DIVINE REVELATION


Image of Divine Revelation to Moses
Image of Divine Revelation to Moses

By Edward Matulanya 

Discover Divine Revelation and how God reveals truth to humanity, guiding faith, belief, and spiritual understanding.

1. Introduction

In Roman Catholic theology, Divine Revelation refers to God's self-disclosure to humanity. It is not simply the transmission of information but the revelation of God’s very self and His saving plan for humankind. The Church teaches that, revelation culminates in Jesus Christ and is transmitted through Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition under the guidance of the Magisterium (Catechism of the Catholic Church [CCC], 1997, §§50–67; Dei Verbum, 1965).

2. The Nature of Divine Revelation

The Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation (Dei Verbum, 1965) begins by declaring that "it pleased God, in His goodness and wisdom, to reveal Himself and to make known the mystery of His will" (Dei Verbum, 2). Revelation is thus both personal and relational God invites humanity into communion with Himself through Christ. Catholic teaching distinguishes between; Natural Revelation; Knowledge of God through creation and reason, supernatural (Divine) Revelation; God’s direct communication through historical events and inspired words (Vatican Council I, Dei Filius, 1870). Natural revelation allows humanity to know God’s existence and some divine attributes (Rom. 1:19–20; Wis. 13:1–9), while supernatural revelation unveils truths necessary for salvation that surpass human reason (CCC, 1997, §50).

3. Meaning of Divine Revelation

In Roman Catholic teaching, Divine Revelation refers to God’s free and loving initiative by which He makes Himself known and reveals the mystery of His will so that human beings may enter into communion with Him (Catechism of the Catholic Church [CCC], 1997, §§50–51). Revelation is not merely the communication of truths about God but God’s self-gift to humanity. Human reason can know that God exists, but Divine Revelation is necessary for humanity to know God’s inner life particularly the mystery of the Trinity and His plan for salvation (CCC, 1997, §51). For example, God’s covenant with Abraham (Gen 12:1–3; CCC, 1997, §59) and the revelation of God’s Trinitarian nature through Jesus Christ (Matt 28:19; CCC, 1997, §§232–237).

4. Historical Stages of Divine Revelation

Explore the historical stages of divine revelation, tracing how God revealed truth through key eras, events, and figures that shaped faith, scripture, and religious history.

4.1. Revelation in Creation and the Natural Order

From the beginning, God revealed Himself through creation, accessible to human reason. The First Vatican Council affirmed that God “can be known with certainty from the created world by the natural light of human reason” (Dei Filius, ch. 2; Tanner, 1990).

4.2. The Old Covenant and the People of Israel

Divine Revelation unfolded gradually through covenants. Adam and Noah; God revealed Himself as Creator and Preserver. Abraham; God established a covenant of faith and promise (Gen. 12–22). Moses and the Exodus; God disclosed His name (YHWH) and gave the Law (Exod. 3:14; 19–20). The Prophets; God called His people to fidelity and promised a new covenant (Jer. 31:31–34). This process, known as progressive revelation, prepared humanity for the definitive revelation in Christ (CCC, 1997, §53).

5. God’s Self-Revelation

God reveals Himself progressively throughout salvation history by means of deeds and words that are intrinsically connected (Second Vatican Council, 1965/2011, Dei Verbum, §2). His actions in history disclose His intentions, while His words interpret and clarify those actions. This gradual revelation culminates in Jesus Christ, but earlier stages; creation, covenants, prophets and prepare humanity to receive Him fully. For example, Creation revealing God’s power and wisdom (Rom 1:20; CCC, 1997, §§32–34); the Exodus revealing God as liberator (Exod 14; CCC, 1997, §§204–206); the prophets calling Israel to fidelity (Isa 1:16–18; CCC, 1997, §§218–219).

6. Divine Revelation in Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition

The Catholic Church teaches that, Divine Revelation is transmitted through Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition, both flowing from the same divine source and forming one sacred deposit of faith (CCC, 1997, §80). Sacred Tradition preserves and hands on what the apostles received from Christ and the Holy Spirit, while Sacred Scripture is the written testimony of that revelation under divine inspiration. For example, The written Gospels as inspired Scripture (CCC, 1997, §§125–127); the apostolic practice of Sunday worship and baptismal theology preserved through Tradition (CCC, 1997, §§2174–2176, 1213).

7. The Fullness of Revelation in Jesus Christ

According to the Letter to the Hebrews, “in these last days [God] has spoken to us by a Son” (Heb. 1:1–2, NRSV). Jesus Christ, being both fully God and fully man, is the fullness and completion of Divine Revelation. His words, actions, passion, death, and resurrection reveal the Father’s love and redemptive plan (Dei Verbum, 4). The Church teaches that no new public revelation is to be expected before Christ’s second coming (Dei Verbum, 4).

8. The Role of Jesus Christ as the Fullness of Divine Revelation

Jesus Christ is the fullness and mediator of all Divine Revelation. In Him, God has said everything; therefore, no further public revelation is to be expected before Christ’s return in glory (CCC, 1997, §65). Christ reveals the Father not only through His teaching but through His entire life, death, and resurrection. For examples: “Whoever has seen me has seen the Father” (John 14:9; CCC, 1997, §516); the Cross as the supreme revelation of divine love (Rom 5:8; CCC, 1997, §§604–605).

9. The Transmission of Divine Revelation

Discover how divine revelation was transmitted through scripture, tradition, and faithful witnesses, preserving sacred truth across generations and shaping religious belief.

9.1. Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition

The Apostles, having received Christ’s teachings, transmitted them through oral preaching, example, and inspired writings. These two forms of transmission; Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition, constitute one sacred deposit of the Word of God (Dei Verbum, 10). Sacred Scripture: The written Word of God, inspired by the Holy Spirit. Sacred Tradition; The living transmission of the Gospel in the Church’s worship, teaching, and practice. These are inseparable and mutually interpretive (CCC, 1997, §§80–82).

9.2. The Role of the Magisterium

The Magisterium (the Pope and bishops in communion with him) authentically interprets the Word of God. It serves, rather than supersedes, Scripture and Tradition (Dei Verbum, 10). The Magisterium safeguards the unity of faith and prevents error in the Church’s teaching (CCC, 1997, §§85–87).

10. Sacred Scripture: God’s Written Word in Catholic Teaching

Sacred Scripture is inspired by the Holy Spirit and teaches faithfully, without error, the truth God wished to convey for the sake of salvation (CCC, 1997, §107). God acted through human authors who used their own faculties and cultural contexts. Scripture must be interpreted within the living Tradition of the Church and according to the unity of the whole Bible (CCC, 1997, §112). For example, the Sermon on the Mount as moral revelation (Matt 5–7; CCC, 1997, §§1716–1724); the Psalms as inspired prayer used in Catholic liturgy (CCC, 1997, §§2585–2589).

11. Sacred Tradition: Living Transmission of Divine Revelation

Sacred Tradition is the living transmission of God’s Word entrusted to the apostles and passed down through episcopal succession (Second Vatican Council, 1965/2011, Dei Verbum, §8). It includes doctrine, worship, and moral teaching. While understanding grows over time, the substance of revelation remains unchanged. For example, Belief in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist (CCC, 1997, §§1373–1377); Marian doctrines rooted in early Christian faith and Tradition (CCC, 1997, §§963–967).

12. The Magisterium and the Interpretation of Divine Revelation

The Magisterium; the Pope and bishops in communion with him, has the authority to authentically interpret the Word of God, whether written or handed on (CCC, 1997, §85). This authority serves revelation rather than standing above it. For example the Council of Nicaea defining Christ’s divinity (CCC, 1997, §§465–469); papal encyclicals addressing moral and social issues as exercises of the ordinary Magisterium (CCC, 1997, §892).

13. Relationship Between Scripture, Tradition, and the Magisterium

Scripture, Tradition, and the Magisterium are so linked that one cannot stand without the others. Together they ensure the faithful transmission and interpretation of Divine Revelation (CCC, 1997, §95). For example, development of the doctrine of the Trinity through councils and creeds (CCC, 1997, §§249–252); clarification of moral teachings on human dignity (CCC, 1997, §§1700–1706).

14. Development of the Church’s Understanding of Devine Revelation 

Learn how the Church’s understanding of divine revelation developed over time through scripture, tradition, and teaching authority, deepening faith and theological insight.

14.1. Patristic Period (1st–5th centuries)

Church Fathers like St. Irenaeus and St. Augustine emphasized that Scripture and Tradition derive from the same apostolic source and must be held together. St. Irenaeus, in Against Heresies, argued that authentic doctrine is preserved in the apostolic succession of bishops (Irenaeus, ca. 180/1992).

14.2. Medieval Scholasticism

Theologians such as St. Thomas Aquinas distinguished between natural knowledge of God and supernatural revelation. Aquinas described theology as a “science” that proceeds from the principles revealed by God (Summa Theologiae, I, q. 1–2; Aquinas, 1265–1274/1947).

14.3. The Reformation and the Council of Trent (16th century)

In response to the Protestant emphasis on sola Scriptural (Scripture alone), the Council of Trent (1545–1563) reaffirmed that Divine Revelation is contained in both Scripture and Tradition and must be received with equal reverence (Council of Trent, Session IV, 1546; Tanner, 1990).

14.4. The First Vatican Council (1870)

The Council’s Constitution Dei Filius emphasized that faith and reason complement each other. Revelation communicates truths beyond human reason, such as the mystery of the Trinity or three Persons of God (Vatican Council I, 1870).

14.5. The Second Vatican Council (1962–1965)

Dei Vetrbum (1965) presented a renewed theology of revelation. Revelation is God’s personal self-disclosure in history. Scripture and Tradition form one sacred deposit. The Magisterium serves the Word of God. The faithful are encouraged to engage deeply with Scripture.This document remains the cornerstone of modern Catholic theology on revelation.

Dei Verbum emphasizes that revelation is personal and relational, inviting a response of faith. It stresses Christ as the center of Scripture and encourages access to Scripture for all the faithful (Second Vatican Council, 1965/2011, §§2, 21–22). For example, increased emphasis on Sacred Scripture in the liturgy (CCC, 1997, §§1154–1155); encouragement of Bible study among the laity (Second Vatican Council, 1965/2011, Dei Verbum, §25).

15. Public Revelation and Its Completion in Christ

Public Revelation ended with the death of the last apostle. All that is necessary for salvation has already been revealed in Christ (CCC, 1997, §66). Private revelations may assist faith but do not add to the deposit of faith. For examples, approved Marian apparitions encouraging prayer and repentance without adding to public revelation (CCC, 1997, §67)

16. Public and Private Revelation

Public revelation ended with the death of the last Apostle. The Church recognizes that private revelations may occur but do not add to the deposit of faith. Authentic private revelations, such as those at Lourdes or Fatima, can inspire deeper faith but are not obligatory for belief (CCC, 1997, §67).

17. The Purpose of Divine Revelation in Catholic Faith

The purpose of Divine Revelation is to invite humanity into communion with God and eternal life through Christ (Second Vatican Council, 1965/2011, Dei Verbum, §2). For example, the Beatitudes as a revealed path to holiness (Matt 5:3–12; CCC, 1997, §§1716–1724); the sacraments as visible signs of revealed grace (CCC, 1997, §§1113–1131).

18. How Divine Revelation Shapes Catholic Doctrine and Belief

Catholic doctrine flows directly from Divine Revelation. Dogmas clarify revealed truths and protect them from error while remaining faithful to their original content (CCC, 1997, §88). For example, Doctrines of the Trinity and the sacraments as expressions of revealed truth (CCC, 1997, §§232–237, 1114); moral teachings rooted in revealed human dignity (CCC, 1997, §§1700–1703).

19. Conclusion

In Roman Catholic theology, Divine Revelation is the unfolding of God’s salvific plan, culminating in Jesus Christ and perpetuated through Scripture and Tradition. Through the guidance of the Magisterium, the Church faithfully preserves and interprets this revelation so that all generations may encounter the living God. As Dei Verbum (1965) proclaims, through revelation, “the invisible God, from the fullness of His love, speaks to humanity as friends” (Dei Verbum, 2).

References

Aquinas, T. (1947). Summa Theologica (Fathers of the English Dominican Province, Trans.). Benziger Brothers. (Original work published ca. 1265–1274).

Catechism of the Catholic Church. (1997). Vatican City: Libreria Editrice Vaticana.

Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. (1992). Catechism of the Catholic Church: Editio typica. Vatican Press.

Council of Trent. (1546). Decree Concerning the Canonical Scriptures (Session IV). In N. Tanner (Ed.), Decrees of the Ecumenical Councils (Vol. 2). London: Sheed & Ward, 1990.

Irenaeus. (1992). Against Heresies (A. Roberts & W. Rambaut, Trans.). In Ante-Nicene Fathers (Vol. 1). Peabody, MA: Hendrickson. (Original work published ca. 180).

Second Vatican Council. (1965). Dei Verbum [Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation]. Vatican City: Libreria Editrice Vaticana.

Tanner, N. (Ed.). (1990). Decrees of the Ecumenical Councils (Vols. 1–2). London: Sheed & Ward.

Vatican Council I. (1870). Dei Filius [Dogmatic Constitution on the Catholic Faith]. In N. Tanner (Ed.), Decrees of the Ecumenical Councils (Vol. 2). London: Sheed & Ward, 1990.

The Holy Bible, New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition. (1989). National Council of Churches.

United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. (2005). The interpretation of the Bible in the Church. USCCB Publishing.


Catholic Faith

Comments

Post a Comment

Please keep comments friendly and on-topic

Popular Posts

FAITH OF ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH

Image
Image of Catholic Church at Vatican By Edward Matulanya Here are Meaning, believe, founder, sacraments, teaching source, Morals, source of faith, History and key teaching of Roman Catholic Church. 1. Meaning of Roman Catholic Church  The Roman Catholic Church means the universal Christian community under the leadership of the Bishop of Rome (the Pope). 2. Understand the Core Beliefs of the Roman Catholic Faith The Roman Catholic Church belief in one God in three persons ; Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Catechism of the Catholic Church [CCC], 1997, §234; Matt. 28:19). Catholics hold that Jesus Christ is true God and true man, whose incarnation, death, and resurrection bring salvation to humanity (CCC, 1997, §§461–463; John 1:14). 3. Founder of Roman Catholic Church  The Church, founded by Christ on the apostles with the pope as Peter’s successor, is “the universal sacrament of salvation” (CCC, 1997, §774; Matt. 16:18–19). Salvation is a gift of grace received through faith ...
Read more

SACRED SCRIPTURE

Image
Image of Roman Catholic Holy Bible By Edward Matulanya  Discover Sacred Scripture, the Word of God, and how it shapes Catholic worship, daily life, and understanding of God’s revelation. Learn about the  meaning, development, Inspiration and Authority, and Role of Sacred Scripture According to the Roman Catholic Church. 1. Introduction to Sacred Scripture in the Roman Catholic Church Sacred Scripture, or the Bible, is the written Word of God, inspired by the Holy Spirit, and forms a foundation for Catholic faith , morality, and worship. Sacred Scripture is inseparable from Sacred Tradition and the guidance of the Magisterium (Catechism of the Catholic Church [CCC], 1993, §§81–83). Scripture is both divine and human, communicating truth through historical, cultural, and literary contexts (Dei Verbum, 1965, §§11–12). For e xample, r eciting Psalms during the Liturgy of the Hours (CCC, 1174). Also,  Abraham’s faith in God’s promise (Genesis 12–22, NAB) as a model of trust....
Read more

ONE GOD

Image
  One God  By Edward Matulanya  Here’s a clear explanation of One God according to the Roman Catholic Church, as explained by the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) and the Holy Bible. The Roman Catholic Church teaches that there is one, living, and true God, the Creator of all things, who is eternal, all-powerful, all-knowing, and present everywhere. God is one in essence (nature) but exists as a Trinity of Persons; Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This mystery of one divine substance in three Persons does not divide God, but reveals His inner life of perfect unity and love. According to Catechism of the Catholic Church, (CCC 200) “There is but one God: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, a Trinity of one substance.” Also, (CCC 201) “To Israel, his chosen, God revealed himself as the only One: ‘Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD…’ (Dt 6:4).”Further more, (CCC 253) “The Trinity is One. We do not confess three Gods, but one God in three Persons, the ‘consu...
Read more

PRAYERS IN ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH

Image
Image of a person praying  By Edward Matulanya  Here are Meaning, purpose, types,  Powers, and significance of Prayers in the Roman Catholic Church. 1. What Is Prayer in the Roman Catholic Church? The Catholic Church teaches that, prayer is "the raising of one’s mind and heart to God" (Catechism of the Catholic Church [CCC], 1997, para. 2559). For example, Speaking to God about your day. 2. The Purpose of Prayer in Catholic Spiritual Life Prayer helps Catholics grow in relationship with God , receive grace , and discern His will (CCC, 1997, para. 2561–2565). For e xample, asking God for guidance before making a tough choice. 3. Types of Prayer Taught by the Catholic Church The Church identifies blessing, adoration, petition, intercession, thanksgiving, and praise as core forms of prayers (CCC, 1997, para. 2626–2643). For e xample, Praying for a friend's health (intercession). I. Prayer of Blessing  A prayer of blessing is when God’s goodness is acknowledged and when ...
Read more

TWELVE APOSTLES OF JESUS

Image
  Image of Jesus Christ with twelve apostles at last feast By Edward Matulanya Here are twelve apostles chosen by Jesus, celebration of Eucharist, their mission, their succession, their liturgical Celebration a summary of their lives.  The Catholic Church teaches that Jesus personally chose and appointed the Twelve to share in His mission and to lay the foundation of the Church. 1. Twelve apostles chosen by Jesus  Jesus called his disciples, and chose twelve of them, whom he also named apostles (Luke 6:13, NABRE). They were to be with Him, to preach, and to have authority to drive out demons (Mark 3:13-19). 2. Celebration of Eucharist At the Last Supper He conferred on them a share in His priesthood and the command to celebrate the Eucharist (Luke 22:19–20; Catechism of the Catholic Church [CCC], 1994/2019, §§859–860). Catholics hold that this apostolic ministry continues through apostolic succession, with bishops as the successors of the apostles (CCC §§861–862). 3. The...
Read more

SALVATION

Image
Image of Jesus on the cross By Edward Matulanya  Here are meaning, Biblical Foundations, Early Church Understanding, Medieval Development, Modern Developments, Process, and  Sacraments as Means  of Salvation According to the Roman Catholic Church Meaning of Salvation Salvation, in Roman Catholic theology, refers to the deliverance from sin and union with God through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. It is a lifelong process involving divine grace, human freedom, and participation in the sacraments (Catechism of the Catholic Church [CCC], 1992, §§1987–2029). Catholic soteriology emphasizes both God’s initiative and human cooperation within a framework rooted in Scripture and developed through centuries of theological reflection (Denzinger, 2012). Biblical Foundations Catholic teaching holds that salvation is grounded in both Scripture and Tradition . Core biblical passages include John 3:16, Ephesians 2:8–10, James 2:24, and Philippians 2:12–13. These texts demonstrat...
Read more

DEVOTION

Image
  Devotion of Jesus By Edward Matulanya   Here are Meaning, history, theology, role and significance of Devotion in the Roman Catholic Church. 1. Meaning of Devotion In Roman Catholic theology, devotion refers to the loving, voluntary dedication of one’s heart, mind, and actions to God . The term comes from the Latin devotus, meaning “consecrated” or “set apart” (Aquinas, Summa Theologiae, II-II, Q.82). The Catechism of the Catholic Church describes devotion as an expression of charity love that moves the believer to prayer and worship (Catechism of the Catholic Church [CCC], 1997, §2098). > Devotion is not mere emotion; it is the steady offering of oneself to God. Aspect of Devotion Devotion includes Faith (belief in God),  Love (desire to be united with God), and  Practice (acts of prayer, charity, and virtue). 2. Historical Development Early Church (1st–4th c.) Early Christians focused their devotion on Sacred Scripture , the Eucharist , and prayer, often vener...
Read more

SAINT JOSEPH OF CUPERTINO

Image
Saint Joseph of Cupertino  By Edward Matulanya Early life of Saint Joseph of Cupertino St. Joseph of Cupertino was born June 17, 1603, in Cupertino, Apulia (southern Italy). Orphaned before birth and raised in poverty, he struggled with learning and was considered slow by his peers. After repeated rejections from religious communities, he was eventually accepted as a servant by the Conventual Franciscans and later admitted as a friar. Vocational life of Saint Joseph of Cupertino  Despite his lack of education, Joseph was ordained a priest in 1628 after a providentially simple examination. He became famous for extraordinary mystical phenomena, especially levitation during ecstatic prayer. These events attracted large crowds and even the attention of the Inquisition, though he was never condemned. Because the public excitement disrupted community life, Joseph spent much of his later years in seclusion, devoted to humility and prayer. He died on September 18, 1663, in Osimo, Ital...
Read more

GRACE

Image
The Spirit descends on Jesus at His baptism By Edward Matulanya  Here are meaning, functions,types, theology, Aspects and historical development of Grace. 1. Historical Development of the Concept of Grace Biblical Foundations The concept of grace (Latin: gratia; Greek: charis) is central to both the Old and New Testaments. In the Old Testament, grace denotes God’s steadfast love and favor toward Israel despite their unworthiness (Exodus 33:19; Psalm 103:8–12). In the New Testament, grace is fully revealed in Jesus Christ. St. Paul emphasizes grace as a divine gift that saves humanity apart from works of the law (Romans 3:24; Ephesians 2:8–9; Titus 3:7). Early Church Fathers Early theologians reflected on grace as the divine initiative in salvation. St. Irenaeus (ca. 130–202) saw salvation as the restoration of divine likeness through God’s gratuitous gift. Origen (ca. 184–253) and Clement of Alexandria (ca. 150–215) emphasized synergy between divine grace and human free will. The g...
Read more

SACRAMENT OF EUCHARIST

Image
  Sacrament of Eucharist By Edward Matulanya  Meaning of Sacrament of Eucharist  The Eucharist, also called Holy Communion, is the central sacrament of the Catholic Church, often referred to as the “source and summit of the Christian life” (Catechism of the Catholic Church [CCC], 1994, §1324). It is both a sacrament of Christ’s real presence and the memorial of His sacrifice, making present the Paschal Mystery for the faithful. Biblical Foundations of Sacrament of Eucharist  The Eucharist has deep roots in both the Old and New Testaments. In the Old Testament, Melchizedek’s offering of bread and wine (Genesis 14:18), the Passover sacrifice (Exodus 12), and manna in the desert (Exodus 16) foreshadow the Eucharistic mystery. In the New Testament, the Last Supper narratives (Matthew 26:26–29; Mark 14:22–25; Luke 22:14–20; 1 Corinthians 11:23–26) provide the institution of the Eucharist, where Jesus declares the bread and wine to be His Body and Blood. John’s Gospel adds...
Read more