Revelation

The question arises: Can a person today come to know Christ in the same direct, personal way that Peter came to know Him?

The answer is yes, for the following two reasons.

First, it was not Christ in His purely human nature who was revealed to Peter: Peter already knew Jesus of Nazareth, the carpenter’s son. The One who was now revealed to Peter was the divine, eternal, unchanging Son of God. This is the same Christ who now lives exalted in heaven, at the Father’s right hand. In the passage of nearly two thousand years, there has been no change in Him at all. It is still Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today and forever. As He was revealed to Peter, He can still be revealed today to those who sincerely seek Him.

Second, the revelation did not come by “flesh and blood” – by any physical or sensory means. It was a spiritual revelation, the work of the Holy Spirit. The same Spirit who gave this revelation to Peter, is still at work in all the world, revealing the same Christ. Jesus Himself promised His disciples:

“When He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you.” (John 16:13-14)

Since spiritual revelation is in the eternal, spiritual realm, it is not limited by material or physical factors, such as the passage of time or the change of language, customs, clothing or circumstances.

This personal experience of Jesus Christ the Son of God – by the Holy Spirit revealed, acknowledged and confessed – remains the one unchanging rock, the one immovable foundation, upon which all true Christian faith must be based. Creeds and opinions, churches and denominations – all of these may change, but this one true rock of God’s salvation, by personal faith in Christ, remains eternal and unchanging. Upon it, a person may build his faith, for time and for eternity, with a confidence that nothing can ever overthrow.