When God Breaks In – The Wonder of Special Revelation

The God Who Draws Near

While general revelation testifies broadly to God's existence and attributes, it does not bring us to saving faith. For that, we need something more intimate, more explicit, and more personal. We need God to break in. We need special revelation.

Special revelation is God’s disclosure of Himself and His will to particular people, at particular times, by supernatural means. He has done this through direct speech, dreams and visions, miraculous interventions, the incarnation of Christ, and, ultimately, through the written Word of Scripture.

This revelation is not general knowledge—it is precise, purposeful, and redemptive. It answers the most vital questions: Who is God? What is His will? How can sinners be saved?

God Speaks Directly

The Bible contains many examples of God communicating in direct and extraordinary ways. He spoke audibly to Adam and Eve in the garden (Gen. 2:16–17; 3:9–19). He called Noah to build an ark and revealed coming judgment (Gen. 6). He gave Abraham promises of a nation and a land (Gen. 12:1–3). He met Moses at the burning bush and spoke face-to-face with him (Ex. 3; 33:11).

At Sinai, God’s voice thundered with power and holiness (Ex. 19–20). These moments were not vague impressions or symbolic myths—they were real encounters with the living God. God made Himself known, and the results were life-altering.

Even after Israel’s rebellion, God continued to reveal Himself through the prophets. Isaiah saw a vision of the Lord, high and exalted (Isa. 6). Ezekiel saw the glory of God departing the temple (Ezek. 10). Jeremiah was called from the womb (Jer. 1:5). In every case, God spoke with clarity, purpose, and authority.

Dreams and Visions

Throughout redemptive history, God has used dreams and visions to communicate His will. Jacob’s dream of the ladder revealed God's covenant promises (Gen. 28:12–15). Joseph received prophetic dreams about his future role (Gen. 37). Daniel interpreted Nebuchadnezzar’s dreams, revealing divine sovereignty over nations (Dan. 2).

In the New Testament, Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus, was guided by dreams to protect the Messiah (Matt. 1–2). Peter had a vision that opened the door of the Gospel to Gentiles (Acts 10). Paul saw a vision of a man from Macedonia pleading for help (Acts 16:9).

These revelations were not everyday experiences. They were unique acts of divine initiative to advance God’s redemptive plan.

The Climax: The Word Became Flesh

While dreams and visions were profound, they were not the pinnacle of special revelation. That came when God Himself took on human nature.

“Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son…” (Heb. 1:1–2).

In Jesus Christ, the invisible God became visible (John 1:14, 18). Jesus is “the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of His nature” (Heb. 1:3). He did not merely teach the Word—He is the Word (John 1:1). To see Jesus is to see the Father (John 14:9).

The incarnation is the clearest revelation of who God is. He is not distant or unknowable. He is Emmanuel—God with us.

Scripture: The Spirit-Breathed Record

Though Jesus no longer walks the earth, His revelation endures. It is preserved in the written Word—the Scriptures. The Bible is not a random collection of human reflections. It is the divinely inspired, Spirit-superintended record of God’s special revelation (2 Tim. 3:16; 2 Pet. 1:20–21).

The New Testament writers did not create doctrine—they recorded what they had seen and heard (1 John 1:1–4). Paul received direct revelation of the Gospel (Gal. 1:11–12). Peter called Paul’s writings “Scripture” (2 Pet. 3:16). The apostolic witness was not man’s invention—it was God’s testimony about His Son.

Thus, Scripture becomes the final and enduring form of special revelation. It is the authoritative lens through which we understand all other revelations. Even the words of Jesus are known to us now only through the testimony of Scripture.

Why Special Revelation Is Necessary

General revelation leaves humanity without excuse, but it cannot save. It shows us that God exists, that He is powerful, wise, and good—but it does not reveal the Gospel. It does not tell us about the cross, the resurrection, or the forgiveness of sins.

Special revelation, by contrast, reveals the way of salvation. It tells us that Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). It explains the need for repentance and faith (Acts 17:30). It calls us to believe in the one Mediator between God and man (1 Tim. 2:5). Without it, the Gospel remains unknown, and salvation remains out of reach.

Romans 10:14–17 makes this clear:

“How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in Him of whom they have never heard?... So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.”

The Exclusive Role of Scripture Today

Some today claim to receive new revelations from God through dreams, impressions, or prophetic words. But Scripture itself testifies that God’s revelatory work is complete. The canon is closed (Rev. 22:18–19). God’s Word is sufficient for all life and godliness (2 Tim. 3:17; 2 Pet. 1:3).

This doesn’t mean God no longer acts. He still leads, comforts, and convicts by His Spirit. But He does so through the Word. Any claim to new revelation must be rejected unless it conforms to and is confirmed by Scripture.

The Beauty of Divine Initiative

What makes special revelation so precious is that it is pure grace. God was under no obligation to reveal Himself. He could have left humanity in darkness. But instead, He spoke. He entered. He acted. He made Himself known.

He chose to reveal Himself not merely as Creator but as Redeemer. Not merely as Judge but as Savior. And He did so with clarity, compassion, and authority.

Special revelation is God’s invitation to know Him. It is the open door to eternal life.

Conclusion: God Has Drawn Near—Will You Listen?

God has broken into human history. He has made Himself known. He has spoken through prophets, through signs, through His Son, and through His written Word. This is special revelation—God making Himself personally and savingly known.

You don’t need to search the stars or decipher omens. You need only open His Word and listen. The Gospel is not hidden. It is proclaimed. God has spoken, and the invitation is clear:

“Seek the Lord while He may be found; call upon Him while He is near” (Isa. 55:6).