How do we know God exists? Is it just a feeling or has God done something to make Himself known? The Bible teaches that God does make His existence known. Let’s explore how by discussing the doctrine of general revelation.
General revelation means that God reveals Himself through what He has made. Everything, whether we’re talking about the human body in all its complexity, our innate sense of right and wrong, the awe-inspiring power of Niagara Falls, or the wondrous beauty of distant galaxies, everything in the universe tells us something about God’s power and wisdom.
This is what Paul meant when he wrote that God’s “invisible attributes… his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen since the creation of the world, being understood through what he has made” (Romans 1:20) and what the psalmist meant when he sang, “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the expanse proclaims the work of his hands” (Psalm 19:1-2).
General revelation is incredible and ultimately leaves us with no excuse for doubting that there is a creator. But if we want to gain a deeper knowledge of God, it is not enough. For that, we need something more. We need a greater kind of revelation that will tell us what He is like, what He expects, and how we can enjoy life and peace with Him forever.
