Introduction
Having established the Word of God as the epistemic principle of theology, the necessity thereof logically follows. Since it is a principle, its existence is necessary for theology’s existence. Without supernatural revelation, supernatural theology would not exist. Therefore, this section of the systematic will declare the necessity of both unwritten and written supernatural revelation against rationalists and libertines. However, a refresher on distinctions will be helpful before the discussion. Firstly, there are four senses of the Word of God: the second person of the trinity, the unwritten Word of God given to the prophets and apostles, the written (or inscripturated) Word of God, and the internal Word of God, namely the illumination or testimony by the Holy Spirit. Here, we will establish the necessity of unwritten/verbal revelation and written/inscripturated revelation which is the epistemic principle of revealed supernatural theology (theologia nostra).
Is Unwritten Supernatural Revelation Necessary?
This question does not concern natural revelation since everyone agrees that God created us as rational creatures with the ability to know him to at least some extent which establishes both the objective revelation (considered as something outside and independent of the human mind) and subjective theology (considered as knowledge of someone). Furthermore, this question does not concern written revelation which will be discussed in the next question. Therefore, the question only concerns the supernatural species of revelation and the second sense of the Word of God. The question is raised due to rationalists and deists declaring no need for divine revelation since human reason (or natural revelation) can determine enough truth regarding God. However, the orthodox affirm that supernatural revelation is necessary, and that without it, there would be no hope of supernatural theology and salvation. 1) It has already been asserted that man can know God through natural means (rationality and creation); however, this knowledge has been proven to be insufficient for supernatural theology and salvation. We can know God as Creator but not as Redeemer. There is a difference in understanding that there is one God who created all things and knowing that this very God came into the world to save mankind by grace. Knowing the trinity, the gospel, and the incarnation cannot be done through reason or merely by observing creation. But knowing this is necessary for supernatural theology and salvation. Therefore, unwritten supernatural revelation is absolutely necessary. We assent to the truth of this revelation on the basis of faith (a supernatural virtue), not reason. 2) To further support the argument, in our division of theology into theology of revelation, union, and vision, we showed that the human on earth is incapable of a theology of union or vision. Therefore, theology of revelation is the only mode left for the human subject here on earth. In conjunction with the previous argument, supernaturally revealed theology is necessary. However, this argument does not likewise prove the necessity of written supernatural revelation.
Is Written Supernatural Revelation Necessary?
This question concerns the third sense of the Word of God and still the supernatural species of revelation. A couple more distinctions need to be made to accurately address this problem. Firstly, necessity can either be absolute or hypothetical. An absolute necessity is that which cannot not be. For example, 2+2=4 is always true no matter what and must be so. A hypothetical necessity is something that is made necessary on account of God’s will. For example, if God wills that unicorns exist, then they must necessarily exist because God willed it to be so, but he did not have to will that (and in fact he did not). Secondly, Scripture (written supernatural revelation) can be considered materially or formally. Materially means the content of Scripture, namely the doctrine itself. Formally means the form under which it is given, i.e. the mode of delivery. Considered materially, the content of Scripture is absolutely necessary to be revealed for the reasons in the prior question. Considered formally, Scripture is hypothetically necessary under divine command and according to the specific dispensation of grace (i.e. the church in maturity). 1) Scripture is divinely commanded. That which is divinely commanded is necessary. Therefore, Scripture is necessary. The major premise is proven from Habakkuk 2:2 which says, “The LORD answered me: Write down this vision; clearly inscribe it on tablets so one may easily read it.” This is a command from God to write down unwritten revelation. Moreover, God commands John to write down his vision as well: “Therefore, write what you have seen, what is, and what will take place after this” (Rev 1:19). 2) Descriptions of the Word of God point to the necessity of it as well. Referring to the Torah, King David speaks on the law of God in many different ways. People are blessed who follow it (vv. 1-8).It is used to avoid sin (v. 11) and is considered a delight (v. 24). Also, it is life-giving (v. 25). It is a light unto our feet (v. 105). There are so many descriptions of the Torah. Without such an amazing thing, would we be able to avoid sin? Would we not be in darkness without our lamp? How can we follow God without his written word? All of these descriptions point to the necessity of the written Word in the life of a believer. 3) There is a natural progression of revelation throughout God’s different dispensations. To Abraham, no written revelation is given. To Moses, five books were given. As time went on God revealed himself more fully in the gospels and the apostolic letters, showing that God so willed the writing of revelation in his infinite wisdom. These writings are the foundation of the church (Eph. 2:20). 4) According to God’s wisdom, the preservation of his Word in written form better guards against corruption, and allows for better propagation to the next generation. This thesis is affirmed against the enthusiasts and libertines who emphasize private divine revelation over and against the divine Scripture. For Scripture is extended to all people, no matter how spiritual they are. The letter to the Romans is given to all the saints there (Rom. 1:7) and likewise the Corinthians (1 Cor 1:2). Paul even wrote inspired Scripture for the more mature in the faith, namely Titus and Timothy. Therefore, Scripture is given under the divine command of God for the whole church and her wellbeing, without which the church would fall apart.
Conclusion
By claiming that Scripture is the principium of supernatural theology, the necessity is assumed but also proven. The proof for unwritten and written supernatural revelation is different since it concerns different modes of delivery. However, the former’s necessity is established on the basis of the human mind here on earth only being able to know theology through revelation and supernatural realities, not on the basis of human reason, but upon the basis of supernatural revelation. The latter’s necessity is proven from the direct command of God, descriptions of Scripture, progression of God’s revelation, and the wisdom of God in preserving his Word. The first thesis (verbal supernatural revelation is absolutely necessary1 for supernatural theology and salvation) contradicts the rationalists who claim human reason is sufficient. The second thesis (written supernatural revelation is hypothetically necessary for supernatural theology and salvation) contradicts the enthusiasts and libertines that ignore Scripture to the priority of private verbal revelation. Having proved both theses, the nature and definition of the Word and Scripture will be more fully fleshed out.
- For clarification, I am not saying God by absolute necessity wills the existence of supernaturally revealed theology. I am saying verbal revelation is absolutely necessary insofar as God has willed the creation of man the way he did and his salvation. ↩︎