Revelation
Category
Future, Judgment, & Kingdom
Biblical Definition
God's unveiling or disclosure of what was hidden, culminating in the person of Christ and in the future manifestation of His purposes.
Origin(s)
Greek: ἀποκάλυψις
Transliteration
apokalypsis
Literal meaning
unveiling, disclosure, revelation
Key Scripture(s)
Romans 16:25-26; 1 Corinthians 1:7; Galatians 1:12; 1 Peter 1:7,13; Revelation 1:1
Theological Significance
Revelation is the necessary basis of all saving knowledge because God must make Himself and His purposes known. Eschatologically, it points to the final disclosure of Christ's glory and God's judgment.
Common Misunderstanding(s)
Revelation is not limited to private impressions or to speculative use of the last book of the Bible. In Scripture it is God's own act of making truth and future realities known.
Practical Application
This doctrine teaches believers to prize Scripture, receive God's self-disclosure with humility, and hope in the final unveiling of Christ.