Layers of Revelation
Over the years, I have learned that the Word of God has layers, and that God is peeling those layers back a bit at a time, giving us greater and greater glimpses of His wisdom and will. As we read the Word, we will notice that it usually has multiple applications. Let me give you an unusual example of how the Lord showed me the multiple layers of a verse of Scripture.
Wherefore he saith also in another psalm, Thou shalt not suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. Acts 13:35 (KJV)
This verse is actually quoting words originally found in Psalm 16:10, which prophesied of Jesus being dead just three days, not long enough for His body to decay or see corruption. The Modern English Version says it slightly differently:
So He says in another Psalm: ‘You will not let Your Holy One see decay.’ Acts 13:35 (MEV)
The New Century Version says:
But in another place God says: ‘You will not let your Holy One rot.’ Acts 13:35 (NCV)
Why am I sharing these various translations of Acts 13:35? To bring out the meaning of the word corruption. It can also be translated as decay or rot.
Recently, when I was standing in faith regarding some dental challenges I was facing, the Lord showed me that I could use this as a verse to stand on for healthy teeth. “But, Janean,” you may be saying, “That verse is about Jesus and His resurrection happening before His body would begin to decay- not about cavities.” Yes, that is true, but God also showed me another layer to this verse.
Jesus is the Holy One referred to in this verse. And I am a born-again believer, which means I am in Christ and Christ is in me. In other Words, my faith in His finished work has united us as one. Therefore, I am part of the Holy One referred to in this verse and I can claim the promise of no rot or decay. And God showed me I could use this verse to stand on and proclaim that my teeth will never rot or decay because I am in the Holy One and He is in me! Have I changed the original meaning of the verse? No, I know it originally referred to Jesus’ body in the grave. But God revealed an additional layer to me and showed me how I could apply it to my life and needs.
God will show us these layers as we spend time in His Word and in seeking Him. We must use caution, however, and not depart from the original intent of the scripture, and we cannot believe something about a verse that contradicts the rest of the Bible. Any revelation we receive must align with the nature of God and the Word of God or we must reject it. And in the case of my teeth, it did not contradict the Word, because God’s Word clearly tells us that it is God’s will for us to be healed and healthy- and that includes our teeth.
Search out the Word and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal deeper layers of truth to you. These layers of revelation are the result of time spent pursuing God, and they help us to grow and develop in our walk with the Lord.
