Theophanies And Stuff Like That: Some More Thoughts On The God Who Is “Totally Other”

At various times, God has entered space at specific points and become present in it for a specific purpose. These “theophanies,” as they are called, most often involved redemption. For example, the pillar of cloud bearing the glory of God that appeared before the Israelites is but one example of such a case (cf. Ex 33:9; 40:34; 1 Ki 8:10ff). Of course, the most dramatic incident of God entering time and space was the incarnation itself (cf. Jn 1:14; 1 Tim 3:16). Consequently, Jesus was called Immanuel, or “God with us” in Matthew 1:23. But, in entering time and space, God, in His self-existent, eternal and infinite Being, did not cease to be omnipresent. He was, in fact, still present to every point of space, holding everything together by the “word of His power” (Heb 1:3; cf. Col 1:17). In fact, it is evident that the omnipresence of “God with us” is the subject of John 3:13, which says, “No one has ascended to heaven but He who came down from heaven, that is, the Son of God who is in heaven.” If omnipresence is not under discussion in this passage, then pray tell me what is? Remember, these words were being spoken by God Himself while enfleshed here on this earth. Another example of God interjecting Himself into time and space would be the coming of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost (cf. Ac 2:1-4), as well as His indwelling of the body of every Christian (cf. 1 Cor 6:19). “Mind-boggling,” you say. Yes, but such is the magnificent nature of the great I AM.