Beyond Containment
When we consider the omnipresent nature of God, most of us probably do so in the context of Psalm 139:7-10. We understand that God, as Creator, is separate and distinct from creation, yet is present everywhere in it.
In contemplative moments, we consider God's majestic, expansive Presence in terms of some of the anthropomorphic statements in the Bible that refer to Him. Isaiah 40:12 depicts God measuring the oceans, seas, and waters of the earth in the hollow of His hand, and using His hand to measure the expanse of the heavens. Psalm 95:4 describes how the deep places of the earth are encompassed in the hand of the Creator.
Isaiah 66:1 says,
When we meditate on God's transcendent nature, most of us probably think of God on His throne in heaven. Verses such as Psalm 11:4, Hebrews 9:24, and others show that God does manifest His glorious Presence in this way.
But in the same way that God's glory in the earthly temple at Jerusalem did not indicate a limitation upon the omnipresence of God, we should not mentally restrict God to a spatial limitation in considering that He sits on His throne in heaven. Nor should we conceive that His attribute of being omnipresent refers to being present everywhere only in creation. God is transcendently omnipresent. He exists beyond the confines of creation. King Solomon recognizes this in 2 Chronicles 2:5-6 as he determines to build the earthly temple:
In 2 Chronicles 6:18 (see also 1 Kings 8:27) Solomon says,
Solomon is acknowledging in these verses that all of creation, including the highest heaven, is not big enough to encompass God's transcendent Presence. Psalm 113:4 says that God's glory is above the heavens, and Psam 113:6 indicates that God condescends, or humbles Himself, just to behold the things in heaven or earth. Hebrews 7:25,26 indicates that Christ, the High Priest Who saves us, is exalted above the heavens.
So we see that while God condescends to reveal Himself to His creation and deigns to interact with His creation, His glory infinitely transcends the things and beings that are made, and He is exalted above even the highest heaven.
He is transcendently omnipresent.
In contemplative moments, we consider God's majestic, expansive Presence in terms of some of the anthropomorphic statements in the Bible that refer to Him. Isaiah 40:12 depicts God measuring the oceans, seas, and waters of the earth in the hollow of His hand, and using His hand to measure the expanse of the heavens. Psalm 95:4 describes how the deep places of the earth are encompassed in the hand of the Creator.
Isaiah 66:1 says,
"Thus saith the LORD, 'The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? And where is the place of my rest?' "
When we meditate on God's transcendent nature, most of us probably think of God on His throne in heaven. Verses such as Psalm 11:4, Hebrews 9:24, and others show that God does manifest His glorious Presence in this way.
But in the same way that God's glory in the earthly temple at Jerusalem did not indicate a limitation upon the omnipresence of God, we should not mentally restrict God to a spatial limitation in considering that He sits on His throne in heaven. Nor should we conceive that His attribute of being omnipresent refers to being present everywhere only in creation. God is transcendently omnipresent. He exists beyond the confines of creation. King Solomon recognizes this in 2 Chronicles 2:5-6 as he determines to build the earthly temple:
"And the house which I build is great: for great is our God above all gods. But who is able to build Him an house, seeing the heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain Him? Who am I then, that I should build Him an house,...?"
In 2 Chronicles 6:18 (see also 1 Kings 8:27) Solomon says,
"But will God in very deed dwell with men on earth? Behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain Thee; how much less this house which I have built!"
Solomon is acknowledging in these verses that all of creation, including the highest heaven, is not big enough to encompass God's transcendent Presence. Psalm 113:4 says that God's glory is above the heavens, and Psam 113:6 indicates that God condescends, or humbles Himself, just to behold the things in heaven or earth. Hebrews 7:25,26 indicates that Christ, the High Priest Who saves us, is exalted above the heavens.
So we see that while God condescends to reveal Himself to His creation and deigns to interact with His creation, His glory infinitely transcends the things and beings that are made, and He is exalted above even the highest heaven.
He is transcendently omnipresent.
posted by herewegoagain at 6:17 PM
1 Comments:
Wonderful Mr. Davis! It reminds me of when you taught us that class. That was the starting point of grand things for me as you taught me to look at God in such a way... Thank you. :)
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