God’s Revelatory Presence: An Integrative Motif and Theology

Abstract

In the introductory chapter, the integrative motif of God’s revelatory presence will be introduced, proposing the problems and delimitations of this study, as well as outlining the path for accomplishing the goal of developing a theology of God’s revelatory presence. 

In the second chapter, six biblical scholars will be surveyed to provide conclusions helpful for developing a biblical-theological portrayal of God’s revelatory presence. The six scholars are Terence Fretheim, G. K. Beale, J. Ryan Lister, J. Scott Duvall and J. Daniel Hays, and David Wenkel. Expanding on said conclusions will establish a systematic-theological framework for developing a dogmatic proposal for the revelatory presence of God by focusing on five foundational features of God’s revelatory presence. 

In the third chapter, five theological scholars will be surveyed to provide helpful conclusions for developing a systematic-theological portrayal of God’s revelatory presence. The five scholars are Friedrich Schleiermacher, Karl Barth, Carl F. H. Henry, Jürgen Moltmann, and Christa McKirland. Expanding on said conclusions will establish a systematic-theological framework for developing a dogmatic proposal for the revelatory presence of God by focusing on five foundational points of God’s revelatory presence.

In the fourth chapter, the canon and covenants will be surveyed to provide conclusions helpful for tracking the motif of God’s revelatory presence throughout Scripture and the covenants. In doing so, a pattern will emerge that consistently appears throughout the canon that will serve as a guide for understanding how the revelatory presence of God transforms humans when encountering the presence of God.

In the fifth chapter, a doctrinal proposal of the revelatory presence of God will be presented, defining God’s revelatory presence, as well as providing the nature and function associated with God’s revelatory presence. Additionally, the place of God’s revelatory presence of God will be argued to be situated in the prolegomena of theology, as well as how God’s revelatory presence operates as an integrative motif in doctrine. Then, the chapter will discuss how God’s revelatory presence is distinct from and interacts with the doctrine of revelation and the attribute of God’s omnipresence.

In the final chapter, a brief summation of each chapter will be provided before discussing practical applications, implications, and areas for further research.