Is God Still Giving Revelation to Men Today?
(Based solely on the King James Bible and Pauline doctrine)
The word revelation in Scripture means the uncovering or making known of divine truth previously hidden. Throughout the Bible, God revealed His will progressively, speaking “at sundry times and in divers manners” (Hebrews 1:1). He spoke by prophets, dreams, visions, angels, and direct appearances. Each revelation served a purpose within its own dispensation, building upon the unfolding plan of God. Yet the question today is whether God continues to give new revelation to men. According to the King James Bible and the revelation given to the apostle Paul, the answer is no. The revelation of God is complete, and the last man to receive direct revelation from God was the apostle Paul.
Paul declares that the truth committed to him was “the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, but now is made manifest” (Romans 16:25–26). This revelation was distinct from all prophecy and was not made known to the sons of men in other ages (Ephesians 3:3–5). It concerned the hidden wisdom of God regarding the Body of Christ, salvation by grace through faith without works, and the believer’s position in heavenly places. Paul states clearly that he was the chosen vessel to whom Christ revealed these truths directly: “For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ” (Galatians 1:12).
After Paul received and wrote down the mystery, God’s revelation to mankind was complete. Colossians 1:25 confirms this when Paul writes, “Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God.” The word fulfil means to finish or complete. Paul’s writings filled up the revelation of God’s word, bringing it to its intended fullness. Every doctrine, instruction, and truth necessary for salvation, sanctification, and service in this present dispensation has already been revealed through Paul’s epistles. There is nothing new for God to say that has not already been written.
When people claim that God is still giving new revelation through dreams, visions, or private messages, they are unknowingly rejecting the sufficiency of Scripture. Paul warns against such deception in Colossians 2:18, saying, “Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen.” God no longer speaks through mystical experiences or private voices because His written word is complete. Second Timothy 3:16–17 declares that “All scripture is given by inspiration of God… that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” If the Scripture makes the believer perfect and throughly furnished, then there is no need for further revelation. To seek more is to say the Bible is insufficient.
It is important to distinguish between revelation and illumination. Revelation is God making new truth known; illumination is the Spirit helping us understand the truth already written. The Holy Spirit does not reveal new doctrine today, but He illuminates the completed revelation to those who study and believe the Word rightly divided. Paul instructs believers to “consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things” (2 Timothy 2:7). That understanding comes through study of the Scripture, not new communication from heaven.
The last man who received direct revelation from God was Paul, the apostle of the Gentiles (Romans 11:13). After him, no new truth has been added to the Bible. The prophetic program revealed to Israel ceased when their kingdom was postponed, and the mystery program revealed to Paul concluded the written revelation of God. John’s visions recorded in the book of Revelation, though written later, concern Israel’s future and the fulfillment of prophecy, not the mystery of the Body of Christ. Therefore, Paul remains the final recipient of new truth for this present dispensation.
In conclusion, God is not giving new revelation to men today. The canon of Scripture is closed, and the word of God is complete. Every dream, vision, or personal “word from God” that contradicts or adds to Scripture is a counterfeit. The Spirit of God now works through the written word to build faith and understanding in those who believe the gospel of grace. Paul’s epistles contain the final revelation for the Body of Christ, and through them we learn how God is working today. If you want to hear from God, you must open the pages of the King James Bible, for that is where His voice is found. As Paul wrote to Timothy, “Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me” (2 Timothy 1:13). God is not speaking new words; He is calling all men to believe and obey the ones He has already spoken through His apostle.