The Bible - specific revelation

The knowledge of God’s existence, character and moral law which comes through creation to all humanity is often called general revelation. Yesterday we said the Bible is not needed for any of those items. So is there anything the Bible is needed for?

Yes. God also has spoken specific words to specific people throughout history, and He wants to speak specifically into our life today. These words are called specific revelation and it’s these words that are included in the Bible. There are three very important and critical areas that one can only get from reading God’s Words in the Bible. 

1. The Gospel. Only through the Bible can one discover and understand the path God has provided for salvation: you must believe in and call upon Jesus Christ to be saved (Romans 10:13-17). The Bible is clear that the only way to be reconciled to God is through Jesus Christ. There is no other way of dealing with the guilt of our sin before a holy God (John 14:6, 1 Timothy 2:5-6.) This is not something someone can understand apart from the Words of God.
    
2. Maintaining spiritual life. In multiple places the Bible equates the Word of God as spiritual nourishment (Deuteronomy 32:47, Matthew 4:4, 1 Peter 1:23-2:2.) As we read God’s word it causes us to grow and maintain our walk with Him. God’s word also has an uncanny ability to be alive, active and speak into very specific areas of our life that we would otherwise ignore or be deceived in. 
   
   
3. Understanding God’s will. All people ever born have some knowledge of God’s will through their consciences, however this knowledge is often vague and cannot give certainty. The Bible however gives clear and definite statements about the will of God for our lives (Deuteronomy 29:29, Psalm 1:1, 119:1, 1 John 5:3.) God will often times use His word to speak directly into circumstances and situations we find ourselves in. 

2 Timothy 3:16-17 gives a good summary of why the Bible is important for us to read:

¹⁶All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, ¹⁷so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

It’s important we read the Bible not because it’s expected of us, or we are obligated to, or it’s what a good Christian does. We should read the Bible expecting that God, our Creator and Father, will meet with us and speak directly to our hearts and minds. The most important discipline someone can establish in their walk with God is a daily, consistent time in His Word. 

So how to start? Get a Bible, notebook/journal and pen, then: 

1. Pray and ask God to make His word come alive and speak to you. 
2. Read the book of Mark or go to YouVersion.com and start a Bible reading plan. 
3. Make note of questions, items that stand out or anything God speaks to you through His word. Talk these over with someone else.