The God Who Speaks and Confronts
Christianity does not begin with man searching for God.
It begins with God addressing man.
As we enter 2026: The Year of Learning Essential Christian Doctrines, we are reminded that the foundation of all doctrine is not human curiosity or philosophical reflection, but divine revelation. We worship a God who speaks—and when He speaks, He does not merely inform; He confronts.
God’s First Words to Fallen Humanity
In Genesis 3, immediately after sin entered the world, God did not remain silent. He spoke.
“But the LORD God called to the man, ‘Where are you?’” (Gen 3:9)
“Then the LORD God said to the woman, ‘What is this you have done?’” (Gen 3:13)
These questions were not asked because God lacked information. They were spoken to expose, confront, and draw sinners into accountability. And yet, even in confrontation, God spoke words of hope:
“He will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.” (Gen 3:15)
From the very beginning, when God speaks, the outcome is always one of two things: salvation or judgment. There is no neutral ground.
The Human Longing to Hear God
Scripture shows us that humanity cannot escape the awareness of God. Even those who deny Him struggle with an inner restlessness—a voice they cannot fully silence.
The modern absurdity claims: “If I decide God does not exist, then He does not exist.”
Yet Scripture tells a different story.
“For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him.” (Rom 1:21)
Man seeks God in two common ways:
- By looking within—through intuition or inner voice.
- By relying on reason, wisdom, and understanding.
But both paths ultimately fail.
As Job cried out in his suffering:
“If only I knew where to find Him…” (Job 23:3)
The problem is not a lack of effort, but a deeper reality: it is impossible for man to truly know God on his own.
Why Man Cannot Know God Apart from Revelation
There are two fundamental barriers:
- The infiniteness and absoluteness of God’s nature
- The sinfulness and corruption of man’s condition
Therefore, if God is to be known at all, He must reveal Himself. And the good news is: He has.
God’s Twofold Revelation
1. Common Revelation
God reveals Himself universally through:
- Creation
- History
- Conscience
“For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities… have been clearly seen.” (Rom 1:20)
Common revelation is sufficient to show that God exists—but it is also sufficient to condemn, because humanity suppresses the truth.
“They suppress the truth by their wickedness.” (Rom 1:18)
Common revelation leaves man without excuse, but not with salvation.
2. Special Revelation
To save, God speaks more clearly and personally.
In the Old Testament, God revealed Himself through:
- Theophanies
- Direct speech
- Signs, wonders, and miracles
- The prophets—“Thus says the LORD”
In the New Testament, He spoke through:
- Apostolic signs and wonders
- Dreams and visions
- Divine inspiration—moving men to write His Word and illuminating its meaning
God’s Final and Full Word: Jesus Christ
Special revelation reaches its climax in God’s redemptive acts.
“But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son…” (Gal 4:4–5)
“In these last days he has spoken to us by his Son.” (Heb 1:1–2)
God’s ultimate speech is not merely words—it is a Person. In Christ, God confronts every sinful soul, not to destroy, but to release us from bondage, guilt, and death.
God Speaks Today Through Inspired Scripture
God continues to speak—not through new revelation, but through His inspired Word.
“All Scripture is God-breathed.” (2 Tim 3:16)
The Bible is:
- Plenary — all of Scripture is inspired
- Verbal — down to the very words, without mechanical dictation
- Authoritative, unified, and trustworthy
The church is built upon this foundation:
“On the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.” (Eph 2:20)
This Word is given for all humanity, carrying the full authority of God Himself.
Let the Word Confront You
Common revelation tells us that God exists.
Special revelation tells us who He is, how we are saved, and how we are to live.
Therefore, we must not create our own truths or suppress God’s truth. Instead, we are called to humbly submit to it.
“My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word.” (Ps 119:28)
“Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” (Matt 4:4)
The God who speaks still speaks today.
And His Word still confronts—
not to condemn those in Christ,
but to bring life, truth, and salvation.
