In Christianity, the question of God’s appearance sparks curiosity and debate. While Scripture offers insights into God’s attributes, it also emphasizes the incomprehensibility of His nature. The Bible warns that full exposure to God’s essence could be fatal for humans. His revelations are selective. Despite these cautions, we are encouraged to delve into God’s mysteries for deeper understanding. Furthermore, this article explores various perspectives on God’s looks, acknowledging the complexity and significance of the topic.
The Fascination with God’s Appearance
Throughout history, humanity has grappled with the concept of visualizing the Lord God. This pursuit seeks to render the intangible tangible, and the incomprehensible comprehensible. It’s a natural inclination. Who wouldn’t want to envision the God they pray to daily? Yet, for Christians, cultivating an intimate relationship with an unseen God presents its challenges. As 1 John 4:20 states, “he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen.”
While personal encounters aren’t necessary for belief—Jesus himself proclaimed, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (John 20:29)—Christians still ponder God’s appearance. Unlike past religions with tangible idols, Christianity’s foundation lies in Genesis 1:27, where God creates humanity in His image. The Hebrew word for “image” here aligns with the term used for physical idols worshiped by other faiths. This suggests that humans, being obedient to God’s will, are meant to reflect His likeness to the world.
Some children of God have turned to art in attempts to visualize God. Others, wary of breaching the second commandment, refrain from such depictions. Regardless of the approach, the curiosity persists. However, the desire to behold God’s face is tempered by the recognition that earthly understanding only goes so far. True revelation awaits in the realm of heaven.
The Theological Significance of God’s Image
Generally, the pursuit of God’s image extends beyond mere intellectual curiosity. The way believers conceive God profoundly shapes their beliefs, informs their moral values, and influences the tapestry of their religious practices. It is a mirror that reflects one’s understanding of God’s divine attributes, and how one should in turn respond. This human response is a visible image of the invisible God.
This question, though often taken for granted, can not only reveal truths about God but also about each individual. One can learn more about God’s character and nature. One learns about preconceived notions, being challenged to seek deeper truths beyond appearances.
Additionally, the inquiry into God’s appearance transcends mere curiosity; it delves into the heart of theological inquiry. How we envision God profoundly shapes our beliefs, moral values, and religious practices, reflecting our understanding of the divine and our place in the cosmos.
This exploration of God’s image serves as a conduit for understanding the relationship between humanity and the divine, prompting a journey of self-discovery. It reveals the nexus of faith and perception. While seeking to unveil truths about God’s character and nature, it primarily exposes our preconceptions. This challenges us to probe deeper into our spiritual and philosophical beliefs.
The Limitations of Human Comprehension
Through searching the scriptures, it doesn’t take long to realize that humans are quite inadequate in their ability to comprehend the image of God. Isaiah 55:9 says “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
It is a sentiment that applies to this situation. Not only is God so much greater than what humans can comprehend; he is altogether different. Humans only have the finite things of this universe to compare God with, and God is an infinite being.
With this in mind, it is key to approach this question with humility, but not with hopelessness. Jesus says “Blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall see God,” (Matthew 5:8). This shows that there are those who see God and that Christians desire moments where a revelation of God is shared. Not only that, but God has given many glimpses of Himself through various means. God revealed glimpses of Himself to several prophets. He reveals much more of Himself through creation, humanity, and most of all through Jesus Christ.
Iconography and Artistic Representations
Throughout history, diverse cultures and religions have sought to capture the divine in visual form. In Christianity, this tradition has manifested through a rich tapestry of art including iconic depictions of Jesus as a thirty-year-old man with dark hair and light skin, God as an aged figure with a flowing white beard, or representations of the Holy Trinity. These have become visual representations that have profoundly shaped the religious and cultural landscape in shaping a tangible vision of God.
The ancient Hebrews, adhering to strict monotheism and the commandments against graven images, typically avoided visual representations of God. Instead, they emphasized abstract symbols or depictions of natural phenomena to allude to the divine presence. They used the image of a burning bush to represent God’s presence when speaking to Moses in the book of Exodus. The Ark of the Covenant served as a focal point for worship and symbolized God’s presence among the Israelites, though it did not directly represent God visually. Overall, ancient Hebrew art tended to focus more on narrative scenes, symbols, and architectural elements rather than explicit depictions of God.
Though there have certainly been plenty of depictions of God and Jesus’ human traits throughout the years, many associate the images depicted by famous Renaissance artists such as Michaelangelo and Leonardo DaVinci. These images were influenced by their Italian culture and experiences. They are not exact images of what God resembles. Rather man’s imagination and attempt to put a face to the divine.
Christian art, spanning centuries and continents, serves as a testament to humanity’s deep yearning to make the divine relatable. These artistic endeavors offer windows into the hearts and minds of believers, inviting them to contemplate the mysteries of faith through a visual lens.
Theological Debates Over Representing God Visually
The use of visual representations of the divine has been a source of theological debate. Some argue that these images play a crucial role in helping believers forge a deeper connection with the divine. Visual representations, they contend, provide a tangible focal point for devotion, enabling individuals to grasp the ineffable through the familiar.
Conversely, others caution against the potential pitfalls of reducing God to a mere image, emphasizing the danger of idolatry—of mistaking the representation for reality. Many fear attempting to create images such as these can potentially lead believers to break the second commandment (Exodus 20:4-6). These theological debates reflect the tension between the human impulse to make the sacred tangible and the need to safeguard against the temptation of reducing the divine to the confines of human understanding.
Contemporary Christian Art
In modern times, artists have embarked on a quest to explore new and diverse ways of representing the divine. They use new media for attempts at better interpretations to depict the God of the Bible. Contemporary Christian art often seeks to transcend the limitations of physical appearances. It delves deeper into the spiritual and emotional dimensions of faith. It aims to capture the essence and great mystery of the divine experience—relying less on literal depictions and more on evocative imagery. This ultimately invites viewers to engage with the sacred on a profound, inner level.
Comparatively, recent shifts in artistic expression reflect a broader understanding of God’s presence—one that extends beyond the confines of external forms. Embracing the transformative power of the spiritual and emotional journey is possible through this new technique. Contemporary Christian art serves as a reminder that the quest to depict God visually is an ever-evolving exploration, echoing the profound truth that the divine cannot be contained within the boundaries of human artistry or imagination.
Modern Interpretations
The use of visual representations in theology sparks debate. Some argue that these images deepen believers’ connection to the divine by providing tangible focal points for devotion. Others caution against reducing God to mere images, fearing idolatry—a violation of the second commandment (Exodus 20:4-6). These discussions reflect the tension between making the sacred tangible and safeguarding against reducing the divine to the mere appearance of a man.
During these modern times, artists explore diverse ways of representing the divine through new media. Contemporary Christian art transcends physical appearances, delving into spiritual and emotional dimensions. It aims to capture the essence of the divine experience, inviting viewers to engage deeply with the sacred.
This artistic shift reflects an understanding of God’s presence beyond external forms. It is embracing the transformative power of spiritual and emotional journeys. Contemporary Christian art reminds us that depicting God visually is an evolving exploration, acknowledging that the divine transcends human artistry and imagination.
God’s Non-Physical Nature
One fundamental tenet of Christianity is that God exists as a spiritual being. He transcends the confines of the physical world. This profound concept rests upon the belief that the divine is not bound by the limitations of time, space, or matter. Rather, God is envisioned as a timeless, boundless entity.
This spiritual characterization of God emanates from an understanding that the divine essence defies conventional boundaries. This attribute denotes a force that transcends the constraints of the earthly realm, the core of the very nature of God. In recognizing God as a spiritual being, one is compelled to relinquish the desire to confine Him within the parameters of the physical—a notion that beckons us to explore the mysteries of the ethereal.
Scripture References: Illuminating the Spiritual Nature
The essence of God’s nature, as depicted in religious scriptures like the Christian Bible, emphasizes His spiritual and ethereal presence. John 4:24 states, “God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” This declaration underscores that true worship transcends the physical and highlights the intangible nature of God’s essence. Similarly, Colossians 1:15 describes Jesus Christ as “the image of the invisible God,” affirming that the divine is beyond human perception. These references guide readers toward a deeper understanding of God’s non-physical existence.
Despite God’s spiritual nature, He interacts with humanity in physical ways throughout the Bible. Knowing that humans cannot see God and live (Exodus 33:20). He still makes efforts to reveal Himself to His human partners.
Scripture References: Interactions with Humanity
God’s interactions with humanity unfold in diverse and remarkable ways. These interactions reveal His presence and communication with creation. One prominent mode of divine appearance is through theophanies, where God manifests Himself visibly to humans. These encounters are awe-inspiring and often accompanied by extraordinary phenomena. Those phenomena include the fiery flame in the burning bush through which God speaks to Moses, the pillar of cloud and fire guiding the Israelites, and the overwhelming presence of God in the storm on Mount Sinai. Through these manifestations, God communicates His divine will and imparts guidance to His people.
Scripture References: Interactions through the Angelic Realm
Another means by which God engages with humanity is through angelic visitation. Angels serve as messengers of God’s divine purpose. They appear to individuals throughout the Bible to convey His messages and provide guidance. From the Angel of the Lord comforting Hagar in her distress to the Angel of the Lord speaking to Moses in the wilderness, these encounters demonstrate God’s personal involvement in the lives of His people.
Additionally, dreams and visions serve as channels through which God imparts revelation and guidance to individuals. Whether revealing future events to prophets like Daniel or conveying His plans to patriarchs like Jacob through dreams, God utilizes these supernatural experiences to communicate His divine purposes.
Central to the Christian faith is the concept of incarnation, where God takes on human form in the person of Jesus Christ. The Gospels record the miraculous birth, life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus, portraying God’s profound love and desire to reconcile humanity to Himself. Moreover, believers experience God’s presence through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. This divine presence empowers, guides, and comforts believers. The Spirit serves as a constant reminder of God’s intimate involvement in their lives. Through these varied means of appearance, Scripture depicts a God who actively engages with humanity, offering guidance, comfort, and ultimately salvation to all who seek Him.
Understanding the Concept of Omnipresence
At the heart of comprehending God’s non-physical nature lies the concept of omnipresence. It is the notion that God exists everywhere simultaneously. It is an omnipotent presence that spans the cosmos and permeates every crevice of existence. This attribute is key to the nature of the Christian God. It has far-reaching implications as it challenges the innate human inclination to ascribe a tangible form to the divine and beckons us to explore a more profound, non-physical understanding of God.
Omnipresence underscores the idea that God’s presence is not confined to a particular location or entity. His omnipresence is an all-encompassing, ever-present reality forming the intangible appearance of God. God is not limited by spatial boundaries but rather exists beyond the constraints of the tangible. Though one may not be able to see God, the children of God believe he is nevertheless always there.
The Use of Human Characteristics to Describe God
Though it is made clear throughout the Bible that God is altogether different than man, something strange also happens when the Bible references God. God is not just described as some ethereal form completely alien from man. He is described with very tangible human traits. The Bible’s picture of God is described as having hands, a heart, a face, and feet. This may be used as a literary device, an attempt to use anthropomorphic language to help bridge the gap between the reality of God and human understanding. However, there is something to be said that God chooses to relate qualities of Himself to very human things.
Metaphorical Descriptions
Within the verses of the Bible, common metaphors abound, offering glimpses into the divine realm through a human lens. These metaphors function as symbolic windows through which humans can perceive facets of God’s character and actions. As one example, in Isaiah 41:10 the Lord says “I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Yet, it is imperative to emphasize that the Bible does not assert that God possesses a corporeal form akin to that of humans. Instead, these metaphors serve as allegorical tools—conduits through which someone can begin to apprehend the ineffable qualities of God.
The Purpose of Anthropomorphic Language
The use of anthropomorphic language within the Bible serves a meticulously crafted purpose—an invitation for humanity to engage with the divine on a deeply personal level. It is a profound act of divine condescension, God reaching out to humanity, eager to forge an intimate connection.
By depicting God in familiar, human terms, the Bible beckons all to cultivate a profound and personal relationship with Him. It assures believers that, while the physical aspects of these descriptions are symbolic, the spiritual and emotional truths they convey are very real. It encourages individuals to approach the divine with open hearts and minds. This frees them from the constraints of physical appearances. Man can embark on a journey toward a profound spiritual connection. In this way, anthropomorphic language serves as a bridge between the earthly and the heavenly.
The Purpose of Anthropomorphic Language: Depictions through Physical Features
Throughout the Bible, the depiction of God presents a paradoxical blend of otherworldly uniqueness and familiar human characteristics. While the text emphasizes God’s clear distinctiveness apart from humanity, it simultaneously describes Him in human terms. His glorified form is given hands, a heart, a face, and feet. This anthropomorphic language serves as a bridge between the infinite divine realm and finite human understanding, enabling readers to relate to God on a personal level.
Metaphorical descriptions in the Bible abound, offering symbolic glimpses into God’s character. The Bible verse Isaiah 41:10, where the Lord speaks of upholding with His righteous right hand, utilizes human attributes to convey deeper spiritual truths. However, it’s crucial to recognize that these references aren’t literal assertions of God possessing a human-like form. Instead, they function as allegorical tools. These earthly metaphors invite readers to delve into the intangible qualities of the divine and loving father.
The purpose of anthropomorphic language is to invite humanity into a relatable relationship with the divine. It represents an act of divine condescension, extending God’s hand to forge an intimate connection. By portraying God in familiar terms, the text encourages individuals to engage with Him spiritually and emotionally, transcending physical appearances. This approach fosters a journey toward profound spiritual connection. It bridges the earthly with the heavenly, allowing glimpses of the divine amidst humanity.
Image of God in Humans
Of course, there is much more to the use of anthropomorphic language than one might realize. Genesis 1:26-27 unveils a profound declaration that sets the foundation for many Christian beliefs. It proclaims that humans are created in the image of God—a concept of immense theological importance. This foundational belief serves as a cornerstone upon which to explore the multi-faceted dimensions of God’s appearance.
The notion that humanity bears the divine image carries with it a profound sense of identity and responsibility. It positions humans not only as creatures of the earth but as reflections of the divine. A hard realization that sets humans apart in this world and positions them as divine ambassadors and role models.
The Moral and Relational Aspects of this Image
Being created in God’s image extends far beyond mere physical semblance. It resounds with echoes of moral reasoning, creativity, and the profound ability to establish meaningful relationships. This divine likeness goes in tandem with the inherent capacity within humanity to navigate the complex terrain of ethics and spirituality, embracing the principles of love, compassion, and justice.
Explicitly, this moral aspect of our divine image calls people to a higher standard of living—a recognition that all are stewards of their actions, responsible for the impact they have on the world and the lives of others. The fact that humans are made in God’s image makes every human life sacred. It puts a heavy burden on each individual to take care of even the smallest or weakest of humans. It serves as a reminder that, as reflections of God’s character, all are urged to be agents of goodness, compassion, and grace in a world marred by strife and suffering.
Ambassadors of Divine Principles
The understanding that all humans bear the image of God extends an invitation—a calling to reflect God’s character in one’s life. This realization underscores the idea that a believer’s relationship with God is not solely defined by external appearances or ritualistic observance. It is marked by the transformative power of embodying divine qualities. It serves as a compass for moral and spiritual journeys. Divine character is guiding all toward lives of purpose and significance. In embracing this divine likeness, one is reminded of their sacred duty to be beacons of God’s love and goodness.
While humanity has many good qualities, Christians are the first to admit that humanity is broken. Some people show kindness in this world; however, the hurt that people often experience is caused by other men or themselves. If God’s image is supposed to be seen in man, why is it so fallen? Can persons be expected to see the image and character of God through humanity?
There are many great examples of humans being great beacons of morality and faith. Eventually, it becomes clear that all men are fallen and cannot live up to the image of God. Christianity states that humanity fell a long time ago and has been broken since. Thankfully, God did not leave it at that. He gave the world His only son, Jesus Christ, as an example to the world.
Jesus Christ is the perfect image of God for Humanity to follow. The use of anthropomorphic language in religious texts, particularly the Bible, holds significant theological implications. Genesis 1:26-27 declares that humans are created in the image of God, setting a foundational belief that resonates throughout history. This concept goes beyond physical resemblance, instilling in humanity a sense of identity and responsibility as divine ambassadors.
Ambassadors of Divine Love
Being made in God’s image encompasses moral reasoning, creativity, and the capacity for meaningful relationships. This divine image calls people to uphold principles of love, compassion, and justice. Each person is to recognize every human life is sacred and the responsibility to care for others. However, despite humanity’s potential to reflect God’s character, Christians acknowledge humanity’s inherent brokenness and inability to fully embody the divine image.
Despite sinful man, Christianity teaches how God provided a solution through Jesus Christ. He exemplifies the perfect image of God for humanity. Jesus’ life serves as a model for believers, guiding them to embody God’s love and goodness in the world, despite their imperfections. Ultimately, the concept of being made in God’s image invites individuals to reflect divine qualities in their lives and pursue a deeper relationship with the divine.
The Incarnation of God
“In the past, God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, (2) but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. (3) The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. ,” (Hebrews 1:1-3).
The Concept of the Trinity
In Christian theology, the concept of the Trinity unfolds as a multifaceted prism through which to explore the enigma of God’s appearance. This intricate doctrine posits God as existing in three distinct persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Ghost (Spirit), coexisting in perfect unity. This theological understanding is a unique take on traditional monotheism, revealing the depth and complexity of God’s nature.
The Trinity invites believers to grapple with the idea that God’s appearance is not confined to a singular form. Rather his essence encompasses a triune being—a harmonious coexistence of distinct yet inseparable personas. This idea is not one to be taken lightly and cannot be easily understood. It challenges preconceived notions of the divine, compelling believers to see God’s nature is multifaceted. Akin to a radiant gem, much like the appearance of a sapphire stone, refracting light in a myriad of directions.
God Clothed in Humanity
Central to Christianity is the doctrine of the Incarnation—a belief that God chose to take on human flesh. John 1:14 declares, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” This remarkable event is a pivotal turning point in the Christian faith. It is the foundation of all Christian beliefs. Jesus Christ was never just a man. The incarnation is about God becoming a man.
This does not mean that Jesus ceased to be God when he came to earth. Christians have a doctrine called the Hypostatic Union. This is the belief that Jesus Christ was both fully God and fully man. Jesus had two natures residing in one person. This belief has deep implications and sets the rest of Christian doctrine in place.
Because of this, Jesus not only lived a sinless life, but he also felt all the hardships and sufferings that we feel. Hebrews 4:15 says of Jesus, “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.”
God’s Relationship with Humanity
This reality reveals that God wants everyone to have a close intimate relationship with Him. Jesus came to earth to pay for the sins of men. The relationship between God and His children is not only superficial or legal. This intimate relationship is personal as Jesus knows the kind of pain and difficulty we experience. Not only that, but because he is fully God, Jesus was able to live a perfect life, die on the cross, and raise himself from the dead. Because He was raised from the dead, all who believe in Him are made alive in Jesus as well. “But God, being rich in mercy […] made us alive together with Christ […] and raised us up with him,” (Ephesians 2:4-6).
Jesus Christ as the Visible Representation of God
An important fact is that Jesus is the only part of the Godhead that is shown to have a physical body. Jesus made the way for humans to see God. Colossians 1:15 poignantly describes Jesus as “the image of the invisible God.” Jesus himself makes it clear that He is all believers need to get a glimpse of God. When Philip, one of His disciples said, “‘Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father.’”
But, how is he the perfect image of God? The Bible doesn’t give many descriptors of what Jesus looked like physically. What the Bible does give is how Jesus says one should live one’s life. Jesus led by example. He subverted the expectations of many and was uncompromising in the truth. Jesus is “the exact imprint” of the nature of God because He and the Father were in perfect unity. They had the same will, and therefore, he is a guide to a life imbued with divine love, compassion, and wisdom. The life and teachings of Christ become a roadmap for understanding God’s appearance beyond the physical, emphasizing the importance of character, morality, and spirituality.
This is how Christians are expected to live out the call to be images of God in this world. It is not in a theoretical way, but they are to actively look more like God by following Christ’s example. In the Incarnation, Christians discover a profound reconciliation of the human and divine realms. This revelation that God’s appearance is not solely a matter of physical form, but is encapsulated in the person of Jesus Christ.
Visions and Encounters with God
No matter how complete the image of God is in Jesus Christ, one thing is certain, many people saw Jesus in the flesh and on earth. To them, Jesus looked no different than any other man. As a prophecy stated about Jesus, “he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him,” (Isaiah 53:2). And yet, that seems in stark contrast to other parts of scripture that describe God’s image and glory as being so beautiful and beyond human imagination that the mere sight of God would kill a man. The image of God is so awe-inspiring that when Moses asks to see God’s glory, the Lord says “you cannot see my face, for man shall not see me and live,” (Exodus 33:20).
The Earthly Beauty Revealed by God
This is because Jesus came to earth in human form and did not reveal all His glory. He did; however, make His glory known to a few. The transfiguration is an event in Christian history recorded in the gospel books of Matthew, Mark, and Luke and spoken of by Peter in 2 Peter. In this event, Jesus took some of His closest disciples, Peter, James, and John, up a mountain. “There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light,” (Matthew 17:2).
Two other figures also appeared: the old testament figures of Moses and Elijah. And as the three disciples were witnessing all this, a cloud appeared above them and a voice came, saying, “This is my beloved Son; listen to him,” (Mark 9:7). This was just a glimpse Jesus gave the disciples of His true glory and divine nature. A small peak behind the veil.
Through prophets and apostles, God has revealed facets of himself in visions and divine appearances. God chose to reveal pieces of the puzzle to different prophets. This is because no man can comprehend the whole picture. But with some prophets, such as Ezekiel, Daniel, and Isaiah, God gave them heavenly visions of His glory. Some of these encounters go into great detail, speaking of His hair, His feet, His throne, and His clothing. These set themselves apart as they depict an awe-inspiring God worthy of praise and fear.
The Unhinging Beauty of God
God is seen many times, through visions, described on His throne in heaven. Light, radiance, color, and fire are all vibrant descriptors used to grasp the image of God. With certain descriptions, one might almost feel as if they could paint a picture of the scene. Many have. As one looks closer at the scriptures, it becomes evident that no depiction could live up to reality.
This is because all the encounters with the image of God have one thing in common. They all overwhelm and undo the person witnessing it. Even the apostle John highlighted in the new testament, who was close to Jesus in His lifetime “fell at his feet as though dead,” (Revelation 1:17). Many of the prophets have a hard time recovering from the sight of God’s revelation. As the prophet Ezekiel experienced, after falling on his face, the Lord commanded him to stand up but he had no strength to do it himself. So as Ezekiel 2:2 says, “And as he spoke to me, the Spirit entered into me and set me on my feet.” All this makes it clear that God never reveals more to people because they cannot handle the immense weight of His glory.
One striking example can be found in the story of Moses, whose face radiated with a divine luminosity after encountering God on Mount Sinai (Exodus 34:29-35). Moses was different from other prophets in the fact that God spoke to him in person and not in visions (Numbers 12:6-8). Yet even he did not see God’s full glory. Even so, the time spent with God had such an effect on him that his face glowed so much that the Israelites couldn’t bear to look at him. All this just emphasizes how vast God’s glory is.
Understanding These Encounters as Limited Human Experiences
While these encounters are imbued with profundity, they are simultaneously presented as limited human experiences. The Bible acknowledges the inherent limitations of mortal existence in the face of the infinite divine.
It is a fact that one notices when studying the language used to describe things within the visions. The one experiencing the vision does not use concrete terms but uses many similes and comparisons. Many things are compared to jewels and precious stones. Ezekiel uses very careful terms when describing the Lord on His throne. “And seated above the likeness of a throne was a likeness with a human appearance…upward from what had the appearance of his waist I saw as it were gleaming metal, like the appearance of fire enclosed all around. And downward from what had the appearance of his waist I saw as it were the appearance of fire, and there was brightness around him. Like the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud on the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness all around,” (Ezekiel 1:26-28).
These accounts are a reminder that God’s full essence remains beyond the grasp of human comprehension. Understanding these encounters as limited human experiences serves as a humbling reminder of man’s finite nature. It invites the reader to recognize that the divine can never be fully encapsulated within the confines of the appearance of a man or in our understanding.
Theophanies and Divine Appearances
God did not only appear to men through visions. Embedded within scripture are vivid depictions of theophanies, or divine appearances. As with Moses, there are several instances of God appearing in person to speak with His people. Though some of these instances may not be as encased in the colorful descriptions tied to the prophetic visions; these interactions reveal new truths about God. These stories unveil moments when the sacred breached the boundaries of the mundane, revealing Himself to humanity in all His resplendent glory.
In Daniel, the story of Shadrach, Meshack, and Abednego states that when the three were cast into a fiery furnace for not worshiping an idol, they were saved from the flames miraculously. As the king who cast them in there witnessed, he said, “But I see four men unbound, walking in the midst of the fire, and they are not hurt; and the appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods,” (Daniel 3:25). This fourth man in the fire is largely believed to be a theophany, or more accurate, a christophany.
Christophanies is a largely held belief that Jesus Christ was present in many accounts in the Bible. Often referred to as the angel of the Lord. In the Old Testament he came as his pre-incarnate self. He is believed to have spoken with Abraham, Hagar, Gideon, and even wrestled with Jacob. Though it may not ever be clear exactly how often God did appear to some, it is clear that these were all deeply personal interactions. It is one of the greatest pictures of who God is. He is a God who actively seeks out a personal relationship with His people.
God’s Glory as Light and Beauty
The symbolism of light and brilliance is threaded throughout Christian traditions. Brilliance signifies the divine presence’s illuminating and transformative power. Light, in its purity and brilliance, serves as a metaphor for spiritual enlightenment and revelation. It is in the presence of God’s glory that the shadows of ignorance are banished, and the truth of existence is unveiled.
This symbolism of light underscores the profound impact of divine encounters on the human soul. It is a reminder that in moments of communion with the divine, one’s very soul is changed from darkness to light. As scripture says, “God is light, and in him is no darkness at all,” (1 John 1:5).
It follows that when one encounters God they encounter light itself. This has a profound effect as this light not only changes that which it interacts with, but those things become vessels that reflect God’s light for the World to witness. This is not only true for individuals, but even God’s creation reflects the glory of God.
How God’s Glory Is Revealed in Creation
Beyond divine encounters and theophanies, nature itself becomes a sacred canvas through which God’s glory is revealed. From the majestic grandeur of towering mountains to the delicate intricacy of a blooming flower, the natural world reflects the divine creative genius in every facet of existence.
The beauty and complexity of nature serve as an ever-present reminder of the omnipresent God’s handiwork. In the intricate mechanism of the human body and the infinite expanse of the cosmos, one glimpses the divine artistic mastery of the creator.
God not only made man but also made the cosmos that dwarfs humanity. God made the bacteria and atoms invisible to man but held together by Him (Colossians 1:17). He made all the natural wonders of the earth. He gives life to all the majestic creatures and commands the awesome power of nature. If one reads Job 38-41, a small glimpse of the overwhelming majesty and grandeur of God is revealed. A kind of grandeur that humbles man. It sets man in contrast with a God who holds all things together, and yet still desires a personal relationship with those He created.
Embracing the Mystery of God’s Appearance
The very essence of God is veiled in mystery, beyond the reach of human comprehension. It’s a reminder that the divine is not a riddle to be solved but a wonder to be embraced. In acknowledging the incomprehensibility of God’s essence, one is led to a place of awe and humility, recognizing the limitations of knowledge and the infinitude of the divine reality.
Embracing the mystery of God’s appearance is an invitation to exercise faith and trust in the unseen nature of the divine. In this realm of faith, one can learn to trust God without the need for concrete visual proof. It is a faith that sustains in moments of doubt and uncertainty. The Christian faith is a recognition that God’s presence is not contingent upon what can be seen but is a profound and enduring reality that undergirds the very fabric of existence.
It is within this humility that Christians can learn to let go of the need for concrete answers and instead revel in the beauty of the questions themselves. Christians do not need to have all the answers. They just need to have faith and hold onto what they do know about God. And God does not leave them without any answers. As James 1:5 says “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.”
Conclusion
The quest to unravel the age-old question, “What does God look like?” makes it obvious that words cannot express well enough the reality of God. Man on this earth can only peek behind the veil. As 1 Corinthians 13:12 says, “For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.”
Even so, it is well worth it to go on the journey of theology, philosophy, and spirituality to try and get a better image of what God fully looks like. Though there may be many depictions of God out there, it is important to remember that they all fall short. But there are still an abundance of places to look to when searching for this answer. From nature and the creations of God to the faithful Christians everywhere, God has made Himself known. But there is no greater place to look at to get a glimpse of God than to the Son of God Himself.
Looking at scripture can give insight into the mysteries of God. The Bible is layered with profound insight, however, the best place to see God is when the scriptures are brought to light inside one’s own heart by the Holy Spirit.
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