The nature of God as non-physical or spirit is articulated in the Bible, which serves as the primary source for understanding Christian theology and the attributes of God. John 4:24 explicitly states, “God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” This declaration by Jesus to the Samaritan woman at the well emphasizes that God’s essence is not material but spiritual.
Furthermore, the Bible describes God as omnipresent, meaning He is present everywhere at all times. Psalm 139:7-10 poetically expresses this attribute: “Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.” The omnipresence of God suggests that He transcends physical limitations, occupying all spaces simultaneously, which would not be possible if He were confined to a physical form.
Additionally, God’s immutability, or unchanging nature, as discussed in scriptures such as Malachi 3:6, “I the Lord do not change,” and James 1:17, which describes the Father of the heavenly lights as having no shifting shadow, points to a being beyond the physical realm. Physical entities are subject to change, decay, and the passage of time, whereas God, being spirit, is eternal and unchanging.
The incarnation of Jesus Christ, God the Son, taking on human form as described in the New Testament (John 1:14, “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.”), is a unique event that does not negate the spiritual nature of God but rather demonstrates God’s willingness to enter into the physical world to reveal Himself and accomplish the work of salvation. This act underscores the distinction between the eternal, spiritual nature of God and the physical reality He created.
In summary, the Bible presents God as a spiritual being, not limited by physical form or space. His attributes of omnipresence, immutability, and the very essence of being spirit, as revealed through Scripture, affirm that God transcends the physical realm.
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