The Doctrine of the Transcendence and Immanence of God

Avoiding Two Ditches

God is so above us that He is unknowable and uninvolved in His creation.

God is just like us.

The Transcendence of God

Definition: God is above, beyond, and independent of the created universe. He is infinite, eternal, and not bound by time, space, or matter.

Key Passages:

Genesis 1:1 “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.”

1 Kings 8:27 ““But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you; how much less this house that I have built!”

Psalm 145:3 “Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised, and his greatness is unsearchable.”

Isaiah 57:15 “For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite.”

The Importance of this doctrine:

God is not like us. We are dependent beings, God is independent.

God’s greatness cannot be comprehended.

The Immanence of God

Definition: God is present and actively involved in HIs creation. He is near, accessible, and intimately aware of our lives.

Key Passages:

Acts 17:27–28 “that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us, for “ ‘In him we live and move and have our being’; as even some of your own poets have said, “ ‘For we are indeed his offspring.’”

Psalm 139:7–10 “Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me.”

Colossians 1:17 “And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.”

James 4:8 “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”

Matthew 10:29–31 “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.”

John 3:16 ““For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”

The Importance of this doctrine:

God is actively involved with His creation.

God is accessible and we can know Him.

God upholds all things, which should give us freedom from fear.

God cares about you.