THE BIBLE AND GIFT OF REVELATION

PROF. BEN ONYEUKWU (REV.)

NCE (English); Dip (Computer Studies); ND/HD (Journalism); Dip, BA (Theology) MA, PhD.

Call: +2348037346939 E-mail: professorbenonyeukwu@yahoo.com

THE BIBLE AND GIFT OF REVELATION
Presented by Nightengale Ben-Onyeukwu

Devotional Text: Gal. 1:11-12; Eph. 1:15-17

INTRODUCTION:

The spirit of JESUS CHRIST is the spirit of Revelation, and so, HE remains the Principal source of GOD’s Revelation. In this connection, the believer in whose life the spirit of CHRIST dwells also carries the gift of Revelation with him. The Gift of Revelation is the gift of sight which enables the believer to see unfolding events as determined by the LORD Himself. This implies that the gift is not operated by whims and caprices of the believer who possess it, but by the LORD, and, therefore indicates that the timing and places of the use of the gift remains the prerogative of the LORD, and in most cases without the/any knowledge of the gifted person.

GENERAL REMARKS

(1)       The Gift of Revelation gives the believer the sight and ability to receive and preach the real Gospel from JESUS CHRIST, (Gal. 1:11-12)

(2)       The Gift of Revelation equally gives the believer the clarity of the gospel and the readiness to respond to those

 who need explanation, (2:1-2)

(3)       The Gift of Revelation is also referred to as the Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation that enables the believer know

 the LORD better, (Eph. 1:17)

(4)       The Gift of Revelation is a means  to ascertain God’s mystery and the administration of His grace, (3:2-3)

THE GIFT OF REVELATION AND THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST

The Gift of Revelation guarantees the principal knowledge of the Gospel from JESUS CHRIST. To this end, the Apostle Paul says ... “the gospel I preached is not something that man made up. I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it: rather I received it by revelation from JESUS CHRIST, (Gal. 1:11-12). Yet, Paul’s revelation is not a play down on the biblical direction which instructs the believer or the Gospel Minister to study to show himself to GOD as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth” (2 Tim. 2:15), but shows that the real gospel comes by the directive of JESUS CHRIST and not by human ideology. This, therefore, implies that:

(i)                    Ideological gospel is not the Gospel of JESUS CHRIST, but man-made, (Gal. 1:11-12)

(ii)                  The real gospel is inspired and directed by the SPIRIT of JESUS CHRIST, (vs. 11-12)

(iii)                 The gospel from the Revelation of JESUS CHRIST does not contradict the Old or New Testament scriptures, since that of the Apostle Paul does not contradict any, (vs. 11-12)

THE GIFT OF REVELATION AS THE SPIRIT OF WISDOM AND REVELATION

The Spirit of Revelation of JESUS CHRIST is also the Spirit of wisdom (Eph. 1:17). So, one with the gift has equally the gift of wisdom which enables one manage the properties of the gift revelation. In other words, the gift of revelation is guided by the wisdom of the HOLY SPIRIT, and so, there is no room for recklessness in reception and application of the products of the gift. And, since the wisdom from above is pure, there is, as well, no place for falsehood and evil practice in the use of the Gift of Revelation, (see James 3:13-17). This implies that those who claim they have the Gift of Revelation, but are known for false revelations, borne out of deceit are indeed, not recipients of the BLESSED GIFT of the LORD. Therefore, those with the actual Gift of Revelation are:

(i)              Not people of selfish ambition who boast and deny the truth, (vs. 16)

(ii)            Guided by the Spirit if wisdom for sincerity of purpose, (vs. 17)

(iii)           Conscious of the scriptural truth that the gift comes with the Spirit of wisdom, with

 the objective of not deceiving the people, but making them know the LORD better, (Eph. 1:17)

THE GIFT OF REVELATION AND THE MYSTERY OF GOD

The Cambridge Advanced Learner’s Dictionary (Third Edition) defines mystery as “something strange or not known which has not yet been explained or understood”. In line with this, the Apostle Paul recalls the administration of grace given to him, that is, the mystery made known to him by revelation to enable his audience understand or have insight into the mystery of CHRIST, (Eph. 3:2-4). And, without mincing words, the writing of Paul readily show certain insights into the PERSON and WORKS of JESUS CHRIST which were not made known to other apostles. For example, it is the Apostle Paul that gives the clearest understanding of the LORDSHIP of CHRIST, as well as portrays Him as GOD’s point of absolute authority, (Phil. 2:1-11). This, by implication means that the Gift of Revelation:

(i)                    Genuinely reveals the truth about CHRIST and not the religious leader or preacher, (Eph. 3:2-4)

(ii)                  Gives insight into ways GOD could be genuinely worshipped, (Eph. 1:17)

(iii)                 Is GOD’s means for the correction of wrong notions about CHRIST, and in turn portrays Him as the only point for salvation, (Acts 4:12) and intermediary, (2 Tim. 2:5).

In conclusion, please recall that this lesson already shows that the Gift of Revelation is GOD’s channel to real Gospel from JESUS CHRIST (Gal. 1:11-12), as well as gives clarity that helps explain it, (2:1-2). The lesson equally gives insight that the Gift of Revelation makes for the better knowledge of the LORD (Eph. 1:17) and serves as a means to ascertain the mystery of JESUS CHRIST, (Eph. 3:2-3). By this, therefore, it becomes evident that though the Gift of Revelation could, as well be instrumental in revealing other things, good or bad, its major purpose is to reveal CHRIST. BEWARE OF FALSE REVELATION!