The doctrine of God’s omnipresence means that God is present everywhere at all times. He is not limited by location or time. There is no place in the universe where He does not exist. This is a profound truth about God’s nature that is taught throughout Scripture.
The omnipresence of God is rooted in His eternality and infinity. God has no beginning or end – He has always existed and will always exist (Psalm 90:2). He also has no limits, boundaries, or restrictions – He is infinite (1 Kings 8:27). Since God is eternal and infinite, it follows that He is present everywhere.
Several verses in Scripture explicitly state that God is omnipresent:
- “Am I a God at hand, declares the Lord, and not a God far away? Can a man hide himself in secret places so that I cannot see him? declares the Lord. Do I not fill heaven and earth? declares the Lord.” (Jeremiah 23:23-24)
- “But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you; how much less this house that I have built!” (1 Kings 8:27)
- “Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me.” (Psalm 139:7-10)
These verses make clear that God is present in heaven and earth at the same time. Distance is no obstacle for Him. David exclaims that there is no place in all creation where he could go to avoid God’s presence.
God’s omnipresence and His creation
If God is present everywhere, does that mean He is contained within His creation? No, Scripture teaches that God transcends His creation:
- “But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you; how much less this house that I have built!” (1 Kings 8:27)
- “Am I a God at hand, declares the Lord, and not a God far away?” (Jeremiah 23:23)
Though God is present in every part of His creation, He is distinct from it and not confined by it. He is both immanent (present within) and transcendent (existing beyond). God fills the universe, but the universe cannot contain Him.
Implications of God’s omnipresence
The omnipresence of God is a tremendous comfort for believers. He promises to be with us always (Matthew 28:20), and His presence brings peace (Psalm 46:10). No matter where we go, God is already there. There is no situation in which we are apart from Him.
God’s omnipresence also reminds us that we cannot hide from Him. We cannot cover up our sins, because He sees and knows all things:
- “And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” (Hebrews 4:13)
- “Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence?” (Psalm 139:7)
Knowing God’s omnipresence should motivate us to live holy lives that honor Him moment by moment.
For unbelievers, the truth that God is ever-present is a serious warning. There is no running or hiding from the all-seeing, all-knowing Creator. Every person will one day stand before Him and give an account (2 Corinthians 5:10).
Objections to God’s omnipresence
Some raise objections to the doctrine of God’s omnipresence:
- If God is present everywhere, is He present in hell or evil places? Scripture affirms that God is present even in hell (Psalm 139:7-8). However, His presence manifests as righteous wrath against sin rather than gracious blessing. Hell is described as separation from the grace and goodness of God (2 Thessalonians 1:8-9).
- If God is present everywhere, did He indwell the temple in the Old Testament? Yes, in a special sense. The Lord filled Solomon’s temple with His glory (1 Kings 8:10-11). Yet at the same time, Scripture states that no earthly building can contain God (1 Kings 8:27).
- Doesn’t God’s omnipresence make Him responsible for sin? No, God’s presence does not imply approval or causation of sin. He remains perfectly holy even as He witnesses evil acts.
- How can God pay special attention to me if He’s already present everywhere? As an infinite being, God is able to give individualized attention to each person as needed, all at the same time.
While we may not fully understand the mechanics of God’s omnipresence, we accept it by faith because Scripture clearly teaches it.
Practical applications
How should the doctrine of God’s omnipresence impact the way we live?
- We should cultivate a constant awareness that God is with us at all times and in all places.
- There is never a good reason to feel lonely, afraid, or distant from God because He is always present.
- We should be ready to pour out our hearts to Him in prayer at any time, knowing He is ready to hear us.
- Knowing God sees everything we do should motivate us to fight temptation and obey His commands.
- We can take great comfort knowing that God is with us in painful trials, protecting and strengthening us by His presence.
- Rather than trying to hide from God, we should seek to live transparently before Him, inviting His presence into every area of life.
The omnipresence of God is a wonderful blessing for those who know and love Him. For those running from God, however, it should be a sobering reality – there is nowhere to hide. May this truth draw many into repentance and faith!
God’s omnipresence and prayer
God’s omnipresence has profound implications for our prayer life. He invites us to pray to Him always and everywhere:
- “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing…” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-17)
- “And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.” (Matthew 21:22)
- “If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” (John 15:7)
Knowing God hears us wherever we are emboldens us to pray frequently and spontaneously throughout the day. We can send a quick prayer as easily as glancing upward in faith (Nehemiah 2:4).
God also invites us to pray together with other believers. Jesus promised that “where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them” (Matthew 18:20). Though God is present everywhere, He promises to be present in a special way when His people join together in prayer.
We pray not merely to inform God of our needs or get His attention. Our omnipresent God already knows our situation better than we do! Rather, prayer aligns our hearts with His will and draws on His presence and power already available to us. He delights when we include Him in every facet of life.
God’s omnipresence and worship
Recognizing that God is always with us fuels heartfelt worship. Those who grasp the wonder of His perpetual presence cannot help but regularly overflow with praise and thanksgiving.
King David frequently meditated on God’s omnipresence and responded in doxology and declaration of dependence:
- “Where shall I go from your Spirit?… If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me.” (Psalm 139:7-10)
- “Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.” (Psalm 139:7-8, KJV)
Knowing God fills all creation, we need never lack opportunity or environment for worship. We can exalt Him among nature’s grandeur or while stuck in traffic. He hears our words of praise from mountaintop and valley low.
Our omnipresent God seeks those who will worship Him “in spirit and truth” anywhere life takes them (John 4:23-24). May we ever be cognizant of His presence and quick to glorify our great God who inhabits all of time and space!
God’s omnipresence brings comfort
God’s continual presence brings tremendous comfort in times of trouble. No matter what hardship we face, He promises always to be with us. Consider the following examples:
- Persecution: “Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison…Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.” (Revelation 2:10)
- Natural Disaster: “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.” (Isaiah 43:2)
- Sickness: “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)
- Loneliness: Jesus said, “…I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20)
- Death: “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4, KJV)
If we ever feel isolated in our pain, we can remember our ever-present Shepherd walks beside us through every dark valley. He faithfully keeps His promise never to leave or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5).
God’s omnipresence constrains sin
Knowing God always sees what we do should make us think twice before sinning. David declares in Psalm 139:
- “Oh where can I go to flee from your presence? If I climb to the heavens you are there, if I lie in the netherworld, you are there.” (Psalm 139:7-8)
- “Even darkness is not dark before you and night is as clear as the day.” (Psalm 139:12)
- “Test me God, know my heart; try me, know my concerns. See if my way leads to idolatry, then guide me on the eternal path.” (Psalm 139:23-24)
These verses remind us we cannot hide anything from God’s sight. He sees even the secret sins we think we’ve concealed. Knowing this should lead us to greater holiness and transparency before God.
The New Testament echoes this principle. Speaking of judgment, Paul says God “will render to each one according to his works” because “God shows no partiality” (Romans 2:6,11). The author of Hebrews adds, “No creature is hidden from His sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account” (Hebrews 4:13).
Though God’s omnipresence exposes our sin, this should not drive us away from Him. It is intended to bring us to repentance and dependence on Christ’s finished work for sinners.
God’s omnipresence enables guidance
The fact that God is everywhere present enables Him to guide and care for believers constantly. David described this so beautifully in Psalm 139:
- “You have enclosed me behind and before and laid your hand upon me.” (Psalm 139:5)
- “Even darkness is not dark before you and night is as clear as the day.” (Psalm 139:12)
- “Truly you have formed my inmost being; you knit me in my mother’s womb.” (Psalm 139:13)
- “Your eyes saw me unformed; in your book all are written down; my days were shaped, before one came to be.” (Psalm 139:16)
- “Probe me, God, know my heart; try me, know my thoughts. See if there is a wicked path in me; lead me along an ancient path.” (Psalm 139:23-24)
What confidence it gives to know God sees and leads our way! We can trust Him to guide each step when we submit our plans to Him daily in prayer.
In the New Testament, Jesus assured His disciples that the Holy Spirit would guide them into all truth (John 16:13). He also promised never to leave or forsake believers (Matthew 28:20). Because God is everywhere present, guidance is available to all who ask and listen for His voice through Scripture.
Conclusion
The omnipresence of God is an amazing aspect of His nature that offers great comfort, empowerment, and guidance for the Christian life. While its fullness surpasses human understanding, Scripture clearly teaches that God is everywhere present at all times.
Recognizing this fuels worship, prayer, holiness, and boldness to follow His will wherever it leads. There is never a moment when we are apart from His presence. What a blessing to know God with us – in joy or pain, on mountaintop or in valley low. May the truth of His perpetual presence stabilize our hearts as we live for His glory.