There are many different views on general revelation. The most valuable trait would come if it were sufficient means for providing the understanding of salvation. General revelation does provide the necessary elements for salvation, however, it is not the clearest form of revelation. Certainly the special revelation that comes from scripture and the work of the Holy Spirit is far more clear. The elements must be present because of God’s impartiality. All will be judged according to their motive and Jesus Himself is revealed through general revelation.
“For there is no partiality with God” (Romans 2.11). God does not intend to judge those who have not had access to special revelation any different than those who have. The man who has not ever heard the name of Jesus Christ will be judged according to the same standard as the Catholic priest. It is likely that general revelation exists so that God can be impartial in judgment.
When the Lord returns, he will “disclose the motives of men’s hearts” (1 Corinthians 4.5). This is the standard that we will be judged by—our motives. If our motive is to serve the Lord Jesus then we can experience salvation so long as general revelation itself will reveal Jesus Christ. In reference to Jesus, John 1.3 says, “All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being.” It is Jesus who created all things, so if general revelation reveals the creator then salvation through Jesus Christ is possible through it.
Psalm 19 details some of the attributes of general revelation. The heavens declare Jesus’ glory and the expanses His handiwork (v. 1). The day and night speak of His knowledge and wisdom, but not through words; through the inner workings of creation itself (v. 2-6). The rest of the chapter goes on to explain the joys of keeping God’s laws and even the essence of salvation when it says, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer” (v. 14).
Since it is possible to understand the law and the creator through general revelation, then it is only feasible that one could have the right motives; that the meditation of their heart would be acceptable to God and therefore be the faith which provides salvation even though they have never understood special revelation or heard the name Jesus Christ. It does seem, however, much more likely that one would come to Christ through special revelation.
Image Credit: g-point, sxc.hu
Salvation Through General Revelation
