Rethinking How We Define Revelation
What comes to mind when you hear the word "revelation"?
For many, it means something deep, something new, something we've never heard before, a fresh insight that feels profound. And while those things can be part of it, I've been rethinking how we define revelation.
There is a tendency to measure revelation by how impressive it sounds or how different it is from what we've heard before. But in Scripture, revelation is not validated by its novelty; it is validated by its fruit. Revelation is not proven by how deep it sounds, but by what it produces.
A New Lens for Revelation
In Ephesians 1:17, Paul prays for the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him. This implies that we can have knowledge without revelation. Revelation is not just about gaining insight, but it is about experiencing God more accurately and personally. Then, in Romans 15:13, we are told that hope increases as we believe.
When we place these together, a pattern emerges: when we grow in revelation in the knowledge of Him, hope increases. This is what true revelation produces—hope. And hope energizes us to fruitfulness, "that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit" (Romans 15:13 NKJV).
Paul's prayer in Ephesians 1:17–19 connects revelation to outcomes:
1. The hope of our calling—clarity about who we are and what lies ahead (hope for ourselves). (Photo via Wallpaper Flare)
2. The riches in people—seeing the value and significance of others (hope for others).
3. God's power toward us—confidence that real transformation is possible (hope for a better future, which is really what hope is).
Revelation doesn't just inform; it reorients how we see everything.
Rethinking "Having a Revelation"
It's easy to celebrate revelation like this:
• "That was deep."
• "That was new."
• "I've never heard that before."
But those are not Paul's indicators. A better question is did it increase hope? Because when we see God more clearly, we expect good from Him.
Increasing the Likelihood of Receiving Revelation
If revelation produces hope and transformation, then an important question is how do we position ourselves to receive it?
Jesus gives us a powerful pathway in John 8:31–32: "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (NKJV).
This shows us a progression:
1. Abide → Know → Freedom
2. Logos and Rhema
The Bible often uses two words for "word":
• Logos: the written Word of God (Scripture, truth available to all).
• Rhema: the revealed word (truth made alive and personal by the Spirit).
We don't get rhema apart from logos. As we abide in the logos, it becomes rhema—living, personal revelation. And when truth becomes revelation, it produces freedom.
How We Abide in the Word
We increase the likelihood of revelation (having rhema words) by consistently engaging with the Word in intentional ways:
• Biblical meditation—slowing down and thinking deeply and repeatedly about truth.
• Imagination—picturing ourselves living in that truth.
• Declarations—speaking truth out loud until it becomes internal.
• Hearing teaching—reinforcing and expanding our understanding. (Photo via Unsplash)
This is not striving; it is positioning. We are not forcing revelation. We are creating an environment where revelation is more likely.
A Clearer Definition
Revelation is not just seeing something new; it is seeing God in a way that changes what I expect.
It reshapes...
• How I see my future,
• How I see others,
• How I see what is possible.
It moves truth from concept into conviction.
Final Thought
As we grow in the knowledge of Him...
• Hope rises,
• Our view of people elevates,
• Confidence in transformation increases.
This is not because we are trying harder, but because we are seeing more clearly. The God who is being revealed is not distant, unpredictable, or limited. He is the God of hope. And as we abide in His Word, truth becomes revelation, and revelation produces freedom. Because ultimately, it is not revelation unless it increases hope and affects how we live.
Declarations:
• I abide in the Word, and truth becomes living revelation in me.
• Revelation in the knowledge of God is increasing hope inside of me.
• I move from logos to rhema as I consistently engage with the Word.
• God's Word is becoming real, personal, and transformative in my life.
• I am growing in clarity, confidence, and expectation through revelation.
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Steve Backlund
Igniting Hope
Email:Â Info@ignitinghope.com
Website:Â www.ignitinghope.com
Steve Backlund is a prolific encourager, catalytic author, joy activator, and revivalist teacher. He brings transformational levels of hope to churches and organizations around the world. He is uniquely gifted to release hope, joy, and healthy leadership everywhere he goes.
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