Don Stewart :: Why Should We Expect God to Reveal Himself to Humanity?

If God has a purpose for His creatures, then how can it be known? Experience has shown that the problem cannot be solved by reason alone. History has shown that human beings, left to their own devices, come up with a variety of conclusions with respect to God's existence and purpose. Some people do not have the time to make such a study while others do not have the desire or possess the ability to look into these issues. Those who do come up with answers find differing conclusions. Who then should we believe?

Whatever the case may be, there is certainly no consensus about these issues. The Bible makes it clear that the world, by its own wisdom, cannot know God.

For it is written, "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the cleverness of the clever I will set aside." Where is the wise one? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not come to know God, God was well-pleased through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe (1 Corinthians 1:19-21).

Paul wrote to the Ephesians.

So this I say, and affirm together with the Lord, that you walk no longer just as the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their mind, being darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart (Ephesians 4:17,18).

The good news is that God has not left humanity in the dark about Himself and His existence. Instead, He left a permanent record for all to inspect. This permanent record is the Bible.

Belief Is Not Unreasonable

The idea that God should reveal Himself to humankind is not an unreasonable position. Because God does exist, a permanent record from Him is to be expected. When one examines the situation it makes sense that God would reveal Himself.

1. It Is Possible That God Would Reveal Himself

First, it is possible that God could reveal Himself. If God exists as the Creator of the universe, it is certainly possible that He would reveal Himself. He has the ability to communicate Himself to humanity. This being the case, there is nothing that rules out the possibility of God revealing Himself.

The Bible says that God initiated the revelation about Himself. There is no way in which we can know Him without Him telling us.

2. It Is Probable That God Would Reveal Himself

Furthermore, it is probable that God would reveal Himself. He has made humans as personal beings with the ability to communicate with others. Since God has made humanity this way, why shouldn't He communicate with His creation?

3. A Revelation From God Should Be Expected

We should expect, therefore, that a divine revelation be given. Since there is nothing stopping God from revealing Himself, and since He has made humankind with the ability to give and receive communication, a divine revelation is consistent with what we know about God.

4. A Revelation From God Is Necessary

From humankind's position, it is necessary that God reveal Himself. We can know many things about God from nature. The fact that He is the Creator, and the fact that His creation is wonderfully made is obvious to all. Yet nature does not tell us what God wants us to do. We need a divine revelation to know and understand who God is and what He wants from us. Thus a supernatural revelation from God to us is not only possible, but from humanity's point of view it is essential.

The Character Of God Must Be Considered

There is also the character of God to be considered. Because God is intelligent and He has made us intelligent creatures, we should expect that He would reveal Himself to His creation. Also, because He is a good God, humanity should look for some help with respect to our identity, purpose, and destiny. Therefore the character of God leads one to expect some type of revelation from Him.

It is hard to conceive of a human father concealing himself from his son and never communicating with him. In the same manner, it is impossible to conceive of a good God concealing Himself to those whom He created in His own image.

Summary

Since God is invisible we cannot see Him or perceive Him with our senses. He must reveal Himself to us if we are to know anything about Him. Therefore a supernatural communication from God to humankind is not something unreasonable. If God exists it is certainly possible that He could reveal Himself. Because God has made humans as personal beings who communicate with one another it is probable that He would communicate with His creation. From humankind's point of view it is necessary for God to reveal Himself to us. Finally, the character of God leads us to believe that He would reveal Himself. The fact that God has revealed Himself to humanity is expected.