The Bible presents God not as a distant observer but as an actively present deity who consistently moves toward his people throughout history.

God's presence began in Eden, where he walked in the garden and directly interacted with Adam and Eve (Genesis 1:2, 2:7, 3:8). Even after humanity's fall from grace, God maintained his commitment to dwell among his people.

Throughout the Old Testament, God appeared to the patriarchs and dramatically manifested his presence at Mount Sinai. He dwelt among Israel in the tabernacle and temple, demonstrating his desire to be with his people (Exodus 25:8, 40:34).

When Israel was exiled due to sin, God promised to return. The prophets proclaimed this future coming, with Isaiah announcing the "good news" of God's return (Isaiah 40:9-10), and Ezekiel foreseeing God's glory filling the end-time temple (Ezekiel 43:2-7).

This promise found its fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who was "God with us" (Matthew 1:23). Through him, God came not to observe but to serve and sacrifice (Mark 10:45). After Christ's ascension, God's presence continues through the Holy Spirit, who dwells within believers and the church (1 Corinthians 3:16-17, 6:19).

The story culminates in God's promised final coming. Unlike Jesus's first humble arrival, his return will be unmistakably glorious (Matthew 24:27, 30). God declares himself as the one "who is and who was and who is to come" (Revelation 4:8), promising to dwell with his people forever (Revelation 21:3).

This biblical narrative offers hope amid chaos and difficulty. Rather than a distant deity, we serve a God who has come, who remains present, and who will return. As the Bible's final prayer declares, "Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!" (Revelation 22:20).

Murray J. Smith (PhD, Macquarie University) serves as lecturer in biblical theology and exegesis at Christ College, Sydney. He is the author of several books and articles. Murray serves as coeditor of the series We Believe: Studies in Reformed Biblical Doctrine and as cohost of the Down Under Theology podcast.

Related Articles

Previous Articles