What Is Progressive Revelation?

“Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths,
ask where the good way is, and walk in it”
– Jeremiah 6: 16

Definition
‘Progressive Revelation’ refers to how God chose to reveal himself and his will to mankind in incremental ways until the compilation of Scripture was complete.
It is important therefore to note that the revelation of Scripture is no longer taking place. Having been given in stages we have today in complete form all that God will have man know about his will for mankind in human history.

Fascination With The ‘New’
Man is always fascinated with the ‘new’. There is much talk in Christianity about ‘fresh revelation’. Nevertheless, the Scripture tells us over and over again to hold on to the truths that have been revealed.
These truths are foundational to our Christian way of life. These truths remain the bedrock of the Christian’s walk with God. When the Christian or the Church then seeks that which appears to be more appealing or ‘spiritually satisfying’ rather than that which has already been revealed the end result is ending up drifting off-course from the spiritual path God has established.

New Approaches?
While there may new approaches to say evangelism for instance, the core truth of the gospel – faith alone in Christ alone – remains sacrosanct.
A ‘progressive revelation’ that comes up with a new ‘word’ from God that faith in Jesus Christ as saviour is no longer required as the basis for salvation of the sinner will not only contradict the established truth that there is no other name given to mankind by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12) but also question the integrity of God.
There is therefore the need to distinguish between new approaches, contextualization and the like, and retention of the core truths of the faith.

Progressive Revelation Or Fresh Insight?
The Christian may get a progressive understanding of Scripture. There may be newer clarity seen into the already revealed Scripture. Fresh insight may be got into portions of Scripture that have been previously studied or looked at. But all these do not equate to ‘fresh revelation’ as in completely new doctrine or additional divine truths not previously given by God.
God is not revealing additional truths today that was not revealed with the completed Canon of Scripture.
What the Christian needs to do is to seek to ‘discover’ the truths that have been once for all revealed, rather than seek ‘fresh revelations’ or the next ‘new thing’ or ‘big move’ of God.
The Christian is to distance himself from ANYONE who does not continue in the truths revealed in Scripture. If he does not, such a Christian share in what the Bible describes as “his wicked work” – (2 John 9-11).

Conclusion: The Finality Of God’s Truth For Human History
The book of Revelation (Rev. 22:18) gives us a very clear statement of the finality of all the revelation that God wishes to give man on this side of eternity. This means that God has given us all that we need for living and for running our spiritual life.
A search for anything ‘new’ or ‘fresh’ is an excursion into error and a departure from the path God wants his children to walk in.
All that we need for our teaching, rebuking, correcting and instructing in righteousness in order to be well equipped for every good work has been given to us – 2 Timothy 3:16.
The Christian and the Church must never look for any new ‘revelation’ from God. He has given us all we need and what he has given is sufficient for us.