The Presence of God

1. Defining the Nature of God
Throughout history, humanity has sought to comprehend the greatness of the Creator. Words such as omnipotent (all-powerful), omniscient (all-knowing), and omnipresent (present everywhere) have emerged to express God's divine attributes. Though these terms still fall short, they reflect the natural human response to a Being beyond comprehension. Additional attributes such as immutable (unchanging) and eternal (without beginning or end) further highlight God's uniqueness.

Biblical Foundation for the “Omnis”
- Omnipotent – “With God all things are possible.” (Mark 10:27)
- Omniscient – “God... knoweth all things.” (1 John 3:20)
- Omnipresent – “Do not I fill heaven and earth?” (Jeremiah 23:24)
- Immutable – “With whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” (James 1:17)
- Eternal – “From everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.” (Psalm 90:2)

Contemplating the intricacies of creation—from atoms to galaxies—leads to the conclusion that such a being must possess immeasurable power, wisdom, and intelligence. The natural world testifies to the divine nature of a God whose spoken word brought all into existence.

2. Satanic Distortions of Divine Attributes
Satan has long sought to obscure the truth about God. Pagan religions often depict deity as multiple beings with human-like flaws. Mythologies present "gods" like Zeus, Odin, or Thor—superhuman but limited, fallible, and prone to vice. This conception has shaped popular culture and, unfortunately, influenced modern theology as well.

Even within Christian communities, some deny God’s omnipresence, claiming it is illogical or akin to pantheism. Others attempt to retain the term while redefining it: stating that God is "present" through agents like angels or His word, rather than personally present.

This belief suggests that God’s attributes—such as knowledge or power—can operate independently of His person. However, such fragmentation introduces confusion. Can God’s voice act apart from His presence? Can His power exist where He does not? Scripture challenges this notion.

3. Understanding “Presence”
Presence implies more than influence. It suggests a personal, relational nearness—communication, interaction, intimacy. A message, a vision, or even a miracle may point to God’s influence, but only His personal presence brings true communion.

This is why biblical figures emphasized direct awareness of God's nearness:

“Where shall I flee from thy presence?” (Psalm 139:7)
“Even there shall thy hand lead me...” (Psalm 139:10)
“Thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4)

David’s awareness of God’s presence was a source of unwavering courage. Similarly, Solomon acknowledged that “heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain thee” (1 Kings 8:27). Paul reinforced this truth:

“In him we live, and move, and have our being.” (Acts 17:28)

4. God’s Presence in All Places
The New Testament affirms the personal and universal nature of God's presence:

- Ephesians 4:6 – “One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.”
- John 4:24 – “God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and in truth.”

Christ explained to the Samaritan woman that worship would no longer be confined to specific locations. Why? Because God is spirit—unconfined, unrestricted, and universally present. A proper understanding of God's spiritual nature removes the need for holy places. God is near to all who call on Him in truth.

5. The Intimacy of Indwelling
Scripture not only teaches that God is everywhere—it declares that He indwells His people:

“I will dwell in them, and walk in them...” (2 Corinthians 6:16)
“He shall be in you.” (John 14:17)

Jesus promised the Comforter (Holy Spirit) would come after His glorification—not merely as a message or idea, but as a living, intelligent presence. He clarified that the Comforter was already with the disciples and would soon be in them—clearly speaking of Himself returning in Spirit.

This divine indwelling is not symbolic or metaphorical. Just as evil spirits can dwell in human beings (e.g., Matthew 8:28-29), so can God—though not to manipulate, but to transform by consent. Where demonic presence dominates, God’s presence sanctifies and empowers.

6. The Power of God's Presence
The presence of God is the power behind Christian victory. Jesus taught:

“Abide in me, and I in you... for without me ye can do nothing.” (John 15:5)

When God abides within, sin loses dominion. This is not mystical theory but practical truth:

“Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not.” (1 John 3:6)
“If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” (Galatians 5:25)

The Christian life is victorious not by striving, but by union with the living Christ. It is not mindless possession, but cooperative indwelling—where divine strength fills human weakness, and God's character is manifested through surrendered vessels.

7. Presence vs Fellowship
Although God is omnipresent, fellowship is conditional. Presence does not always mean communion:

“And Cain went out from the presence of the Lord.” (Genesis 4:16)

Cain could never escape God's presence, but he rejected His fellowship. At Calvary, Christ bore the same agony—forsaken not in presence, but in communion. The heart cry “Why hast thou forsaken me?” echoed the separation that sin produces, though God remained near.

8. Let God Be God
To claim that God cannot be personally present everywhere is to impose human limitation upon the infinite. Scripture teaches otherwise:

- He knows every sparrow that falls (Matthew 10:29).
- He numbers every hair on each head (Matthew 10:30).
- He sees in secret and rewards openly (Matthew 6:6).
- He dwells in His people (John 14:17, 23).

The limitation is not in God—but in human understanding. Let not theology be shaped by reason alone, but by revelation. God is not confined to heaven, nor to representation by angels, nor to printed words. He is a living, present, and personal Being.

9. Conclusion: Do Not Limit the Holy One
The presence of God is the foundation of Christian life, power, and hope. To deny His omnipresence is to reduce Him to creaturely status. It is to “limit the Holy One of Israel” (Psalm 78:41).

The God of the Bible fills heaven and earth. He indwells His people. He is near to all who seek Him. Let worship and theology reflect this truth.

“God is spirit, and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth.” (John 4:24)

Let God be acknowledged, not as man writ large, but as the infinite, omnipresent Creator—worthy of awe, worship, and trust.