Contending for the faith | Making Disciples | Equipping the Saints for Ministry

by Rayola Kelley

Q. We hear a lot about “new revelations” these days, but the Bible says there is “nothing new under the sun.” You speak about revelation in many of your teachings. We know that you don’t mean the same thing as the heretics, but can you please explain the difference? Thanks. 

A. I can see how you might be confused by the term “revelations.” However, the Bible speaks of one particular revelation. “Revelation” means to uncover something that is obscure or has been hidden from sight. In a way, it is like uncovering a mystery or a secret.

       The Bible tells us we can only see and know in part. It speaks of mysteries and secrets that have been veiled from us. However, if you do a thorough study, you will realize that the mystery or secret involves the revelation of Jesus Christ (Ephesians 3:2-5). In other words, Jesus needs to be unveiled to us. To unveil something in this manner implies that it is not just a matter of intellectual knowledge, but one of spiritual understanding or insight that brings life, power and change.

       The Bible actually confirms this revelation. It begins with God in Genesis 1:1, but in the last book of the Bible, it begins with a revelation of Jesus Christ (Revelation 1:1). In between Genesis 1:1 and that last book and verse of the Bible is a revelation of Jesus Christ. Since He is infinite in His character, and His ways and work are eternal, there is much that can, must and will be revealed about Him for ages to come.

       In many different ways, Jesus has been hidden, and it takes the Holy Spirit to uncover Him in greater ways. We know that Jesus is not only the fulfillment of righteousness and the Law, but He is the only way in which man can be saved. Hence enters the need for revelation. Our salvation, growth and maturity hinge on Christ being unveiled to us. The Apostle John tells us how this will be accomplished. We have been given the Spirit. He is our spiritual teacher (1 John 2:27).  John 16:13 states that it is the Holy Spirit who leads us into all truth about Jesus. In Ephesians 3:5, we are told of this revelation of Christ that was revealed to the holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. Jesus even stated that Abraham rejoiced to see His day, and he saw it, and was glad (John 8:56). It is believed that Abraham saw the day of Jesus when he offered his own son on the altar. For him to see this day, it would take the Spirit to make the connection. He would have unveiled the great exchange of man (Isaac) with the Lamb of God (the ram) to ensure redemption.

       As you begin to realize that the foundation and cornerstone of Jesus has been firmly established by the apostles and prophets, you will realize there is no need for any new “revelations.” There are no more mysteries or secrets that involve man’s spiritual well-being that are being veiled from him. However, the Holy Spirit needs to make the necessary connection, so each of us can clearly see Jesus.

       This brings us to these new “revelations.” They are not new “revelations” but lies of Satan that have been repackaged to fit our religious terms. These lies have been cleverly replacing the foundation and redefining the cornerstone. As a result, many unsuspecting people are being established on shifting sand that will not survive the raging storms that are forming on the horizon.

       My advice to Christians is simple. Seek a greater revelation of Jesus. It will satisfy you, and you will not be prone to seek after the counterfeits.