Omnipresence

The second attribute of God we are discussing is his omnipresence. When we speak of God’s omnipresence (present everywhere at the same time) we are referring to the infinitude of his being, especially when viewed in relation to his creation. Wayne Grudem, in his Systematic Theology textbook, defines the omnipresence of God as:

God does not have size or spatial dimensions and is present at every point of space with his whole being, yet God acts differently in different places.

In essence this means the limitations of space have no reference to God. All of creation, whether material or spiritual, can be found somewhere. Only God, in his entire being, is everywhere. In other words his essence, knowledge, and power are everywhere and equally present at all times. Since this is a part of God’s nature which He does not share with his creation, it would be classified as an incommunicable attribute.

On account of the fact we are bounded by space, it becomes an almost impossible task to try and understand the omnipresence of God. How can something exist without size or dimensions? Just think of it, when there was no matter, material or space, He was. When there was no “here”, “there” or “anywhere” God still existed. Only at the point when God said, “Let there be” was there any place one could actually be. If you think on it long enough you will likely end up in the fetal position rocking on the floor with your thumb in your mouth.

Even though God’s omnipresence may be difficult to comprehend, it is also one of the most comforting attributes of our God. It is exceedingly encouraging and comforting when one understands that God is ever-present and interested in both the great and little things. He is equally present with all his creatures, at all times, and in all places. He is not far from any of us. This truth alone should excite worship in all of us. Here are some scriptures that speak to the omnipresence of God:

Psalm 139:7-12 “Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? 8 If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! 9 If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,10 even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me. 11 If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light about me be night,” 12 even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is bright as the day, for darkness is as light with you.”

Prov 15:3 “The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good.”

Jer 23:23-24 “Am I a God at hand, declares the Lord, and not a God far away? 24 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.”

Acts 17:24 “The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man,”

Eph 1:23 “which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.”

There are a few potential challenges we will face as we establish our understanding of God’s omnipresence. Next time we will continue our discussion on the omnipresence of God.