A divine revelation is when God makes known knowledge about Himself, His will, or His purpose to humanity. Revelation comes from the Greek word ‘apokalpsis’, which means “to veil” or “to disclose”. This implies that divine truths are hidden. Which, in a way, they are. I believe that there are truths that are not so much hidden as they are not understood. The truths of God are unchanging and deeply meaningful. For example, have you ever read a passage or verse that you have read many times in the past? One day it just hits you differently and you really “get it”. It has new meaning to you. How about the fact that you have heard all the stories from the Bible and you know all about God’s love and His character. One day you understand it in a different way. That insight into the story takes the knowledge from your head to your heart-you truly get it. The truths of God are known by many, in their heads. They just might not really “KNOW IT” in their hearts-down deep in their souls. That, in my opinion, is where the veil lies-between our heads and our hearts. When we have a divine revelation, that veil is lifted and we see, feel, and understand things differently.
Divine revelations are typically divided into two categories: general and special.
General revelations refer to the knowledge of God and morality that is available to all of humanity at all times. They are seen throughout nature, in human reason, and the conscience.
By contrast, special revelations are a more direct and specific communication of divine truths. They are given to particular people at specific times. These often happen with the help of supernatural events, Scripture, or prophetic messengers.
While general revelations provide a universal, fundamental knowledge of God; special revelations are more specific in nature. They provide a deeper understanding of God’s character and plan.
General Divine Revelations:How They Are Communicated
General revelations are communicated in three ways: nature, human conscience, and history.
In the natural world, the intricate and awe-inspiring design of the eco-system and the vastness of the universe, the always predictable laws of physics, and the sheer majesty of the star-filled sky never ceases to amaze. These ever-present wonders, seen and felt across cultures and ages obligates us to acknowledge a Creator behind the majestic design. This universal, sensory experience is argued to leave humanity “without excuse” for not believing in the existence of God. Some examples would be an amazing sun rise/set or the Grand Canyon. It could also be as simple as the orange, red, and yellow leaves on a tree in the fall, or a snowfall during a full moon.
Following this, general revelations can be seen through the human conscience. The incredible dependability of ethical and moral principles worldwide points to a moral standard that goes beyond human invention. Humanity has a shared moral sense that distinguishes between right and wrong across many diverse cultures. Humanity’s internal moral compass points to an ultimate, moral lawgiver. Some conscience related revelations include: intuition, empathy, and altruism. That “gut feeling” or inner guidance we sometimes experience can be seen as a way for God to communicate with or help us make decisions. Empathy and altruism (putting the needs of others before yourself) can be an expression of divine love and compassion.
Finally, general revelations can be seen by observing history. The rise and fall of empires can be seen as following the same patterns of growth, peak, and decline, which can be seen as reflecting a divine plan or order. Some argue that an empires decline is due to moral decay. This could be seen as divine judgment or a natural consequence of getting “to big for your britches” or straying from God‘s intended path. Another historical event that points to general revelations is God’s fulfillment of His promise to David. In the Bible, God promised David that his lineage would continue to rule. This can be seen through examining the genealogy where David’s legacy ultimately culminates in Jesus Christ, who will rule for eternity.These and many other recorded accounts provide tangible evidence of God’s lasting promises and sovereign hand guiding the course of human history.
Special Divine Revelations:How They Happen
Special divine revelations are a more direct and specific form of divine communication. These are meant for particular individuals or a specific small group of people; not for the masses. They provide a deeper, more insightful knowledge and can be delivered through various supernatural means. These include:
Theophany: (a visible manifestation of God) The pillar of cloud and fire that led the Israelites through the wilderness would be an example(Exodus 13:21-22)(NKJV).
Angels: (Luke 1:26-38)(NKJV)Angels have come to people in a variety of ways throughout the Bible. This exapmle is when Gabriel appeared to Mary to tell her about the birth of Jesus.
Dreams and visions: (Genesis 28:10-22)(NKJV) The Bible is full of dreams given by God to assist, warn and call people to His perfect will. Genesis speaks of the dream Jacob had in Bethel where God made a conenant with him in his dream.
Divine speech: (Genesis 3:14-19)(NKJV)Here, God is audibly speaking to Adam, Eve and the serpant. It is when He was banishing them from the Garden of Eden. Adam and Eve were fortunate enough to have heard God speaking to them continually during their time in the Garden.
Prophets: (Amos 7:10-17)(NKJV)The entirety of Amos speaks to Amos, who was a sheep hearder, but was called by God to prophecy against Israel because they were not obeying the will of God.
Scripture: The whole of Scripture is a special divine revelation. The Bible is the inspired Word of God, given to the people who wrote it by divine communication. 2Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV)says the all Scripture is “God-breathed”.
Incarnation: (Jesus, the second person of the Trinity, who took on human flesh and became fully human while remaining fully divine)(John 1:14)(NKJV).
Direct experiences: God at the burning bush is just one example of the direct experiences in the Bible(Exodus 3:1-15)(NKJV).
To discern if an experience is a genuine divine revelation, it should, first, be tested against Scripture. A divine revelation will NEVER go against Scripture. Another reason it’s great to really KNOW your Bible. Next, you should consider the Fruit of the Spirit. A divine revelation will always produce a fruit of the Spirit which are: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law” (Galatians 5:22-23)(NKJV). When evaluating a divine revelation, it’s crucial to look for alignment with core doctrines to guard against deception and ensure the message is consistent with God’s revealed truth. Your revelation SHOULD NOT contradict or conflict with the foundational beliefs and teachings of the Christian faith.
Distinctions in Special Revelations
Special revelations fall into two general categories: public and private.
Public revelations, recorded in the Bible, are divine truths that are meant for all believers throughout history. These public revelations ended with the death of the last apostle, John, who instead of a martyr’s death, died of natural causes around 95 A.D. The Bible, being the inspired Word of God, is the most undeniable public revelation. It contains accounts of miracles, divinely inspired wisdom, and the revelation of God’s will and character, all of which are accessible to anyone who reads it. The Bible, as a collection of sacred texts written by various authors over centuries, is an complete, thorough and everlasting example of public revelation that has shaped and guided the lives of countless believers throughout history.
Conversely, private revelations, experienced by individuals or small groups, are not to be added to Scripture. They are specifically for the one(s) who received them. Private revelations can provide validation or confirmation about oue faith journey. They can let us know we are on the right track and giving us insight into God’s will for a specific circumstance. They can manifest as dreams, vision, an inner voice, or even seeminly coincidental events that have significant spiritual meaning. We need to pray for discernment when having private revelations. Misinterpretation can be an issue if we are influenced by personal opinions or emotions. They provide personal guidance or deepen our understanding of biblical truths and can offer encouragement and inspiration. This can help us persevere through challenging time in our lives.
When the Divine Touched My Heart
For those of you who have read my testimony, you are aware of my history and struggles. If you haven’t, I will tell you that I have been emotionally absent for many years. I have been void of emotions-the good ones. I still felt anger, depression, anxiety, etc.. I desperately wanted the good ones back and to learn how to accept the ones I was unsure about. I had been praying for God to let me have my emotions back for quite some time. At first, I felt there was no answer. One day, when I was reading my Bible, I got the notion that all the Gifts of the Spirit had their core in love. I talked to God about it and began asking God to let me love and I figured the rest of it would fall into place. Ever so slowly I started to feel things. Empathy, genuine care and concern for people. I’m not saying I was cold and heartless. There were people in my life that I loved. I knew, in my head, that I loved them, I just did’t know it in my heart-my soul. I also knew in my head that I loved God and He loved me. I’d heard all the stories about God’s love from the time I was a child. His love was a love beyond understanding and I didn’t understand. The problem was in the fact that I wasn’t sure I knew what love was anymore, let alone how to feel it.
I began reading everything I could find in the Bible about love. I read “God is love” (1 John 4:8)(NKJV). I also read that those who do not love do not know God. The previous verse (1 John 4:7)(NKJV) said that if I was born of God and know God, then I love. 1 John 4:16 (NKJV) says if I abide in love I abide in God. To be honest, I started getting nervous about knowing God.
Love has a divine source. It is not, simply, a human emotion but originates from God. The self-giving, sacrificial love that Christians are supposed to show flows from God. It is not from a person’s own natural ability. John presents love as an indisputable test of whether a person truly knows God. 1John 4:19 (NKJV) makes it clear that my ability to love is a response to God’s love for me. In essence, any love that exists apart from God is incomplete and a distortion of His ultimate divine love. I did a lot of meditating on this.
On 10/12/25 i got myself up and around and made it to church. I was feeling fairly anxious and didn’t know if I would make it through the service. During the last song, I became quite affected by the words we were singing. To be honest, I couldn’t tell you the words today though but I will never forget the feeling. I am, obviously, not a cryer. But my eyes begin to sting as tears formed in them. At that moment, in my minds eye, I vividly saw Christ hanging on the cross. Just Christ hanging on the cross-no soldiers or people, just Him. I saw the pain and agony etched on His face. I saw the violence He was put through. The Bible says that Jesus’ “visage (face) was marred more than any man and His form (body) more than any men” (Isaiah 52:14)(NKJV). I saw the terrible way He was beaten-it broke something in me. Then I felt shame because, at that very moment, I realized that He endured all of this for me. I couldn’t stop the burning sensation as tears weld up in my eyes. Then, the Son of the Almighty God lifted His head and looked directly at me. His penetrating stare pierced my soul. He looked at me with so much love in His eyes that it physically hurt. I saw and felt what the love of God was supposed to feel like. The tears threatened to come freely at this point so I couldn’t get to my car fast enough. Once there, the tears flowed. I couldn’t get the image of Christ and that look of love out of my head. I have never felt anything like that before. The feeling penatrated my soul. I, physically, felt the love through my entire being. I still can’t say I understand the magnitude of God’s love for me, but I got a life changing portion on that day. I cried for a long time. Fortunately, no one came to my car. I probably would have sounded crazy and I’m not sure I don’t sound that way now. But it’s all true. It happened and I have forever been changed. I pray that that love will continue to fill me and overflow to every part of my life-to every person in my life.
I finally knew, with my whole being, that God loves me. I am, also, realizing and understanding the ultimate sacrifice of Christ. Like I said, I don’t-can’t-understand the enormity of God’s love for me, but now, I truly know and feel that He does. He knew exactly what I needed, when I needed it, and how I needed to experience it.
I wish I could, visually, share my experience with all of you. If you have any- even the slightest doubt-about God’s love for you, please don’t. God showed me what I needed to know and He can do the same for you as well. Maybe not the same way He did for me, but in the way and time that is perfect for you.
Making the Case:Signs of Divine Guidance
I strongly believe that my experience was a private special divine revelation. There are a number of reasons that point me in this direction.
First, because it seemed to occur through supernatural communication from God. I feel that the revelation was not mere coincidence or chance. It was intentional and reaffirmed my belief in God’s direct communication with me.
It was individual and specific; directed only to me at a time when I was open and needed it. The revelation spoke to a very specific question and concern that I had been diligently praying about. I was tailored to my unique spiritual journey and personal circumstances. This further points to it being individual and specific in nature.
It was, apparently, something I couldn’t figure out or conceive on my own. This goes back to the veil being lifted. The revelation contained insights, wisdom, and ideas that were not of my understanding and normal experiences. This points to the possibility of divine inspiration that were beyond my abilities or knowledge.
Next, it was deeply personal and intimate in nature. It felt like a deeply personal and intimate encounter with God because I experienced an emotional connection that went beyond my intellectual understanding.
It brought about an intense emotional and physical response. I cried, which I just don’t do. After the shame left me, I felt the most amazing feeling of being loved; something else that I had never experienced before. There was physical pain in my heart when I saw Him there. But beneath it all was an awesome sense of peace and calm. I felt no anxiety, other than needing to get to my car.
Moreover, the phenomenon of Christophany-the appearance or non-physical manifestation of Christ after His ascension-was present, further supporting the classification as a special divine revelation. I know what I saw. It was not a dream or hallucination. It was Christ.
There are deep, personal truth about God’s love and sacrifice that were conveyed, pointing to its divine origins. The revelation gave me a profound understanding of God’s love and sacrifice for me. It deepened my understanding and comprehension of biblical truths.
The vividness of the encounter further speak to it being a special divine revelation.
Why God Reveals Himself:Understanding the Reasons
Divine revelations all have a purpose. The ultimate purpose is to bridge the gap between God and humanity. But there are other reasons God chooses to reveal Himself to people.
- Making a Foundation For Faith. Divine revelations give us a solid basis for our faith by providing insights into God’s character, intentions, and plan for humanity. Through these revelations, we learn about His goodness, justice, mercy, and love, which are the basis of our trust in Him. Furthermore, understanding God’s path to salvation through Christ equips us with essential knowledge and assurance in our spiritual journey.
- Guidance. These revelations not only guide us towards moral and ethical behavior, they offer wisdom and direction for the various challenges and decisions we face in life. By studying and applying the lessons found in divine revelations, we will get better at discerning God’s will and making choices that align with His values. This will lead us to a more fulfilling and purposeful life.
- Invitation. Divine revelations open the door to a deeper, more intimate connection with our Creator. By understanding His nature and the ways in which He communicates with us, we can build a relationship based on trust, gratitude, and mutual love. This personal connection with God is transformative, as it lets us experience His presence and guidance in a profound and unique way.
- Personal Direction and Comfort. Divine revelations have been said to provide personal direction and guidance to aid in decision making or to ease us with struggles in our personal lives. They can offer clarity and insight when we are faced with difficult decisions , helping us choose a path that aligns with our values and purpose. Additionally, they can provide comfort and reassurance in times of hardship, reminding us that we are not alone and that there is a greater plan at work. These kinds of personal guidance and comfort can be a powerful source of strength and hope in our lives.
- Warning or Direction. These types of divine revelations have warned people of the consequences of things like disobedience or given directions to do something specific. An example of direction would be God telling Noah to build the ark due to a flood of rain, which he had never seen before. God also instructed Noah the exact dimensions that the ark should be and what to do about his family and the animals (Genesis 6:14-20)(NKJV). God warned Joseph in a dream to flee Egypt as Herod was attempting to find Jesus and destroy Him. This divine revelation also fulfilled the prophecy “Out of Egypt I called My Son” found in Hosea 11:1 (NKJV) (Matthew 2:13-15)(NKJV). In the case of Moses, the divine revelation, found in Exodus 19-20 (NKJV), both, gave explicit instruction and a warning regarding the Ten Commandments. It provided clear instruction and guidance on how the Israelites should live their lives. Not only did it offer moral direction, but is served as a warning about the consequences of disobedience.
- Encouragement. Divine revelations often offer encouragement by providing hope in times of despair. This reminds us that God is with us and working for our good. A prime example of this is in Jeremiah 29:11 (NKJV) where God reminds us that He knows the plans He has for us and they are for good and not evil-a future of hope. The Lord also gave Isaiah divine revelations that were meant to comfort the Israelites in (Isaiah 40:1-2)(NKJV). Many of the psalms were divine revelations that express hope and trust in God’s faithfulness, faithfulness that we can count on today. He is the same God, then, now and in the future.
- Inspire. God has been known to use divine revelations to inspire artists, writers, and others to create works that further inspire or uplift others. This was seen in the Bible as well. The prophetic visions of Ezekiel, which contain vivid imagery, have inspired countless works of art throughout history. By drawing on the divine revelations, artists and other creatives can create powerful works that affect others deeply and uplift their spirits or possibly inspire them to create works that do the same.
- Call to a Specific purpose. God often uses divine revelations to call individuals to a specific purpose. The following examples show how God used divine revelations to call people to specific tasks or missions. These “jobs” often required them to step out in faith and trust in His guidance. The same is true for us today. Rest assured, if the Lord calls you to a specific purpose, He will give you all it takes to accomplish it if you have faith and trust. Jonah 1:1-2 (NKJV) has Jonah being called to go and preach repentance to the people of Nineveh. In Genesis 12:1-3 (NKJV) God calls Abraham to trust, have faith, leave his home, and journey to an unknown place, promising to make him into a great nation. The story of Bezalel in Exodus 31:1-5(NKJV), tells us that God filled him with the Spirit of God and equipped him with the skill, ability, and knowledge to craft the Tabernacle and all its furnishings. There are many other stories in the Bible where God called people for specific tasks. He continues to do it today. Open your heart and mind and listen.
Special Divine Revelations:Everyone is Included
Anyone has the opportunity to have a private special divine revelation. The divine, supernatural being, that is God, can do all things. This includes giving private divine revelations to whomever He pleases. He is omnipotent, which means He is all-powerful and can do anything. Whether He’s calling someone into a personal relationship, providing guidance, or showing someone His character; all people have the opportunity to receive a special divine revelation. There are many faiths that teach that, while anyone can have these revelations, there are certain conditions that increase your chances.
- Willingness. You must be willing to listen for God. This means discerning and listening for God’s voice among all the worldly chaos. It is important to set aside personal biases and preconceptions in order to be truly open to divine guidance. This means we should examine the inherited beliefs and values we have grown up believing and be open to different perspectives and opinions. We also cannot let our past experiences shape our judgement and expectations. Every situation is unique and we can’t let past experiences cloud that judgement or limit our openness to new possibilities. Personal desires and goals can influence how we interpret information or make decisions. By setting aside the desires and goals, we can be more open to hearing and following divine guidance, even if it leads us in a different direction than we initially anticipated.
- Humility. You must be humble enough to accept the divine guidance you receive. This involves acknowledging our limitations and recognizing that we don’t have all the answers. It also might mean that we need to be open to learning from others, whether they be spiritual leaders, mentors, or simply people who have differing experiences and perspectives.
- Openness. Along with willingness, it’s important to have an open mind and heart. This means being receptive to new ideas, perspectives, and experiences. This is particularly important if the divine revelation challenges your existing beliefs or comfort zone.
- Patience. Patience is key in receiving divine revelations. Divine guidance comes in its own time, not necessarily when we want or expect it. Cultivating patience means we are trusting in the process and remain attuned to the more subtle ways that God might be speaking to us.
- Gratitude. The Lord loves it when we express gratitude. Practicing gratitude for the blessings that He has already given us can help us feel more connected to God. The more connected we feel to Him the more open we are to receiving guidance and revelation.
- Spiritual Preparation. Some believe that we can increase our chances of divine communication if we have solid spiritual disciplines, like prayer and meditation. It is important to create a regular spiritual practice. The consistency of our spiritual disciplines helps train our mind and heart to be more in tune to divine guidance. Intentionality in our spiritual preparation involves setting aside a specific time and place for prayer and meditation. When we create a sacred space in our homes or engage in rituals and practices, we feel a closer connection to God. In addition to prayer and meditation, our spiritual preparation may include fasting and should include solitude with the All-Mighty. However, wherever, and whenever we spend our time with God, the goal is to quiet our mind and deepen our relationship with Him.
- Alignment with Core Teachings. Any personal divine revelation MUST NOT contradict the core, public truths of spiritual tradition. Revelations are meant to support and enhance the teachings in the Bible, not replace them. This is why it is so important to have an understanding of the core teachings of our spiritual tradition. If we have a solid grasp on the core teachings, we can recognize when a revelation aligns with those teachings. If you have any doubt, spiritual leaders and mentors are available to clear up questions that you may have. There is also a lot of value in cross-referencing our revelations with other spiritual texts, commentaries, and teachings to ensure they are consistent with tradition. It is important to be open to new interpretations or understandings of core teachings, as long as they are rooted in tradition and supported by scripture.
Throughout history, people from all walks of life have reported experiencing special divine revelations-even today. The Bible is full of examples of people having these revelations, here are a few:
Moses, who first encountered God in the burning bush (Exodus 3 (NKJV) and when God gave Moses the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai (Exodus 20:1-17)(NKJV).
Elijah, who heard God’s voice in a still, small whisper and also witnessed God’s power at the same time in 1 Kings 19:11-13 (NKJV).
Paul, who was struck blind on the road to Damascus and heard the voice of Christ. This transformed his life (Acts 9:1-19)(NKJV).
These individuals came from different backgrounds and lived in different eras, but they all had one thing in common: their openness and receptivity to divine communication. Like them, anyone who seeks God with a humble and willing heart can experience a special divine revelation.
As we’ve explored, divine revelations can provide comfort, guidance, and a deeper understanding of God’s character. From divine callings and visions to prophetic dreams and Scripture interpretations, these revelations come in many forms, each unique to the individual. By staying open, receptive, and spiritually prepared, we can increase our chances of receiving these divine revelations. By digging deep into the complexity of faith, submitting to humility and vulnerability in relationships, and balancing Scripture with discernment, we can begin a journey that brings spiritual growth and understanding. Ultimately, it through a spirit of openness, curiosity, and humility that we can hope to be receptive to the transforming power of divine revelations.