Divine Revelation: How God Speaks to Us

In OCIA, we don’t just study ideas — we learn how God reveals Himself and how the Church safeguards that gift.

What Is Revelation?

We can learn many things by observation: rocks, plants, even animals. But people reveal themselves through words — and God does too. He shows Himself so that we can know Him, love Him, and respond to Him. As the Catechism says:

“God reveals Himself in order to make human beings capable of responding to Him and knowing Him and loving Him far beyond their own natural capacity” (CCC 52).

How Does God Reveal Himself?

• In the Old Testament: through creation, covenants, and prophets.

• In Jesus Christ: the fullness of God’s revelation. In Christ, God has said everything; there will be no new public revelation before Christ returns.

How Is Revelation Handed On?

• Sacred Tradition: The apostles handed on what they received from Christ — through preaching, example, and the life of the Church. Not everything Jesus did was written down (see John 21:25).

• Sacred Scripture: The written word of God, inspired by the Holy Spirit, growing out of that living Tradition. The New Testament books were written in the first century, but the canon of Scripture was settled by the Church in the 4th century.

Apostolic Succession

The apostles appointed successors, and that chain continues today through the bishops. This ensures the faith is passed on faithfully until the end of time (see 2 Tim 2:2).

Magisterium & Dogma

• Magisterium: The teaching authority of the Church — the Pope and bishops in union with him — who authentically interpret God’s Word in Scripture and Tradition.

• Dogma: Truths revealed by God and declared by the Magisterium as binding for all believers. Far from limits, they are lights and safeguards along the path of faith.

Examples include:

• Christ is true God and true man.

• Mary is the Mother of God.

• Every person has an immortal soul.