Articles > Systematic Theology > Part XVIII: The Doctrine of Illumination

Part XVIII: The Doctrine of Illumination

I. Introduction

a. Definition: "The ministry of the Holy Spirit whereby He enlightens those who are in a right relationship with Him to comprehend the written Word of God." (Endnote 1)

i. This doctrine is about the Holy Spirit, His role, and the Word of God

b. Relationship of the doctrine of Illumination and other doctrines of the Bible

i. The doctrines of Biblical clarity, the self-attestation of the Word of God and Biblical illumination are inter-related

1. These three doctrines are crucial preconditions for the readers to know the truth as revealed in Scripture.

ii. How the three doctrines relate

1. Internal/External conditions

a. Internal conditions

i. Doctrine of Biblical clarity

1. There is clarity within the Bible itself (internally) so that we may know its truth.

ii. Doctrine of Biblical self-attestation

1. The Bible within itself (interally) is self-evidencing so that we may know its truth.

b. External conditions

i. Doctrine of Illumination

1. The Bible by the Holy Spirit (external) gives understanding so that we may know its truth.

c. These doctrines are not contradictory but super-reinforces what is already sufficient

2. Analogy of the teacher and the textbook

a. In a class of competent college students, there is in this case a very clearly written textbook of obvious truths, and a competent math teacher

i. The book itself is clear in its explanation, and the truths presented so obvious.

ii. Having a teacher does not mean the book isn't clear or obvious, but the teacher reinforces and helps students understand.

II. Biblical foundation for Illumination

a. "We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us." (1Corinthians 2:12)

i. This verse shows that the Spirit provides believers understanding

ii. Notice how in the context, the Word of God is the medium (1Corinthians 2:13, see below)

b. "This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words." (1 Corinthians 2:13)

i. The Spirit teaches with Words, but what Words?

1. These words are "spiritual words" of the Apostles namely the Word of God

c. "But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is to come." (John 16:13)

i. When the Spirit illuminates, its not so much as something new that he guides believers to nor something new the Spirit says, but what was stated previously that he heard

1. What the Spirit heard is not man's wisdom (see above), but must be God's Words itself

III. Aspect of the Holy Spirit's role which relate to illumination

a. The Holy Spirit as the teacher

i. "But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you." (John 14:26)

b. The Holy Spirit as the reminder (See John 14:26, as quoted above)

c. The Holy Spirit as a Guide (See John 16:13, as quoted above)

IV. Why does the Holy Spirit illuminates?

a. Because of man's total depravity (Endnote 2)

i. "The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned." (1 Corinthians 2:14)

1. Without the Spirit's aide, there is no understanding nor moral ability on the part of nonbelievers to accept Biblical truths

V. What then, does this lead us to in our lives?

a. This should comfort us, knowing that the Spirit is involved in our study of the Word of God

i. Have you sought His help in prayers to the Holy Spirit?

b. This should make us realize that an encounter with the Word of God is an encounter with the Holy Spirit also!

i. Is there sin in your life that would block you from meeting God?

1. Confess your sins to Him, and repent because of God's grace for you through Jesus Christ!

c. Have you thank God for the Holy Spirit (or thank the Holy Spirit directly as well!) and His ministry in illuminating the Word of God for you?

Endnotes

1. Paul P. Enns, The Moody Handbook of Theology (Chicago, Moody Press), 155.
2. Here the Christian is reminded again of the inter-relationship of what seemingly at first glance are non-related biblical doctrines but a closer glance there is an integral and beautiful unity of true Christian theology.