“God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”
John 4:24
In the Gospel of John, Jesus Christ declares that God is Spirit. This reveals that God exists beyond physical form and limitations. Let us explore God’s divine nature and how to relate with Him.
THE MEANING OF “GOD IS SPIRIT”
The phrase signifies that God’s nature is spiritual, without physical form or limitations. Unlike created beings, God is not confined by material attributes like shape, size, or location. He is omnipresent, not restricted by time or space, and His essence cannot be perceived through physical senses. This spiritual nature makes God both transcendent and intimately involved with His creation, unrestricted by the constraints of the physical world (1 Kings 8:27).
When the Scripture refers to God as having body parts like eyes, ears, hands, etc., it uses figurative language to help us grasp His qualities. These descriptions reveal God’s actions and attributes in ways we can understand (Psa 33:13-14). For example, describing God as having eyes indicates His awareness of everything, while referring to His hands expresses His power and involvement in the world. Although God has no physical form, these metaphors help to bridge the gap between His incomprehensible nature and our limited human understanding.
THE NATURE OF GOD AS SPIRIT
- God is invisible: While He can make Himself known in visible ways, His true nature cannot be perceived by human eyes (Col 1:15). He exists beyond the physical realm.
- God is immaterial: He has no physical form and does not occupy space (Isa 66:1).
- God is indivisible: He is completely whole, with no separate parts, and is present in all His fullness at all times (Jer 23:24).
- God is immortal: He is eternal and cannot die (1 Tim 1:17). His existence is everlasting.
WORSHIP IN SPIRIT AND TRUTH
The nature of God as Spirit directly influences how we worship Him. Since He is spirit, our worship should not be limited to external traditions, rituals, or specific locations. True worship involves cultivating an authentic relationship with God that goes beyond physical practices. Worshiping in Spirit means engaging with God personally through heartfelt devotion, allowing your spirit to connect with Him (Phil 3:3). Worshiping in truth means ensuring our worship aligns with who God is and biblical truths (Psa 145:18).
In conclusion, the nature of God as Spirit encourages believers to develop a genuine relationship with God, rooted in an accurate comprehension of His nature. Worshiping in Spirit and truth allows us to fully engage in communion with the living God.
Further study: John 1:18; Hebrews 12:28-29
Sign up to be notified every time there is a new post!