In the grand mosaic of faith, Christianity stands not as a discovery but as a revelation.
The journey through the corridors of God’s wisdom unfolds as we gaze upon the person of Jesus. Trusting God’s character, even when His ways seem elusive, becomes paramount in understanding the majesty of His leadership, often visible only in hindsight.
The Illusion of Reasonable Assumptions
The roots of sin lie in the desire to evaluate God, a practice prevalent through generations. The Enlightenment era exacerbated this by exiling God to the realm of religion, promoting the idea that human wisdom alone could discern the path to salvation. However, history has proven the futility of human wisdom in solving core issues, as evidenced by the 20th-century’s dichotomy of great advancements and devastating wars.
Christianity, rather than conforming to modern human ethics, challenges us to embrace a radically different philosophy. It beckons us to recognize that God’s definition of “good” transcends moral codes, finding its ultimate definition in the person of Jesus.
The Call to Embrace Divine Revelation
As we navigate this age influenced by Enlightenment thinking, it becomes imperative to acknowledge that Christianity is not built on reasonable assumptions but on the revelation of God. The apostle Paul, a brilliant mind, was not swayed by a better argument but by divine revelation. This principle holds true for every seeker – human wisdom cannot lead us to truth; God must reveal the beauty of His Son.
The Conflict of Human Thinking and God’s Revelation
The battle between humanistic thinking and divine revelation persists, requiring a paradigm shift. The mind, set on the flesh, remains hostile to God’s law, resisting submission. The temptation to interpret God’s ways through the lens of modern ethics often leads to misinterpretations. The Enlightenment’s influence, pervasive and normalized, challenges the biblical philosophy that defines reality according to God’s terms.
The Need for Deconstruction and Renewal
To truly know God, we must resist the urge to create explanations that align with our assumptions. Instead, we are called to sit silently before Him, allowing divine revelation to renew our thinking and free us from humanistic constraints. The knowledge of God is not a set of ideas to discover; it is defined by a Person. God must deconstruct our faulty paradigms, requiring us to endure the tension of revelation, even when it contradicts our understanding of reality.
Three Pillars of Divine Revelation
God reveals Himself through the Holy Spirit, the written Scripture, and the communal life of the Church. These three pillars, when embraced individually and collectively, guard against deception and lead to a fuller understanding of God’s revelation. Private devotion, coupled with active participation in the Body of Christ, ensures a comprehensive revelation of God.
The Corporate Dimension of Revelation
Contrary to the misconception of a private, individualized experience, God reveals Himself through His corporate Body – the Church. While personal revelation is essential, the immersive classroom of this age involves God’s revelation through His people. As we engage with the Holy Spirit, delve into Scripture, and participate in the life of the Church, we unveil the profound revelation of God.
Beginning with God: Acknowledging Limited Capacity
To truly know God, one must begin with God. This requires acknowledging our limited capacity and submitting to His revelation, even when it challenges preconceived notions. Modern thinking often starts with the assumption of unlimited human potential, leading to a man-centric approach to the gospel. It’s time to turn away from the man-centric Enlightenment and embrace a biblical paradigm that centers on God.
Confidence in God’s Leadership of History
Recovering confidence in God’s leadership of history is essential. While evil is not excused, the fate of history lies firmly in the hands of the Creator. God’s active involvement in the ordinary moments of life is as significant as His intervention in crises. Living in confidence in His leadership involves daily tasks, nurturing families, and blessing neighbors, knowing that human achievements and potential will ultimately disappoint.
Preparing for a Greater Day of Judgment
The notion that God judged in the Old Testament but no longer does is debunked by biblical passages. The New Testament affirms God’s judgment, emphasizing the need for repentance and predicting a day when He will judge the world in righteousness. Living with absolute confidence in God’s leadership involves embracing both His role as Savior and Judge, preparing for a future day when He reveals Himself in majestic glory.
When God Reveals Himself, Worship Follows
Encountering God leads to a response – worship. The response mirrors the eruption of praise witnessed in the face of tremendous feats or the awe inspired by a powerful storm. Like Habakkuk, we may not always receive answers for God’s leadership, but our response should echo a confident rejoicing in the Lord, finding joy in the God of our salvation.
Conclusion: Pursuing the Knowledge of God
In a world marred by small disappointments and unexpected twists, pursuing the knowledge of God becomes paramount. Instead of seeking better answers, we need a deeper revelation of the majesty of God in the person of Jesus. Habakkuk, Job, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Daniel, though not fully understanding God’s ways, found profound confidence in encountering Him. Now is the time to embark on this journey, to endure the tension of revelation, and to witness the unfolding of the vast ocean of the knowledge of God.