Yes, the Bible is a progressive revelation because God reveals truths gradually over time rather than all at once.
God did not reveal everything in Genesis or the Old Testament; instead, He disclosed truth incrementally as history unfolded. This pattern continues through the New Testament, culminating in the book of Revelation, which reveals Jesus Christ in His glory. Les Feldick emphasizes that grasping this concept is essential for understanding Scripture without confusion.
Genesis 1:1 — This verse begins the Bible, showing God's first revelation, which is progressively built upon throughout Scripture.
The Bible itself demonstrates a progressive revelation. From the beginning, God reveals Himself and His plan gradually. For example, the book of Revelation is called 'The Revelation of Jesus Christ' (Revelation 1:1), indicating a final unveiling. Throughout Scripture, God progressively discloses truths, from the creation account in Genesis to the new heavens and new earth in Revelation. Each book builds on the previous, revealing more of God's character, His redemptive plan, and His purposes.
Les Feldick teaches that the Bible is a progressive revelation, meaning God didn't unload everything at once in Genesis or the Old Testament. Instead, He revealed truths gradually as time went on, and it's up to believers to discern what and when they are revealed. He emphasizes that understanding this progression is key to avoiding confusion and making the Bible exciting to study. Les points out that even Paul's writings are a progressive revelation in themselves, and that the book of Revelation must be studied differently due to its unique structure. He also notes that this progressive revelation shows more and more of who Christ is, culminating in His return as King of kings.
God reveals truth progressively because He is the God of time and can hide things in time to reveal them when He is ready. This is implied in the name 'Everlasting God,' which teaches that God is eternal yet works within time. Les Feldick explains that God does not tell everything in Genesis or the Old Testament but reveals things as we move through time.
Keeping all things in their rightful place within progressive revelation makes the Bible easier to study and understand, reducing confusion. Les Feldick notes that when believers can see the development of truth, it becomes exciting. He also emphasizes that a solid understanding of Genesis makes the whole New Testament more readily understood.
The book of Revelation is unique because it reveals Jesus Christ in His glory, coming as King of kings and Lord of lords. It is a misnomer to call it the revelation of Saint John; it is a revelation of Jesus Christ. This book is the culmination of the progressive revelation of who Christ is, showing more and more of Him throughout Scripture. Unlike other books, Revelation cannot be taught verse by verse; instead, events must be isolated and pieced together.
Why Did God Hide Secrets in the Bible Until Now?
Hello, and welcome to Through the Bible with Les Feldick. An Oklahoma rancher and farmer, Les Feldick has been teaching homestyle Bible classes for 20 years in Iowa, Oklahoma, and Texas. Les Feldick's unique style of Bible teaching has made the books of the Bible come to life. When Les is teaching, it's so interesting that people say time just seems to fly by. And now, here is Les Feldick.
Progressive Revelation in Paul's Writings
Les explains that Paul's writings are a progressive revelation in themselves, just like the Bible as a whole, moving from simple beginnings to deeper truths.
God Doesn't Unload Everything at Once
Les states that God doesn't reveal everything in Genesis, the Old Testament, or even Christ's earthly ministry, but reveals truths as He sees fit.
Keeping Progressive Revelation in Place
Les teaches that keeping all things in their rightful place within progressive revelation makes the Bible exciting and easier to understand without confusion.
Revelation's Unique Structure
Les points out that the book of Revelation is different because it cannot be taught verse by verse; events must be isolated and pieced together.
God Hides and Reveals in Time
Les explains that God is the God of time and can hide things in time to reveal them when He is ready, which is why progressive revelation is essential to understanding Scripture.
Genesis as Foundation
Les emphasizes that a good understanding of Genesis makes the whole New Testament more readily understood, highlighting the progressive nature of revelation.
Revealing More of Christ
Les shows that Scripture constantly reveals more of who Christ is, from His body of glory to His grace and ultimately to His return as King of kings.
Revelation 1:1: The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:
This verse identifies the book as a revelation of Jesus Christ, indicating a final disclosure of truth.
No, according to Les Feldick, God does not unload everything in Genesis or the Old Testament. He reveals truths gradually as time unfolds, which is why the Bible is a progressive revelation.
Understanding progressive revelation helps keep all biblical truths in their rightful place, preventing confusion and making the Bible more exciting and easier to study.
The book of Revelation is the culmination of progressive revelation, revealing Jesus Christ in His glory as King of kings and Lord of lords. Les Feldick notes that this book is unique and must be studied differently.
Watch the Teaching: Why Did God Hide Secrets in the Bible Until Now?