Revelation. What a magnificent and Churchy-sounding word, if I've ever heard one (oh, and I have). A book of the Bible is even called Revelation, it being a fantastic vision that was sent to John of Patmos by Jesus after he had ascended to the right hand of God. But for some reason, Churchianity has kept the idea of divine revelation contained to only a select few books of the Bible (Revelation, Ezekiel, Daniel, 2 Esdras if you're Catholic). I wonder why this is. Could it be because the idea of everyone being able to talk to God and have God talk to them removes external (and strikingly imperfect) mortal intervention in the spiritual processes of the world's one true faith? Jesus isn't an arbitrator between petty issues, and neither should we be.
When I was younger, my seventh grade teacher would tell us that God still speaks to us through the Bible. While it is true that the Gospels and the Book of Revelation are indeed perfectly inspired (and frankly, the only important) works contained in the Bible, God still speaks to us in other ways. Tie me to a burning stake and call me a heretic, but it's true. I'm not talking about seances and silly hocus pocus, here; this is real divine revelation that can be seen whenever and however God chooses to send it. In the Bible, it was through dreams and visions, and God certainly can still send those, but it is possible that revelation can be found in other places. Turning on the car radio to find a consoling passage of the Gospel on after the funeral of a dearly loved one, finding a True Christian pamphlet on your doorstep at a time of spiritual crisis, or even accidentally clicking this website link on a list of dangerous cult-sites when you're feeling the most religiously zealous of your life can all be modes of transportation for God's divine will.
I'm not saying that I'm the answer to all your prayers; I'm just saying that God can change you like he changed me, even when you don't feel much like changing. Like my old school's spirit-theme used to say, 'he's refining in his timing.' Of course, you can always go back to your old beliefs that you'll never be able to be a prophet, or an apostle, or a shepherd of the masses, or an evangelist, or a teacher of the law if you want. In fact, you can click off this site right now and ask your pastor for his churchy advice right now. I don't even know who you are anyway, so it's not like I could stop you. Heck, if you don't agree with this article, or anything on this site, I'd challenge you to correct me on it; tell me all about how I'm wrong, and I'll be sure to close down the site. But I digress.
The Book of Revelation is also called the Apocalypse, which is derived from Greek apokaluptein, meaning 'to uncover' or 'to reveal' (the latter is where the term 'revelation' comes from). I personally think that it makes more sense for the book to be titled 'The Uncovering of Jesus Christ' or the 'The Revealing of the Lion of Judah,' because the end times are when all the charades are over, all masks are off, and we will know Jesus for who he is: our one and only representative of the Living God. The same could be said for modern revelations; God is still talking, it's just that we aren't listening (Note: I don't say 'modern' to draw distinction between revelations in the Bible and ones now. God never stopped giving them, but we just weren't applying them like we should have due to the 'Church', notions of heresy, etc).
When we receive a revelation from God, be it of any source, time, or circumstance, we are literally having the amazing Plan of our salvation unfolded before our eyes. It is an amazing gift, promised to us by God through Jesus and confirmed by the apostle Peter. In the second chapter of the Book of Acts, he prophesies about God's plan that when the last days are here, we'll know by the true Church's ability to receive visions and dreams (Acts 2:17). Like beacons of light, we'll shine, as Churchianity remains trying to light wet matches in a dark, dark, world (see John 8:12 and Matthew 5:14 for the former phrase, Matthew 6:22 for the latter). But we need to remain in this amazing light if we're going to keep on shining (again, John 8:12 XD). The moment we stray from his path, we'll just be like people going to a wedding without the right clothes on (Matthew 22:11-13), or without oil for our lamps (Matthew 25:1-4).
However, just like any gift, some will get it sooner, while some won't get it for a long time, and some won't get it at all. Not to say that those who never get a revelation will never get any gift from the Spirit, because they will eventually have a sermon, revelatory interpretation, prayer or psalm to share, which are just as important (kudos to Paul for 1 Corinthians 14:26). In fact, without the other gifts, there isn't much purpose for a revelation, is there? God only gives revelations so that we can apply the lesson into our daily lives. For example, Revelation has multiple potential applications: saying 'no' to greed, keeping watch for Jesus' return, being wary of idols, etc. If we did nothing but let John's amazing vision collect dust, this apostle's final and greatest work would be wasted!
So, when you receive a revelation (that you are certain is from God), share it with your brothers and sisters in Jesus. They can give you some interpretations, and you can learn from and discuss with them about what they have received from the Spirit. As a matter of fact, every day you can do this, because God is always present in our daily lives. But the application of the revelation is the most important; no matter how smart or theologically educated you are, you still need others to help you and for you to help them. One of the devil's greatest deceptions is that you can live the life that Jesus commanded us to live alone. You're not Jesus, who could shine alone. He said WE are the light of the world, and trying to just wing it yourself would be like putting this light under a basket (Matthew 5:14-15). And that, in essence, would be to deny the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross so that you could have life to the fullest (John 10:10).
But no matter what I say, there is only one way to salvation: Jesus. Like I said before, I'm not Jesus, although I hope to be like him, just like I hope you will, too. In fact, we already are if we're receiving negative publicity, or our parents are saying we're wasting our lives, or if the 'Church' itself excommunicates us and deems us worthy of death, because that is why we receive revelations, that is why we will dream dreams, and that is why Jesus died on the cross for us. Be a martyr, and stand with him!
