Divine revelation is a higher order of knowledge that God freely chose to share with humanity (CCC 31). While God’s existence can be known with certainty through the natural light of human reason and the consideration of created things (CCC 36, Romans 1:19-20), human reason is often hindered by obstacles such as disordered appetites resulting from original sin (CCC 38). Consequently, supernatural revelation is necessary for humans to know divine truths that transcend human understanding and to understand God’s will and decisions regarding human salvation (CCC 38).

This revelation is a divine plan of loving goodness that employs a divine pedagogy, involving the gradual communication of God’s life to man to prepare him for the supernatural Revelation (CCC 51). It is a progressive unfolding of God’s mystery that began with Israel and reached its culmination in the fullness of truth revealed through Christ (CCC 287-288).

The fullness of this revelation is found in Jesus Christ, the preexistent and incarnate Word of God (CCC 436), who reveals the Father to humanity (CCC 51). As the Word made flesh in the Holy Spirit, Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of God’s revelation (CCC 66, 2 Corinthians 1:19-20; 3:12-14; 4:6). Through Christ, the divine nature and the plan of salvation are made visible, allowing humans to become adoptive sons of God and sharers in the divine nature (CCC 51).

Divine revelation is contained in written books and unwritten traditions received from Christ or the Holy Spirit, which are held as sacred and canonical because they are inspired by the Holy Spirit. The Church is entrusted with this divine deposit of faith, which she must faithfully guard and infallibly interpret. The Magisterium holds authority over divine Revelation (CCC 2035-2038) and guides the faithful to discern authentic revelations, rejecting any that would surpass or correct the Revelation fulfilled in Christ (CCC 66).

Faith is the supernatural response to God’s self-revelation, providing a superabundant light to those searching for life’s ultimate meaning (CCC 143). This faith is a supernatural virtue infused by God as a gift (CCC 153) and requires the interior help of the Holy Spirit to be exercised (CCC 154). The primary reason for believing is the authority of God himself who reveals the truth, rather than the appearance of truth through natural reason (CCC 155). This response to revelation is intended to lead creatures into the perfect unity of the Blessed Trinity, which is the ultimate end of the whole divine economy (CCC 260).