From Revelation to Logos: Prophecy in Christianity

Abstract

In the history of religions Christianity has a unique understanding of revelation. Christians’ understanding of prophecy distinguishes them from followers of other monotheist religions and traditions. With the process of Jesus Christ, which christians describe as the New Testament, the understanding of revelation has also evolved in a different direction. According to christians, Jesus Christ, with the extraordinary characteristics he possessed from his birth to his death, is revelation itself. The revelation Jesus Christ received was not at the level of God and prophet like the prophets before him, but rather at the higher level of father-son. From the perspective of Judaism and monotheistic religions, this characteristic in Christianity remains a characteristic unique to christian beliefs. Throughout christian history, this belief has been represented by Jesus Christ’s logos, as a literal revelation. With the process of Jesus Christ, which christians define as the New Testament, its understanding of revelation also evolved in a different direction. According to christians, Jesus Christ himself becomes a revelation with the extraordinary characteristics he possessed from his birth to his death. The revelation Jesus Christ received was not at the level of god-prophet like the prophets before him, but rather in a higher, father-son position. In terms of Judaism and monotheist religions, this situation in Christianity remains a characteristic unique to christian beliefs. Throughout christian history, this belief has been represented by Jesus Christ being logos; that is, word, phrase, being revelation in a sense. When belief in prophets is put forward in Christianity, it is understood that prophecy is formed according to the relationship of Jesus, the fundamental factor in religion, with revelation. The true status and position of Jesus was determined after the crucifixion matter. In the religious understanding formed by the books of the New Testament, the followers of Jesus adopted his being the messiah (christ) and savior as their fundamental belief. While Jesus was still alive, there were disputes regarding his identity. Some saw him as John the Baptist, others as Elijah, and still others as a prophet. In addition, there were those who knew him by opposite attributes, such as son of man and son of God. These different definitions of Jesus would continue throughout the history of Christianity. So much so that the various attributes described in the sacred texts caused each sect to have a different belief about Jesus. Jesus’s relationship with revelation takes on a new meaning with his presentation as the word of God, or logos. Because, as logos, Jesus is revelation itself. Jesus, considered God, is elevated to the status of revelation through his own words and life. The evangelion, known as the Gospel, consists of the telling of Jesus’ life story. Christians do not possess a written book other than Jesus, nor a sacred text inspired by heaven and descended through an angel. In the christian faith, reading about Jesus’ life and miracles is revelation itself. Thus, the divine source of prophecy in Christianity is Jesus himself. Furthermore, Jesus’ disciples, the apostles, and those who received the support of the Holy Spirit are also considered as prophets. The greatest duty of prophets is to strive to understand Jesus’ experience. From this perspective, it is understood that Jesus Christ has been at the center of religion throughout christian history. The differences that separate churches and sects from one another are the different beliefs about Jesus Christ. In a sense, the formation of a different sect requires a different understanding of Jesus. For Christianity, the idea of a prophet receiving revelation from God has disappeared. Instead, there is the idea of a god born from a human being. Every act of this god living among humanity is a product of miracles and revelations. Instead of a god-centered religion, there is now christ-centered religion. This savior is Jesus Christ, not Prophet Jesus. This study will explore the position of belief in revelation and prophecy within Christianity through the understanding of logos. It will thus demonstrate that prophecy, which continued from Adam to Noah, from Abraham to John, has taken on a new form.