The God Who Reveals

December 9, 1995

 
Three Sources of Knowledge

• How do we know in God's world?
• In Christianity, the answer is rooted in a third source of knowledge, revelation.
• Secular worldviews are limited to two sources of knowing.
• By definition there is only the rational & empirical.
• Non-religious worldviews have no information coming from the Supernatural.
• In contrast, most religious worldviews recognize three sources of knowledge.
• Along with rational & empirical knowledge, there is revelation.
• In Christianity, it is God who ultimately reveals understanding to humanity.
• Solomon, Jesus & Paul recognize & prioritize the three sources.
• Figure: "Three Sources of Knowledge."

The Basis of Knowing

• In Christianity, all knowing is founded upon God's existence & revelation.
• From the beginning He has revealed the reality of matter, senses & ideas.
• Figure: "God's Revelation: The Basis of Knowing."
• Belief in the God who reveals underlies our rational & empirical assumptions.

The Expansion & Boundaries of Knowing

• Since the beginning, God has overseen the expansion & boundaries of knowing.
• Knowledge expands as God gives & preserves & humanity pursues it.
• Knowledge also has boundaries in God's world.
• God may choose to conceal & abolish knowledge.
• Humanity's finite & fallen abilities limit our pursuit.
• Figure: "The Expansion & Boundaries of Knowing."
• The Biblical perspective balances reality with limitations.
• It distinguishes true from false & the real from imaginary.

God Initiates & Oversees

• How do we know?
• In God's world, all knowing is founded upon Him.
• Like His work of creation, God's work of revelation is dynamic.
• God initiates the basis of revelation & oversees its expansion & boundaries.
• Figure: "God Initiates & Oversees Knowing."

Road Map to Chapters Following

• This chapter lays the foundation for our world of information.
• From here our study will proceed in two directions.
• Since the Bible is central to God's revelation, we will examine its integrity.
• We will first consider its claims of authenticity & then supporting evidences.
• From there we will shift to a more global perspective of our knowing.
• We will explore the areas of belief, conviction, discovery & academics.
• The philosophical foundations in this chapter will be taken to practical arenas.
• Lastly, we will wrap up God's revelation with a discussion on the pursuit of Him.