“…who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see.
To Him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen.”
(1 Timothy 6:16)
As God is infinitely more glorious in every way than humanity can fathom, we only learn about Him by considering His attributes… and those individually. By studying these attributes, we can better understand both the nature and character of God and His work in the world. Yet we know we will never see nor understand Him completely, in all His fullness, for we are finite and incapable of knowing the infinite God as He knows Himself.
One of the primary attributes of God – and one that is often misunderstood – is that God is an eternal, immortal spirit. Such spiritual and immortal perfection is an essential property of God’s being. He has life in Himself, being of Himself, and as life He gives life to every other living being. Creatures have being, but not of themselves. God alone is the One in whom we live, and move, and have our being (Acts 17:28).
Further, God is Spirit, and as such: 1) He is a living substance, 2) He is incorruptible, 3) He is without body, flesh, blood, or bones (Luke 24:39), 4) He is invisible, 5) He is intangible, 6) He is indivisible, meaning He cannot be divided; He is a singular being, not composed of parts as we are.
No man has seen God; this is plainly stated in Scripture (1 John 4:12). In addition, no man can see Him; this is clearly proven in Scripture (Ex. 33:20; 1 Tim. 6:16). Yet, Genesis 18:1 says that God appeared to Abraham and that He showed Himself to the Israelites (Deut. 5:24). What these verses mean is that God gave outward signs so the people could be assured of His presence. Though Scripture states that the Lord “appeared to them,” they did not literally see Him.
What is the meaning, then, of Genesis 1:26 that says man was made according to the image of God, if God is Spirit? This verse is not referencing God’s physical form but rather that God made man with the capacity for wisdom, righteousness, and holiness (Col. 3:10; Eph. 4:24), as He is wisdom, righteousness, and holiness.
Further, when God is described as having hands, feet, etc., Scripture is using these physical forms and features so we can better conceive of the truth He is conveying. For if He truly has hands or feet or eyes and such, then as the Psalmist says, He has feathers as well. “He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge,” (Ps. 91:4). Of course, God does not have feathers. This and similar passages simply convey an image or divine characteristic that God desires His people to understand.
Knowing this, we should, as James Ussher taught rightly, “drive away all fond imaginations and gross conceits of God out of our hearts, and all pictures and similitudes of God out of our sights: that we do not frame any image of Him in our minds, as ignorant folks do, who think him to be an old man sitting in heaven, etc.”
God as an immortal Spirit is wholly complete within Himself. Further, if we are to worship such a gloriously divine and unfathomably holy being, we must worship and adore God in a way that reflects who He is. We must worship Him in spirit… and in truth.
- Lord, I believe You are perfect spirit. You are most glorious, blessed, and good (Gen. 17:1; John 4:24; 1 Tim 6:15-16; Ex. 34:6-7). I know we cannot see Your face, “for man shall not see me and live.” I know You dwell in inaccessible light (1 Tim. 6:16). But You also tell me that in heaven I will see God “face to face” in the face of Christ. Then I will know You in Jesus Christ, for though You are Spirit, in Christ dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.
- This communion which I have with Christ allows me to taste Your divine nature, and partake of Your goodness, as much as You will allow. Help me maintain a holy fellowship and communion with You in worship. Allow me to come to know and experience You more, deeper, and better day by day as I grow in the grace of Your Spirit and worship You in the Lord Jesus.
- I am joined with You by Your Spirit, Lord. What an amazing truth – to know I am united to Jesus Christ by His Spirit and by faith. I have true fellowship with You in Your graces, sufferings, death, resurrection, and glory. I am united to You in perfect love. How does this great mystery work in my soul? How am I vitally connected to You by Your saving grace? I cannot fathom it. The immortal Spirit of God resides in me as a believer. Show me, Lord, how I might experience more of Your goodness and love!
Further References for 1 Tim. 6:16
1 Tim. 1:17; John 1:18; Ps. 104:2; Exod. 33:20; 1 John 1:5; Rev. 1:6
