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We have a semantic problem, Rnmomof7. To you, the indwelling Holy Spirit gives illumination which you assert is not the same thing as a personal revelation. We might be able to clear the air better if you would define those terms the way you understand them.

Indeed it seems we do. (BTW I have gotten mail that indicates others did not understand you either .) I hope that what you are calling "personal revelation " is actually" illumination "

MY definition would be , Personal Revelation would be extra scriptural .adding something new to scripture.

Illumination is having the Holy Spirit bring life to a passage for the reader, giving an insight or making it personal (applicable to the life of the reader )

Offical definitions

Revelation -From God to man (man hears what God wants written)

Inspiration: From man to paper (man writes that which God wants written)

Illumination: From paper to heart (man receives that which God has written)

http://withchrist.org/revelation.htm

Thank you so much for the definitions! Indeed, we have a semantic problem.

To start, there is nothing more personal than the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. There is no hiding from Him, no secrets, no spinning. The indwelling is as personal as it gets.

The word ”revelation” is defined by the dictionary as: “an act of revealing or communicating divine truth” and ”something that is revealed by God to humans”.

When I use the term “personal revelation” I intend the above meaning, not the more theologically oriented definitions you have cited, i.e. that something is to be written for Scripture.

Nevertheless, when the Holy Spirit indwells He indeed brings the Scriptures to life – which you call “illumination”.

But that is not all, He also gives discernment in every situation – spiritual clarity to know Truth from fiction, right from wrong, etc. This is prophesy, insight. He also gives us foresight, understanding where a thing today will lead or something which we have yet to face.

He also uplifts our worship and petitions, rapturing us in the “here and now” to love God more fully than our conscious mind could ever allow. At this level we are worshipping God in Spirit and in Truth.

But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God [is] a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship [him] in spirit and in truth. – John 4:23-24

He also prays for us and heals our mortal bodies. He protects us and leads us and comforts us. All of this He does as long as we surrender to His leading (Romans 8).

When I speak of “personal revelation” I am speaking of all these things.