04.09 - Revelation, Historical and Progressive

(9) Revelation Historical and Progressive

Revelation and progress have sometimes been described as contradictor}-; revelation being regarded as definite and complete, and progress as indicating a process of development and of gradual unfolding.

Because of this the expression “ progress in the know ledge of God “ has been substituted for “ Progressive Revelation.” We hold by the latter expression, using it to embrace the two ideas of a progressive know ledge of God Himself, and of His gracious purposes of redemption for the race. “ Revelation,” says Professor A. B. Bruce, u took the form of an historical movement, subject to the ordinary laws of historic development, and exhibiting the usual characteristics of movements subject to those laws. The redemptive purpose of God evolved itself by a regular process of growth, and the progress was marked by three salient features: slow movement, partial action, and advance to the perfect from the more or less imperfect, both in knowledge and morality.” 1 This slow and gradual progress of revelation and redemption harmonised with the revelation of God in Nature, Creation, and Providence, 1 “The Chief End of Revelation,” p. 105. and is in general accord with the divine action in history. To have ushered the divine plan of redemption into the world suddenly and full-grown, and by one great act, “ would,” says Professor Bruce, <(not only have been contrary to the known ways of God, but have carried the appearance of a thaumaturgical performance, and have given rise to a feeling of doubt and misgiving and resistance to it.” Moreover, the race would not have been prepared to understand and receive it. The race required to be trained and educated to understand and accept it. Israel was placed, like a child, under “tutors and governors,” was put to school with the “ Law and the Prophets;” that as a people they might understand the purpose of God, might know His will, even the “ hidden things of God,” and be prepared to work out His gracious designs for the race.