The following is a brief confession from a series written for my Systematic Theology classes.
I believe that God has fully (Isa 40:5, Rom 1:19) and purposefully (Gal 3:8, Eph 1:8-10) revealed Himself to all (Rom 1:20) without regard to our merit (Isa 65:1). By His initial act of creation (Ps 19:1) and His perpetual involvement in the natural world and the lives of those who live in it (Amo 4:13) He has placed within us a sense of His being and a glimpse of His character (Rom 2:14-15). In these acts, He has shown us his creativity and divine power, and proven his own character and nature (Ps 102:25-27, Act 14:17).
I believe that, in His wisdom, God has also revealed further details of His being and plan to restore a relationship with mankind and creation (Luk 11:49, Rom 16:25-26). In this, He overcomes our hardened hearts (1Co 1:18) and ignorant minds (1Co 2:10). His special revelation reveals His triune nature, His perfect plan of redemption through Jesus Christ (2 Tim 2:8-10, Rom 1:17), and His promise of a new heaven and a new earth (2Pe 3:13).
I believe that God has revealed himself supernaturally in a variety of ways. This is evident in His activity in the history of His people (Josh 4:23-24), the prophecies of those who spoke on His behalf (1 Sam 9:9,15, Hos 12:10), the law which was given through Moses (Ex 24:12), through many dreams and visions (Dan 2:47, Num 12:6), miraculous signs and wonders (Heb 2:3-4, Deut 4:33-35), and unique encounters with His people (Mar 12:26). God has ultimately revealed himself in the life of Jesus (Heb 1:1-2), who perfectly reflects His image and nature (Jhn 14:9).
I believe the divinely inspired records of these events and activities contained within the Scriptures are perfect (Ps 12:6), truthful in all their revelation of God’s nature and character (Luke 24: 27) and without error in their original form (2 Sam 7:28, Ps 119:160, Jhn 17:17). They contain both an essential historical record of God’s involvement with creation (Jhn 20:31, Acts 7) and the principles and wisdom necessary for godly living for us today (2Ti 3:16). These scriptures are the words of God (1 Cor 2:12-13), inspired and protected (Ps 12:6-7) by the work of the Holy Spirit (2 Pe 1:20-21, Jhn 14:26), and written in human language by the apostles and prophets (Luke 1:1-4, 1 Cor 14:37, 2 Pe 3:15-16). They are the final authority for matters of doctrine, faith, and life in all times (Ps 33:11, 100:5), cultures and places, and those who are obedient to them are blessed (Luk 11:28).
I believe that God has chosen the Church to communicate His revelation to all who have not yet heard (Eph 3:10-11), and to explain and apply it to those who have (Act 18:11).
