To be saved, we need God's special revelation. Special revelation is not given to all people, but it is graciously given to some. Due to our sinfulness, God could justly never reveal Himself or His truth to anyone; but He has mercifully chosen to reveal this to some.

God's special revelation is His Word, the Bible. Only God's Word reveals to man:

1. Who God is - the Trinity

2. How God is to be worshipped - in spirit and in truth

3. God's plan of salvation - Jesus Christ.

In order to know, worship, and be saved by God, we need His special revelation; we need God's Word.

These three important distinctions between God's general and special revelations are denied by some today. The following story is an example of this:

" I am in church each Sunday," answered a young man when being asked by his minister why he had been absent from several church services. "I attend a 'nature church' on Sundays. I love hiking, and when I find a quiet place, I sit down and enjoy God's creation. My conscience and nature testify of God and I worship God just as well in my 'church' as you do in yours!"

After a short pause, the minister asked, "What do you learn about the Trinity and the way of salvation in your church? "

Why could the young man not give a satisfactory answer to the minister's question? How does this example illustrate the important difference between God's general and special revelations?

In ancient times, before the Bible was completed, the Lord revealed His Word to man through dreams, visions, appearances of angels or of God Himself, direct communication, casting of lots, or the use of the Urim and Thummim. Can you provide an Old Testament example of each of these forms of revelation being used?

As time progressed, God graciously inspired various persons to perfectly write and record His Word of revelation in order to preserve His Word for every age. This written Word of God is the Bible.

How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?

So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.

- Romans 10:14,17

Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of Me.

- John 5:39

Those believing that one can worship God equally through studying nature or the Bible are mistaken. Why?

Can you give an Old Testament example of God's revealing His Word through a dream, vision, angelic appearance, divine appearance, direct communication, casting of a lot, and use of the Urim and Thummim?