God's Presence

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These are notes for an incomplete "Concept" page.

Information is being added as the Bible Pages are added. In the end, everything will be compiled, further information added (as necessary), broken links connected, etc.


Cross-references

Parent Topic
  • a
Related Topics
  • b
Links to Additional Materials
  • c


This can refer to a physical, visible presence of God, or to an invisible presence of God.

  • When a physical phenomenon is present, it will not necessarily be God in a physical body (such as Jesus Christ). It may be God being present in something else (such as a fire).
See: Environmental Displays of God's Power or Presence.


Interesting observation: In the Garden of Eden, God apparently walked with the two people on a daily basis (Genesis 3). In the eternal future "garden" (the "New Jerusalem"), God will live permanently with them (Revelation 21-22).

CONCEPT TO DEVELOP:
The "presence of God" or "God living among humans" or "dwelling with God" is a theme that exists from 
beginning to end of Scripture. In the garden, God walked with humans; but when sin entered the world, 
things changed. Throughout the O.T., there were special instances in which God revealed himself to humans. 
The glory of his presence filled the tabernacle, then the temple; then departed (as described in Ezekiel). 
It returned in the presence of Jesus Christ. It is here today in the church, by means of the Spirit. 
In the future, the very throne of God will be among people. Etc.


Scripture Pages that Link to Here

Genesis 4:1-26

Cain physically departed from God's presence. It symbolized his spiritual condition.


Exodus 3:1-8

God speaks to Moses out of the burning bush. God was present, though only the fire was visible.
Yet knowing that God was present - and knowing the utter contrast between God's holiness and greatness, and our sinfulness and smallness - was sufficient reason to not even look in the direction of the fire... He also took off his sandals, to demonstrate (at least symbolically) the need to be holy and undefiled when approaching God. It would also be an expression of humility and reverence.
The place was holy because God was there, not because there was anything special about the ground in that area.


Exodus 13:21-22

Yahweh went before [the people of Israel] by day in a pillar of cloud, to lead them on their way, and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light, that they might go by day and by night: the pillar of cloud by day, and the pillar of fire by night, didn't depart from before the people.


Exodus 14:13-31

(At the Red Sea) The angel of God [= God], in the pillar of cloud, moved in between the camp of Egypt and the camp of Israel; and there was the cloud and the darkness, yet gave it light by night: and the one didn't come near the other all the night.
God probably showed his presence in different ways to the two groups. The Egyptians probably saw the dark clouds but didn't recognize it as God's presence.


Exodus 19:3-25

Getting ready to meet with God. Terrifying occurrences in the environment (thunder, lightning, trumpet sounds, earthquake) - “environmental” things that could be seen and heard.
When he arrived - smoke, fire, louder trumpets...


Leviticus 26:1-45

One of the blessings from obedience - God dwelling among you.
Lev 26:12 I will walk among you, and will be your God, and you will be my people.


Deuteronomy 23:12-14, 19-25

God said he would be walking among them - though it doesn't necessarily mean he was visible! (This was to influence even the way they dealt with human waste.)



Unless otherwise noted, all notes and comments are © by Dennis Hinks.