Bible Studies

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"Why Does God Remain Invisible"?

Have you ever wondered why God chooses to make himself invisible to us? I have. One of the most difficult concepts for Christians to grasp is the fact that we worship a God that cannot be seen. This can also be a difficult issue to address when we are witnessing to others. In the Bible there are many examples of God plainly showing himself to people, but today if someone claimed that God appeared to them in a burning bush, (see Moses) or that God had spoken to them in a vision (see Mary and Joseph) we would look around to make sure there were no sharp objects in the room.
In this article we will look at ways that God chose to manifest himself in biblical times. Next, we will explore the reasons he does not do so today. Finally, we will look at the ways in which God does make himself visible to us.
Old Testament Evidence: We first see evidence of communication with man in the book of Genesis. After God has created man and woman the Bible says that God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it..." (Genesis 1:28 NIV). In Exodus the Bible mentions the tent of meeting. This tent was where Moses would speak to God on the people's behalf; "The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend..."(Exodus 33:11, NIV). There are several other examples I could refer to, but I think you get the point.
New Testament Evidence: As in the Old Testament, the New Testament also offers compelling evidence of God communicating with man. Probably the most famous example is the story of Saul's conversion on the road to Damascus. In Acts, chapter nine, we learn that as Saul was traveling, a bright light from heaven flashed all around him and he was temporarily blinded. The Bible says that Jesus asked Saul why he was persecuting him, and that those traveling with Saul could hear the voice also, but could not see the source. As a result of his encounter with Jesus, Saul was converted to Christianity, and became the apostle Paul, the author of much of the New Testament.
Many Christians today long for that kind of communication from God, and wonder why he chooses not to speak to us in the same way he used to. The answer is fairly straightforward, and much simpler that you might imagine. God has equipped today's Christians with two powerful tools that were not available to Paul, Moses, or their contemporaries: These are THE BIBLE and THE HOLY SPIRIT.
The Bible- In 2 Timothy the Apostle Paul tells us that all scripture is "God-breathed". Therefore, we can trust that the Bible is the inspired word of God. What an unbelievable resource! Think of what this means. God has provided us with an instruction manual on how to live our lives. In the Bible we have instruction and guidance on any topic or problem that may arise, and it is there for constant reference.
The Holy Spirit- In the book of John, chapter seven, Jesus promises the gift of the Holy Spirit to all believers. This was accomplished at Pentecost. Before Pentecost, God only gave limited use of The Holy Spirit to select individuals to accomplish extraordinary tasks. Now, however, every believer has access to its power. Among the many things The Bible says the power of The Holy Spirit can be used for are:
- To help us to understand scripture
- To help us worship
- To urge us towards salvation
- To give us peace
- To guide us away from wrong places and choices
- To help us pray
- To give us the power to live a Christian life
And this is not even a complete list of the Holy Spirit's power. When you look at how God's will is communicated to us through his Word, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, it is obvious to me that God is more visible today than ever.
And while God has provided us with these two wonderful means of direct access to him, he still offers more. God will use your circumstances as well as other people to accomplish his will for your life. Maybe God has a plan for you but up to now you have avoided taking the necessary steps. God may force you into action by drastically changing your circumstances, such as the loss of a job. Maybe you need spiritual guidance, but cannot seem to make it to church. God will place someone in your life that invites you to church.
The bottom line is that God is more visible to us today than ever. God has opened up lines of communication that were not available to the average person living in biblical times. He offers us The Bible and The Holy Spirit. He will also use our Circumstances, and other People to direct our paths. God has provided the means, but it is up to us to seek him out and open up the lines of communication. What are you waiting for? He wants to speak to you.

- Christopher Lonas

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