Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Overview:Being with God refers to the state of communion, fellowship, and intimate relationship between a believer and the Almighty. This concept is central to Christian theology, emphasizing the presence of God in the life of a believer and the believer's response to that presence. It encompasses both the temporal experience of God's presence in this life and the eternal promise of being with Him in the life to come. Biblical Foundations: 1. Presence of God: The Bible frequently speaks of God's desire to dwell with His people. In the Old Testament, God's presence was manifested in the tabernacle and the temple. Exodus 25:8 states, "Then have them make a sanctuary for Me, so that I may dwell among them." This theme continues in the New Testament, where believers are described as the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19). 2. Immanuel · God With Us: The prophecy of Isaiah 7:14, fulfilled in Matthew 1:23 , declares, "Behold, the virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel" (which means, "God with us"). This signifies the incarnation of Christ as the ultimate expression of God being with humanity. 3. Abiding in Christ: Jesus emphasizes the importance of abiding in Him to maintain a close relationship with God. In John 15:4 , He instructs, "Remain in Me, and I will remain in you. Just as no branch can bear fruit by itself unless it remains in the vine, neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me." 4. The Holy Spirit: The indwelling of the Holy Spirit is a testament to God's presence with believers. John 14:16-17 promises, "And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate to be with you forever—the Spirit of truth." The Holy Spirit guides, comforts, and empowers believers, ensuring God's continual presence. 5. Eternal Fellowship: The ultimate fulfillment of being with God is found in the promise of eternal life. Revelation 21:3 proclaims, "And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying: 'Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God.'" Theological Implications: 1. Sanctification: Being with God involves a process of sanctification, where believers are progressively conformed to the image of Christ. This transformation is facilitated by the Holy Spirit and is a response to God's presence in one's life. 2. Worship and Prayer: A life of being with God is marked by worship and prayer. These practices are means through which believers experience God's presence and express their devotion. Psalm 16:11 declares, "You make known to me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore." 3. Community: The concept of being with God extends to the community of believers, the Church, which is described as the body of Christ. Fellowship with other believers is an essential aspect of experiencing God's presence collectively. 4. Mission: Being with God compels believers to participate in His mission. As Jesus commissioned His disciples in Matthew 28:19-20 , He assured them, "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." This presence empowers and guides believers in their mission to make disciples. Practical Application: 1. Daily Devotion: Engaging in daily Bible reading, prayer, and meditation fosters a deeper awareness of God's presence. 2. Obedience: Living in obedience to God's commandments is a reflection of a life lived in His presence. 3. Community Involvement: Actively participating in a local church community enhances one's experience of being with God through corporate worship and service. 4. Mindfulness of God's Presence: Cultivating an awareness of God's presence in everyday life encourages believers to live in a manner that honors Him. Being with God is a dynamic and transformative relationship that shapes the believer's life, both now and for eternity. Topical Bible Verses 1 Corinthians 8:6But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him. Topicalbible.org James 4:8 Psalm 90:2 Colossians 2:9 Greek 564. aperitmetos -- uncircumcised ... [564 () literally refers to an uncircumcised foreskin, which stands for "being of God's covenant" -- ie without the promise of His salvation.]. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/564.htm - 7k 1128. gumnazo -- to exercise naked, to train 4059. peritemno -- to cut around, circumcise 2316. theos -- God, a god 1096. ginomai -- to come into being, to happen, to become 5297. hupophero -- to bear by being under, to endure 551. apeirastos -- untried, untempted 5140. treis and tria -- three 4134. pleres -- full 935. basileus -- a king Strong's Hebrew 430. elohim -- God, god... of eloah Definition God, god NASB Word Usage divine (1), divine being (1), exceedingly (1), God (2326), god (45), God's (14), goddess (2), godly (1), gods (204 ... /hebrew/430.htm - 6k Library The Being of God Love in the Triune Being of God. Being of God. 1 There is a God --All Nature Speaks The Misery of Being Without God in this World; Or, Vain Prosperity ... Whether Creatures Need to be Kept in Being by God? The Misery of Being Without God in this World; Or, Vain Prosperity ... Whatever Is, Owes Its Being to God. "But," Continues Celsus, "What Great Deeds did Jesus Perform as ... Our Creation and God's Incarnation Most Intimately Connected. As ... God is not a Being of Simple Goodness; Other Attributes Belong to ... Resources What does the Bible say about being nosey? | GotQuestions.orgIs being gay a sin? Is it a sin to be gay? | GotQuestions.org What are the implications of God being infinite, unlimited, and unmeasurable? | GotQuestions.org Being: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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