Reymond’s “Systematic Theology” and the facts of revelation

1. Reymond’s Systematic Theology and the "facts of revelation" (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 1998), 3-10.

2. As an additional set amplifying on Reymond, we post Dr. R.C. Sproul’s video-cast at: http://www.ligonier.org/rym/broadcasts/video/his-word-truth/?format=video

3. The facts of revelation. God revealed Himself “at many time and in various ways” (Heb.1.1-2) . The OT uses, “the word of Yahweh” scores of times. “The law of Yahweh” occurs also which means “divine authoritative communication.” Galah, a revelatory word, means the “removal of obstacles to perception.” Yadah, in the causative stem, means “reveal” or “make known.” God made known Himself, His attributes, glory, works and words.

4. Pre-patriarchal period, Gen.1.-11. God spoke directly and propositionally to Adam.

5. Patriarch period. Gen.12-50. Theophanies. Varied texts are posted. By the way, throughout, God speaks in recognizable language, not babblings like Pentecostalists assert.

6. Mosaic period. The burning bush (Ex.3) and other visions (Nu.22.20). Moses was repeatedly told to write things down.

7. Conquest under Joshua. Mosaic words inscripturated and were authoritative. A few more Theophanies. Texts given.

8. Age of Prophets, Samuel to Malachi. Samuel inscripturated the Word of the Lord. Samuel organizes guilds of prophets to instruct Israel in the Word of God. They studies the written Word of God, kept a record of Israel’s history, and preserved their own writings.

9. United kingdom under David. God spoke to David and Solomon. 73 Psalms by David. 2 by Solomon. Texts given.

10. Divided kingdom. Various prophets.

11. They were all instructed to put these revelations to writing.

12. Summary:

a. God reveals Himself in the history of redemption.
b. Redemptive history is structured by several covenants.
c. Redemptive revelation is progressive.
d. Revelations came by theophanies, dreams and visions. The NT will call it the “law and prophets” Lk.16.16, inter alia.
e. Public reading, teaching and exposition of the Word of God followed inscripturation. This was to keep the Word of God before the people.

13. As we ponder this theme, it is this scribe's view that the doctrine of Scripture is under very open attack. Should we be surprised?

14. "Modern Reformation" is dealing with this subject, Scripture, throughout the year in its publication. Available through http://www.whitehorseinn.org/. We commend Martin Chemnitz's Examination of the Council of Trent, 3-Vol (Concordia Press).