Topical Encyclopedia
The doctrine of the omnipresence of Christ asserts that Jesus Christ, as God, is present everywhere at all times. This attribute is traditionally ascribed to God alone, affirming the divine nature of Christ. The omnipresence of Christ is a profound mystery that underscores His deity and His intimate involvement with creation and His followers.
Biblical Foundations1.
Matthew 28:20 · In the Great Commission, Jesus assures His disciples of His continual presence: "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." . This promise of perpetual presence is indicative of His divine omnipresence, as only God can be with all His followers simultaneously across the globe and throughout time.
2.
John 14:23 · Jesus speaks of His and the Father's indwelling presence: "If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word. My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him." . This passage highlights the spiritual presence of Christ with believers, a presence that transcends physical limitations.
3.
Colossians 1:17 · Paul writes of Christ's sustaining power: "He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together." . This verse suggests that Christ is actively present in all creation, maintaining the existence and order of the universe, a role that necessitates omnipresence.
4.
Ephesians 1:23 · The church is described as "His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all." . This expression of Christ filling all things further supports the concept of His omnipresence, as He is present in and through His body, the church, which spans the entire world.
Theological ImplicationsThe omnipresence of Christ is a cornerstone of Christian theology, affirming His divine nature and His role as the second person of the Trinity. It assures believers of His constant companionship and support, providing comfort and strength in all circumstances. This attribute also emphasizes the intimate relationship between Christ and His followers, as He is always accessible and present in their lives.
Historical PerspectivesThroughout church history, theologians have affirmed the omnipresence of Christ as a testament to His divinity. Early church fathers, such as Athanasius and Augustine, emphasized this attribute in their defense of the doctrine of the Trinity. The Reformers, including John Calvin, also upheld the omnipresence of Christ, particularly in discussions of the Lord's Supper and the spiritual presence of Christ in the sacrament.
Practical ConsiderationsFor believers, the omnipresence of Christ is a source of profound comfort and encouragement. It assures them that they are never alone, regardless of their circumstances. This truth calls Christians to live with an awareness of Christ's presence, fostering a life of holiness, prayer, and worship. It also challenges believers to recognize Christ's presence in others, promoting love and unity within the body of Christ.
In summary, the omnipresence of Christ is a vital aspect of His divine nature, affirming His deity and His intimate involvement with His creation and His people. This doctrine provides assurance and hope, encouraging believers to live in the light of His constant presence.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Matthew 18:20For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the middle of them.
Torrey's Topical TextbookMatthew 28:20
Teaching them to observe all things whatever I have commanded you: and, see, I am with you always, even to the end of the world. Amen.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
John 3:13
And no man has ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
The Truth, that Christ is God-Man, Presupposed.
... As the intuitive consciousness of God indicates to ... human mind the existence, the
omnipresent power and ... Christian consciousness" testify that Christ lived, and ...
/.../section 2 the truth that.htm
Christ the Mediator of the Covenant
... So is Christ. He knew their thoughts.' John 2:25. Is God the Father omnipresent?
So is Christ. The Son of Man which is in heaven.' John 3:13. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/2 christ the mediator of.htm
Christ's Struggles of Soul, and Submission to the Divine Will. ...
... God, who works alike in nature and in spirit--so Christ, who knew that His work
was the Father's, and always recognized God's omnipresent working, both in ...
/.../section 261 christs struggles of.htm
Shall it not Love violently what God Loveth
... And what shall we think of Christ Himself? Shall not all our love be where He is? ...
So that as God is omnipresent our love shall be at once with all: that is ...
/.../traherne/centuries of meditations/68 shall it not love.htm
What is It?
... as God is indeed eternal, unchangeable, and omnipresent; but by ... creed begins with:
"I believe in God the Father ... of all that follows concerning Christ and our ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xvii what is it.htm
The Holy Spirit in the New Testament Other than in the Old.
... In prayer we whisper so as not to be overheard; yet we believe that the man Jesus
Christ hears every word. ... Since God is omnipresent, it does not follow that ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxv the holy spirit in.htm
Practical Observations.
... Hence, it was new and revolutionary when Christ proclaimed the dawn of a spiritual
religion, the worship of the only true God, an omnipresent Spirit, not ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/practical observations 7.htm
The Being of God
... God is also an omnipresent Spirit; he is present in all places ... How then shall we
conceive of God as a Spirit, if we ... We must conceive of him as he is in Christ. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/1 the being of god.htm
Things Omitted from John's Gospel.
... 12. There is no account of Christ's Ascension in this fourth Gospel. ... As God
the Son He was omnipresent, and so, needed not to ascend. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/why four gospels/i things omitted from johns.htm
Confession of the Free-Will Baptists. AD 1834, 1868.
... 1. His titles."The Bible ascribes to Christ the titles ... God, God over all, mighty
God, and the ... He is eternal, unchangeable, omnipresent, omniscient, omnipotent ...
/.../confession of the free-will baptists.htm
Resources
Is the Church of Christ a good biblical church? | GotQuestions.orgIs there a difference in meaning between Jesus Christ and Christ Jesus? | GotQuestions.orgQuestions about Jesus Christ (All) | GotQuestions.orgChrist: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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