Divine Revelation

Divine Revelation is God's free act of making himself known to humanity — communicating both himself and his plan of salvation. God has revealed himself through creation (natural revelation) and definitively through his Son Jesus Christ and the Scriptures and Tradition entrusted to the Church (CCC 50–53).

Natural and Supernatural Revelation

Natural revelation is God's self-disclosure through creation — the order, beauty, and existence of the universe point toward their Creator, and reason can arrive at the knowledge that God exists (Romans 1:19–20). Supernatural revelation is God's direct communication of truths that surpass reason — the Trinity, the Incarnation, the way of salvation — given through the prophets, Scripture, and supremely through Jesus Christ (CCC 36–38, 50–53).

Christ as the Fullness of Revelation

Jesus Christ is not merely one revealer among many — he is the final and definitive Word of God. "In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son" (Hebrews 1:1–2). In Christ, divine revelation is complete — no new public revelation is to be expected before his glorious return (CCC 65–67).

How Revelation Is Transmitted

The revelation given to the Apostles is transmitted through Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition, interpreted authentically by the Magisterium. This is why the Catholic Church insists that Scripture alone is insufficient — the fullness of revelation is entrusted to the Church, not merely to a book (CCC 74–83).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can God still reveal things today? Public revelation — binding on all the faithful — closed with the death of the last Apostle. Private revelations (like Fatima or Lourdes) can help people live the faith more fully but cannot add to or contradict the Deposit of Faith. They are not required for belief even when approved by the Church (CCC 66–67).