It was not a progress, but a deterioration of the original revelation from God to man that made the scattered tribes of men worship idols that they can see, rather than the true God they cannot see.
The English word ‘reveal’ comes from the Latin ‘revelo’ which means to ‘uncover’. This is the exact meaning of the Hebrew and Greek words which are translated in the English Bible by ‘reveal’. God is drawing the curtain aside to show things that would otherwise be hidden from men.
‘God causes us to see what hitherto we could not see. God takes us into his confidence and shares his secrets with us; God finds us ignorant and gives us knowledge. That is what revelation means.’
The true knowledge of God can come only through revelation, and so we read in the Scriptures (the Bible) that Moses said to the Israelites shortly before his death -
The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever - Deuteronomy 29: 29
And, perhaps, the most important revelation that God gave to Moses was this -
These are the commands decrees and laws the Lord your God directed me to teach you - - Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one - Deuteronomy 6: 4
Jesus speaks of revelation in the sense of transparency, for nothing can be hidden from Almighty God and in the day of judgement it, the lies, deceptions and poisonous gossips will be revealed to all, unless they are confessed and forgiveness is sought from God.
Jesus began to speak - - saying: - - "There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs - Luke 12: 2 & 3
Peter, Paul and John speak of revelation in their epistles. Paul speaks to the church at Ephesus of salvation of Jesus Christ being offered to the gentiles -
In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now be revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets. This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Jesus Christ - Ephesians 3: 4 to 6
The apostle Peter speaks of the Christian believers preparation for the great revelation yet to come -
Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self- controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy because I am holy" - 1 Peter 1: 13 to 15
That revelation of course refers to the second coming of Jesus Christ when he will not be bloodied and disfigured on a cross, but resplendent with a dazzling glory beyond imagination, and the last hundred years have given us abundant signs that the end of this age is near and his coming is at hand.
The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what musty soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, who testifies to everything he saw - that is, the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ - Revelation 1: 1 & 2
The whole Bible is a revelation of God through Jesus Christ. After his resurrection Jesus met two disciples returning, sad and disillusioned, to their village, but they did not recognise him, they told him of Jesus crucifixion and the death of their hopes for the future - this is what he said to them -
"How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?"
And beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he explained (revealed) to them in what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself - Luke 25 to 27
However wise and learned a man or woman may be they can never know God through worldly wisdom, and if they insist in trying to do so the Bible condemns them with these words -
We can never enjoy a true relationship with God, except he reveals himself to us through Jesus Christ. If you have never known him, really known him! Even now, as you read this article, God is willing, more than willing, to reveal himself to you through Jesus Christ by the Holy Spirit.
Are you ready to believe in him and come to him, asking forgiveness for your sins and be ready to love and obey him? Listen then to Jesus´ promise -
"If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and will come to him and make our home with him" - John 14: 23
Open your heart to him now and begin a new life with the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
