God who Reveals Himself

There is a clear and present difference between that which is wicked and that which is holy.  In Scripture, this is often described as the difference between sin and defilement, wickedness and righteousness, or darkness and light.  But the most clear and challenging of these distinctions is the one between the world and heaven, or the difference between the natural and God.

However, although the distinction between the things of God and that which is not of God is a sharp one, Scripture is clear to indicate that, due to the effects of sin, the unregenerate sinner will be utterly unable to assess the difference (1 Cor. 2:14).  As a result, there is limited amount of contact between the believers and unbelievers when it comes to discussions of sin, holiness, and wickedness.

Because there exists this gulf between believers and unbelievers in these fundamental matters, a point of contact needs to be assessed and put forth.  But, to be sure, there is such a common point of discussion for believers and non-believers.  The point of contact, not surprisingly, is God Himself.  However, the surprising thing is that it is in humanity and in creation that the knowledge of God is to be known, if even in a foundational sense, in the fact that man has been made in the image of God.

The implications of this is that man and the creation around him is a revelation of God unto himself, meaning that no human is either not to be accountable to God and that no one is capable to escape from the presence of God in His creation (Rom. 1).  However, as evidenced by the passage in Romans, the revelation of creation and humanity is insufficient to save.  Thus, it pleased God in history to reveal Himself in more specific revelation.

This more specific revelation that is purposed for redemption and restoration from the effects of sin comes in two closely related forms: the Word and in Christ.  The natural, unbelieving man may not, in and of his fleshly self, be able to know God in the salvific sense.  But God has not left that man to his own finite devices and damned him without grace,  Instead, God has given humanity His perfect Word.  Additionally, His Word became incarnate in His son, Christ Jesus, which is the revelation needed for salvation and redemption.  Praise be to God who has revealed Himself so that we could know Him in relationship!