As we
have seen over the past few months, revelation, inspiration, inerrancy, and
canonicity make theological and historical claims about the Scripture. Revelation says that Scripture is God’s
written revelation of his nature and will, including the good news of
deliverance and glorification, to humanity. Inspiration
teaches that Scripture was breathed out by God and written by human authors. Inerrancy refers to the truth of the
original transcripts of Scripture. It says that Scripture is true, conforming
to reality and speaking the truth in everything it affirms. Canonicity is a historical concept that
refers the authenticity of Scripture.
Illumination is different in that it
makes a theological claim about God's interactions with his people with regard
to Scripture. It is the ministry of the Holy Spirit clarifying the meaning of
Scripture to believers who are maturing in faith and fellowship with Jesus. The
Spirit's illumination can take place directly with each believer or indirectly
through the spoken or written words of teachers. Whatever the means,
illumination is always a work of the Holy Spirit connecting the mind of God
with the minds of his people. God gave us the Bible because he wants his people
to understand. He then helps us understand by acting as our guide to the
meaning and significance of his Word. God the Spirit illuminates the Scripture
as we engage its truth.
The
Spirit illuminates the Scripture, helping believers to understand and know how
to live out that understanding. He reveals the things of God that have been
hidden (Ephesians 1:15-23). He uncovers the deep things of God, interpreting
the significance of spiritual things that human wisdom cannot explain (1
Corinthians 2:6-14). He illuminates the Scripture for believers who are
maturing in Christ, but does not do so for those who cater to the flesh (1
Corinthians 3:1-4).
Illumination
is one side of a two-sided partnership, for it requires our participation.
Believers must take a prayerful approach to Scripture. We must hone our skills
as we practice the principled study of Scripture. We must practice informed and
open listening to Christian teachers who unfold God’s Word through spoken word,
the written word, or life.
Sources
Ephesians 1:15-23
1 Corinthians 2:6-14
1 Corinthians 3:1-4
C. C. Ryrie. Illumination. Ed. Elwell, W. A. (2001). In Evangelical dictionary of theology: Second Edition (pp. 590–591). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic.
