Christians' knowledge of divine things is more then knowledge of biblical words
and theological ideas. It is the understanding of the reality and relevance of
the works of God testified to by Scripture.

The "natural man" (1 Cor. 2:14) who does not have the Spirit, even though
familiar with Christian ideas, still lacks this deeper understanding, because it
is an understanding given by they Holy Spirit (Col. 1:9; cf. Luke 24:25; 1 John
5:20) Those who along with correct instruction from scriptures, "have an
anointing from the Holy One. . .know all things" (1 John 2:20)

The work of the Spirit in imparting this understanding is called "illumination",
or enlightning. It is not giving of new revelation, but a work with in us to
grasp and to affrim the revelation of the Bible, as it is read, preached, and
taught. Sin clouds our minds and wills so that we miss and resist the force of
Scripture. The Spirit however, opens and unveils and attunes our hearts so that
we underrstand what God has revealed (2 Cor. 3:14-16; 4:6; Eph.1:17,18;
3:18,19). Illumination is the application of God's reavealed truth to our
hearts, so that we grasp as reality for ourselves what the sacred text says.

Protestant theologians shortly after the Reformation spoke of illumniation as an
act of grace that proceeds in two stages. The first stage of illumination takes
place when one encounters the ministry of the Word. This external illumination
prepares the person for the second stage, the internal ministry of the Holy
Spirit that leads to Salvation.

The Spirit speaks through the law, that convicts a person of sin, and the
gospel, that conveys knowledge of God's grace and forgiveness (cf. Luke 1:79).
It is through this illumination of the Spirit that the ministry of the Word
conveys the effectual calling to Salvation.

Although illumination by the Spirit begins the process, or order, of Salvation
(Heb. 6:4; 10;32), it continues throughout the life of the believer. The Holy
Spirit leads us to deeper understanding of God (John 16:13), prompting both
repentance for the sins we commit and assurance of God's grace and the certanity
of our election. We recieve this illumination through the ministry of the Word
and through prayer, meditation on God and His revelation, and the struggle to
live our lives in a manner consistent with revelation.



Reformation Study Bible. Pg 1801



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