This article is written with the sincere prayer that the reader will carefully consider the issues raised with the teachings of Hugh Ross. I have found that many already have an enthusiastic commitment to this evangelistic approach to sharing the truth about God. Who does not want to be effective in reaching the lost? Or to give them reasons to believe in the God who loved them so much that He sent His Son to pay the price for our sin? I hope that you will read this in its entirety in the spirit of Acts 17:11.

I have already been told by some, upon sharing some of these quotations, that they were taken out of context. I concede there may be a grain of truth to that. It cannot be helped. For the sake of brevity I am forced to judiciously trim my quotes of Ross. I believe however I have been fair to what he has written or spoken. I have, wherever possible, included references so the reader can decide if I have done justice in each case.

REVELATION OR REVELATIONS?

Ross has a real problem with what he calls the "single revelational view", a doctrine that until now did not need a name since it was held by orthodox Christianity for centuries. We will show that the inspired Biblical writers held this "view" as well. They also do not leave any room for any other source of revelation. Ross's "dual revelation" is actually heresy that leads to another Gospel. First, we quote Ross from his Reasons to Believe website and then two snippets from his Teccoa Falls Lecture (Georgia, March 1997):

"Modern day advocates of Gosse's view all hold to what is called a single revelational view - the belief
that the Bible is the only authoritative source of truth. In other words, we must grope in darkness apart
from God's special revelation in scripture." No tampering with the "literal" meaning of the Bible can be
tolerated.

"Single revelational theology, however, in itself contradicts the "plain meaning of the Bible." According
to Psalm 19:1-4, the "words" of God proclaimed through the stars and galaxies have been heard by all
people. In Romans 1:19-20 the Bible declares that everyone is "without excuse" as he or she faces God's
eternal judgment [including those people who have never read the Bible or heard the preaching of
believers] since what may be known about God has been made plain to all through what has been made.
Colossians 1:23 points out that the plan of salvation "has been proclaimed to every creature under
heaven." "

Phillip Gosse is a 19th century scientist/preacher who favored "discoveries" of his day over what he should have known from Scripture. For Him the resolution of the conflict between the Old-Earth "evidence" and faithfulness to the Bible was the compromise that God created the geological data with an "appearance of age". Ross's bringing of Gosse here seems to be an attempt at ridicule by association. Almost all Young Earth believers dismiss Gosse's aspersion on the truthfulness of God. The "appearance of age" is actually an "assumption of age" misread into the evidence. This deception is not part of God's plan, rather it is the baggage of the faulty assumption of uniformitarian Old-Earth evolutionists and undiscerning Christian concessionists. (This whole issue of a literal (Biblical) versus concessionist casting of the "days" of Genesis will be addressed in a different article.)

Ross's illogical grouping of Gosse with true Bible believers will not stand. Moreover, belief in a "single revelational view" is a necessary part of basic orthodoxy, and is not an offshoot of Gosse's failed apologetic.

ROSS DEFINES AND DEFENDS DUAL REVELATION

Hugh Ross actually teaches that Nature (that is, science's interpretation of nature) is equivalent to the 67th book of the Bible. Nature and the Bible are on a par with each other in testifying ot the existence, attributes and purposes of God. The following quotes clarify his position:

"The plan of salvation as stated in the Bible can be seen through observation of the universe about us,..."

"The record of nature ... actually encompasses part of the Word of God."

"And the Bible tells us it's impossible for God to lie, so the record of nature must be just as perfect, and
reliable and truthful as the sixty-six books of the Bible that is part of the Word of God.. .And so when
astronomers tell us [Ross uses the example of scientists attempting to measure distances in space and
goes on to say that] it's part of the truth that God has revealed to us. It actually encompasses
part of the Word of God."

(Toccoa Falls Christian College, Staley Lecture Series March 1997).

IS THE BIBLE THE ONLY AUTHORITATIVE SOURCE OF TRUTH?

In a word, Yes. The Bible IS the only authoritative source of God's truth. Let's examine the first passage that Ross cites (Psalm 19) and see if he has been fair to the Word of God on this point or if he is indeed quoting the verses out of context. Read the whole Psalm, however, not stopping where Ross does. You may find a different truth unfolding. Then we will call on another authority who should settle the matter.

Psalm 19 with comments in brackets [ ]:

1. The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
2. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge.
3. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard.
4. Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun,

[This is where Ross stops. Usually he stops, in fact, in the middle of verse 4. And as such we have a pretty good cross-reference to Romans 1:19, one that he rightly mentions. But the purpose of this Psalm is not discerned by stopping here. The latter verses are not mere commentary or elaboration of the first part of the Psalm. Rather they constitute a contrast, a progression to something better. Let's continue...]

5. which is like a bridegroom coming forth from his pavilion, like a champion rejoicing to run his course.
6. It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other; nothing is hidden from its heat.

[This is the limit of the "voice of nature".]

7. The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple.
8. The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes.
9. The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous.
10. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb.
11. By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.
12. Who can discern his errors? Forgive my hidden faults.
13. Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then will I be blameless, innocent of great transgression.
14. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.

Do you see the contrast? The Word of God is shown to be more effective than the mere declaration of the heavens. God might get our attention with His works in creation, but it is the Word of God that "revives the soul". It not only reveals God in a personal way that creation cannot, it probes into our very defenses "and is a discerner of the thought and intents" of our heart (Hebrews 4:12). It is this very probing that makes the Psalmist cry out "Forgive my hidden faults." They were hidden, but God's Word found them out. Jesus told His followers, "It is the Spirit who gives; the flesh profits nothing; the words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life." (John 6:63) It is this same Holy Spirit who came to the world to "convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment." (John 16: 8) Jesus spoke about the enemies of the truth that, though they had seen and heard all the "revelation" that creation afforded (Psalm 19:1-4, Romans 1:19), yet their real guilt only started when Christ came personally and spoke with them personally and they still did not believe:

"If I had not come and spoken to them. they would not have sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin." (John 15:22)

Yet according to Hugh Ross's dual revelation, they no longer have excuse for their sin when they first are able to see the "67th book of the Bible", the visible works of creation. Who do you believe, Jesus or Ross?

Here are other verses, aside from the ones already quoted, that prove that there is only one source of revelation of God, and that is His Word as revealed in the Bible:

Numbers 23:19
"God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: has he said, and shall he not do it? or has he spoken, and shall he not make it good?"

Question: What promises of God can you read from nature and prove this verse for yourself? His promises are in His written Word, not written in the skies!

James 1:21
"Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and al that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted implanted, which is able to save your souls."

Is there anything in Ross's 67th book that God speaks of this way, that can "save our souls"? Of course not. God's Word is God's way to save us.

2nd Peter 1:19-21
The Apostle Peter, after recounting his experience at the Transfiguration, yet gives greater importance to God's Word than to his experience:

"We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto you do well that you take heed, as unto a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns, and the day star arise in your hearts:"

When the teaching of Jesus was getting too pointed for many of His "believers", when He started talking about "eating my flesh" and "drinking my blood", many left Him. He asked Peter if he would go away too. Peter answered,

"To whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life." (John 6:68) He knew that there was no other source of "words of eternal life".

Hebrews chapters 1:1 to 2:4 teaches us that God spoke in times past through "fathers and prophets" but is now speaking to us through His Son. Is he? referring to God speaking through creation? No, the skies remained unchanged during the times of both Testament periods. What changed was God's manner of speaking; He is speaking to us (today) in these "last days through His Son". And we better pay attention to what the Son is saying. Read Hebrews 2:1-4 to see the importance that God gives to His Word, far above any knowledge we could glean from Ross's "67th book".

JUST HOW MANY WAYS TO GOD ARE THERE?

The Bible is clear as to how to be saved. "He that comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him" (Heb 11). But how can that person believe? By looking at nature, or maybe by reading Scientific American? No. "Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God" (Romans 10:17). But I have heard some misapply Psalm 19 at this point, as if to say that, yes, faith comes by hearing but that hearing can be of the glory of God's expansive creation (Psa 19:1-2). A simple reading of the Romans 10:17 in context clears this up. Psalms 19 is quoted by Paul here. Nature, Paul teaches here and in chapt 1, is sufficient to show the existence of God and thus our obligation to be right with Him. It is Not sufficient to show us God's attributes (except His power, partly) nor His way of Salvation which is through the Work of Christ taught by the Word of God .

Bottom line: If there are no "Gospel feet" (Rom 10:15) there is no hearing (14).
If there is no hearing, there is no faith (17).
Contrast this again with Ross's:

"The plan of salvation as stated in the Bible can be seen through observation of the universe about us,..."

"the record of nature...actually encompasses part of the Word of God."

Ross's heresy is in teaching another way to God. I am truly concerned for any of his "converts" if they have seen God in the stars but have never been to the Cross. The Cross is what humbles us because it is the foolishness of the message that kills us.

"I am the Way and the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father but through Me." You either go through the door (cross) or you are still in your sins.

Ross's sheepfold has 2 doors: Door #1 Christ - or if you prefer, door# 2 Nature (as interpreted by "Science"). By the way, any reference to "science" ("knowledge") without God needs to have quotation marks, because fallen men using biased, imperfect investigative procedures will never show anyone the way out of their own darkness, let alone to the immortal, invisible God that saves.

"Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom." Psa. 145:3

"Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! "Rom. 11:33