The Apostles' Creed: The Holy SpiritSample

General Revelation: Romans 1:20

General revelation is: God’s use of the natural world and its workings to make his existence, nature, presence, actions and will known to all humanity. 

Scripture speaks of general revelation in many places, such as Psalms 8 and 19, and Romans 1–2. For example, Romans 1:20 speaks of general revelation in this way:

Since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities — his eternal power and divine nature — have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse (Romans 1:20).

Scripture often says that general revelation is delivered through the Holy Spirit’s works of creative power in nature — both in the act of creation itself, and in sustaining what has been created. All these works flow from the Spirit’s will and character. So, as we recognize his hand in them, they teach us about his nature and intentions.

The Holy Spirit’s role in general revelation is quite significant and important because, of course, he is the agent of creation. He is the one who is still involved in upholding God’s laws — “natural laws” we sometimes say. And this is a revelation that the Holy Spirit gives to all people without distinction, which is different, of course, to what we sometimes call the “special revelation,” whereby we come to know Jesus as Lord and Savior because of his internal work in our heart. But general revelation is something that is available to all of God’s creatures. – Dr. Simon Vibert

God tells us that the heavens declare the glory of God. So everywhere we turn our eye we can see a demonstration of God’s power, his wisdom, his goodness, all around us in creation. The Holy Spirit takes these revelations of God and brings them home to us in powerful ways, so we have to come to terms with our creator. – Dr. K. Erik Thoennes