Don Stewart :: What Is Propositional Revelation?

As God has revealed Himself to humanity He has made known a number of truths about Himself as well as truth about the human race. This is also known as "propositional revelation." The idea behind propositional revelation is that God has revealed himself in a number of propositions, or truths, that humanity can fully rely upon. Statements about God's personal nature, His plan, and His mighty acts in history are often given the form of propositions. For example, the Bible says that God does not change.

I the LORD do not change. So you, O descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed. (Malachi 3:6).

It also tells us that God will never leave us or forsake us.

God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5).

Therefore we find in Scripture a great number of these propositions or truth statements that we would not otherwise know.

Scripture is clear that we must have some sort of knowledge about God before we can enter into a relationship with him. God first reveals specific truths about himself and these truths are recorded in Scripture. Then the Holy Spirit helps believers understand and correctly interpret these truths as well as apply them in their personal lives.

Summary

Propositional revelation simply means that God has revealed Himself to humanity in a number of truth statements. These statements can be relied upon for correct information about whatever subjects it speaks. It is important that people have some sort of knowledge about God before we can enter into a relationship with him.