Description

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There are two ways to learn. In the physical realm we learn by observation. The advancement of knowledge in this realm is accomplished by science... a process of observing and making conclusions. In the spiritual realm observation is not the ultimate means of knowledge (although it can verify spiritual knowledge). It cannot bring spiritual knowledge to the learner. Knowledge in the spiritual realm comes by revelation. Revelation is the unveiling of that which is hidden (or covered). Prelude to Revelation is a consideration of the process of spiritual learning we call revelation. More precisely, it is the study of the necessary position that must be in place for revelation to come to the learner. This position is one of curiosity... Spiritual curiosity. One must have this vital quality in order for the unveiling of hidden truths to be accomplished. Peter (and the other disciples) was asked by Jesus, "Whom to men say that I am?" Peter responded with the correct answer and was informed by Jesus that he did not know the answer by "flesh and blood" (i.e. by natural observation or calculation), but by revelation. Jesus went on to say that this was the means by which the Kingdom of God would be built. Spiritual revelation is the means of receiving knowledge of the unseen (not observed) world. Prelude to Revelation explores this fascinating subject by considering the mysterious ways of the Kingdom of God. Jesus almost exclusively taught using stories (parables) that were really clues to the invisible spiritual world. The desire to know the answers to the mysteries He put forth may have been the single most important factor as to whether the student would come to spiritual knowledge and ultimately, eternal life. It is human nature to desire salvation, but it is also human nature to have answers that are laid out in very precise (dare I say, scientific) manner. It was not to be the method Jesus chose in imparting knowledge. His words in prayer were, "I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight. All things are delivered to me of my Father: and no man knoweth who the Son is, but the Father; and who the Father is, but the Son, and he to whom the Son will reveal him." (Luke 10:21 &22) It is, indeed, questions (spiritual curiosity) that set the stage for spiritual revelation and subsequently spiritual knowledge. The teaching of Jesus was so designed to provoke curiosity concerning the Kingdom of God that it was prophesied concerning it (His teaching) that he would not speak without doing so in parables (stories about the mysteries God). It was His method of teaching because revelation was His chosen method of learning. And before revelation can come, curiosity must be present. Thus the subject and title of this book Prelude to Revelation. For forty years the Children of Israel were fed in the wilderness by a little round "thing" called manna. It came during the night by the hand of God. It came in the darkness (in the realm of mystery), but was available to any and all in the morning. It literally means "What is it?" Manna was a question, it was mysterious, it was miraculous, it was their food, but mostly it was God's way of saying, "Don't you want to know more about me?" Science may confirm many revelations, but it cannot be the source of spiritual knowledge. If God is to be truly found it will be by the means of the revelation of spiritual mysteries and that must be preceded by SPIRITUAL CURIOSITY.