Lord told me….” Perhaps He did – perhaps He did not. If only Scripture gave us a TEST…
. . . I John 4:1, “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see if they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” There are tests of prophetic messages in Scripture. One obvious being that Scripture will NEVER contradict itself. We must NEVER act outside the immediate sense that God LOVES His Church – which includes me …and probably the person speaking! ? ? The Spirit will speak AND persuade His people to receive Truth.
In my 70+ years on this earth, I have had three direct revelations: a vision, a spoken word and a direct impression. The first two I confirmed by scripture: 2 Peter 3, and John 21. The first part of the third was a close quote from scripture; the second half was a directive: “Now you need to step out in faith.”
I have always had an intuitive approach to life, and since I came to know Jesus as Lord (at age 16), I have been directed many times by the Holy Spirit: “Do this; don’t do that.” It’s most often a sense of direction in my heart. And I don’t actively seek revelation: it finds me.
A recent example. In July/August 2023, I felt a directive to begin a Substack covering a number of things in my life, but particularly calling for repentance, revival and renewal in light of the way our nation was, and has been going. I did that, and it never reached a large audience but those it reached seemed to appreciate it. Along with the writing, I also began a practice of prayer and fasting: prayer every evening, and fasting three mornings a week. After the election last year, I thought that perhaps I could let up on the prayer and fasting. In a very short while, the impression came: “Not yet. Keep fasting and praying.”
John 16:7-15
All is by revelation