The concept of Divine illumination in Christianity
Divine illumination, according to Christianity, refers to the enlightenment provided by God that helps believers understand and affirm their faith in Jesus. In Protestantism, it signifies prophetic knowledge from a divine source, allowing accurate predictions. Eastern Orthodoxy expands on this by describing it as the transmission of divine wisdom, leading to insights that reveal God's nature. This illumination is perceived differently among heavenly beings, with varying levels of understanding granted based on their closeness to God, ultimately enabling spiritual knowledge and insights.
Synonyms: Spiritual enlightenment, Heavenly light, Transcendent clarity, Enlightenment, Inspiration, Revelation, Insight, Epiphany, Awakening
In Dutch: Goddelijke verlichting; In Finnish: Jumalallinen valaistus; In Spanish: Iluminación divina; In Malay: Penerangan Ilahi; In Swedish: Gudomlig belysning; In German: Göttliche Erleuchtung; In French: Illumination divine
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Christian concept of 'Divine illumination'
From: The Works of Dionysius the Areopagite
(1) The transmission of divine wisdom and light from God to subordinate beings.[1] (2) A spiritual enlightenment that comes from the supremely Divine, allowing beings to perceive the Divine truth.[2] (3) The revelations or insights that come from the divine, allowing beings to understand and reflect God's nature.[3] (4) The spiritual insights and revelations received by Archangels and conveyed to the Angels.[4] (5) The enlightened insights and graces imparted by Divine origins, perceived distinctly by different ranks of heavenly beings based on their proximity to God.[5]
From: The Existence and Attributes of God
(1) This concept pertains to the idea that prophetic knowledge comes from a higher, divine source rather than natural human abilities.[6] (2) The enlightening knowledge or foresight granted by a higher power enabling accurate predictions of the future.[7]
From: Expositions of Holy Scripture
(1) This is the method by which Daniel's knowledge of the dream and its meaning is given to him in a vision by night, as it is throughout the book.[8] (2) The enlightenment provided by God, enabling believers to understand and confess their faith in Jesus.[9]
From: The Little Flowers of St. Francis
(1) The Divine illumination and the gracious sweetness of the love of God increased so much within him, that, reaching the Qui pridie, scarcely might he endure such joy and sweetness.[10]