THE BIBLE’S VIEWPOINT
The Nature of God
What kind of body does God have?
“God is a Spirit.”
—John 4:24.
WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS
The Bible describes God as a spirit being. (2 Corinthians 3:17) As such, he is far superior to us and beyond our physical senses. He is “the King of eternity, incorruptible, invisible,” says 1 Timothy 1:17. The Bible also states: “At no time has anyone beheld God.”
Our Creator is so superior to us that we cannot even begin to imagine what he looks like. “To whom can you people liken God, and what likeness can you put alongside him?” says Isaiah 40:18. Even the awe-inspiring physical heavens pale in comparison with the Almighty.
There are, however, intelligent creatures who can see God and even speak with him face-to-face. How so? Because they too are spirits, and they live in heaven. (1 Kings 22:21; Hebrews 1:7) Concerning these superhuman creatures, who are also called angels, Jesus Christ said: “[They] always behold the face of my Father who is in heaven.”
Is God omnipresent?
“You must pray, then, this way: ‘Our Father in the heavens.’”
—Matthew 6:9.
WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS
The Bible does not teach that God is omnipresent, or present everywhere at all times, like some impersonal force. Rather, as Jesus’ words found at Matthew 6:9 and 18:10 show, God is a person
Toward the end of his life, Jesus said: “I am leaving the world and am going my way to the Father.” (John 16:28) After his death in the flesh and resurrection as a spirit, Christ ascended “into heaven itself, now to appear before the person of God.”
These facts about God matter. Why? For one thing, because God is a person, we can learn about him and draw close to him. (James 4:8) For another, the truth about God protects us from false worship, such as the worship of lifeless images and objects. “Little children, guard yourselves from idols,” says 1 John 5:21.
How were humans formed in God’s image?
“God proceeded to create the man in his image, in God’s image he created him; male and female he created them.”
—Genesis 1:27.
WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS
As humans, we have the potential to reflect God’s personality traits, such as his love, justice, and wisdom. In fact, the Bible says: “Become imitators of God, as beloved children, and go on walking in love.”
God also made us free moral agents, which enables us to choose right over wrong and to express love for others in a variety of ways. (1 Corinthians 13:4-7) We also have the ability to be creative, to enjoy beauty, and to stand in awe at the amazing world around us. Above all, we have received a spiritual capacity, a natural desire to learn about our Creator and his will for us.
How Bible truth can help you. The more we learn about God and imitate him, the more we live the way he intended us to live. As a result, we experience more joy in life, along with genuine satisfaction, inner peace, and contentment. (Isaiah 48:17, 18) Yes, God knows that his endearing qualities resonate in the human heart, drawing honesthearted people to him and setting them on the path to everlasting life.
You May Also Like
BIBLE QUESTIONS ANSWERED
Is God an Impersonal Force?
The Bible says God created all things, but does he care about us?
BIBLE QUESTIONS ANSWERED
Is God Everywhere, Omnipresent?
Does the Bible teach that God is everywhere? Why can you be confident that he resides in a specific place, yet also knows you personally?
BIBLE QUESTIONS ANSWERED
Has Anyone Ever Seen God?
Does the Bible contradict itself when it says in one place that “no man has seen God,” and in another place that Moses “saw the God of Israel”?
