Don Stewart :: Can Revelation, Divine Inspiration, and Illumination Act Together?

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Simply stated, revelation is the disclosure of God's truth to humanity; divine inspiration is the communication of that truth in written form; illumination is the understanding of that truth. They can work separately or together as can be seen in the following examples.

1. There Was Divine Inspiration Without Revelation

Sometimes there is divine inspiration writing without divine revelation.

Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. Therefore, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus (Luke 1:1-3).

While Luke based his gospel on sources, the end result was divinely inspired Scripture but not divine revelation.

2. Inspiration Occurred With Divine Revelation

Usually divine inspiration and revelation go together. We read in the Book of Revelation.

The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place. He made it known by sending his messenger 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).

Here God divinely revealed truths to John and divinely guided the writing of the Book.

3. There Was Divine Inspiration With Illumination

Divine inspiration can occur with illumination - the writer understanding the divine revelation they gave. Paul wrote.

We also constantly give thanks to God for this, that when you received the word of God that you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word but as what it really is, God's word, which is also at work in you believers (1 Thessalonians 2:13).

4. Divine Inspiration Also Occurred Without Illumination

There are also examples of divine inspiration without illumination where the prophets did not understand what they were writing. Peter wrote.

As to this salvation, the prophets who prophesied of the grace that would come to you made careful searches and inquiries, seeking to know what person or time the Spirit of Christ within them was indicating as he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow (1 Peter 1:10,11).

5. Revelation Happened Without Divine Inspiration

Revelation can occur without divine inspiration - the human author merely recorded God's words. The Ten Commandments are an example of this.

And God spoke all these words . . . Then the LORD said to Moses, "Tell the Israelites this: 'You have seen for yourselves that I have spoken to you from heaven' " (Exodus 20:1,22).

6. There Was Illumination Without Divine Inspiration

Illumination can happen without divine inspiration. John wrote.

And as for you, the anointing which you received from him abides in you, and you have no need for anyone to teach you; but as his anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you abide in him (1 John 2:27).

Revelation, divine inspiration and illumination can act separately or they can act together. The Bible gives examples of divine inspiration without revelation and of divine inspiration with revelation. We also have divine inspiration occurring without illumination and divine inspiration occurring with illumination. Finally there are examples of revelation occurring without divine inspiration and illumination occurring without divine inspiration. These three divine works can function separately or they can function together.