Divine Omnipresence: An Exploration of God’s Incommunicable Attributes 

Divine Omnipresence: An Exploration of God’s Incommunicable Attributes 

Jack Kettler 

Abstract 

This study examines the incommunicable attribute of divine omnipresence, a perfection unique to the divine nature, distinguishing it from communicable attributes shared to varying degrees with humanity. Omnipresence is defined as God’s infinite presence in all spatial and temporal dimensions, transcending yet immanently engaging with creation. Drawing on scriptural, theological, and historical sources, this article examines the biblical foundation, theological implications, and soteriological significance of God’s omnipresence, emphasizing its distinction from pantheistic and deistic misconceptions. The analysis underscores the Trinitarian expression of this attribute and its role in magnifying divine grace.

Introduction 

The doctrine of God’s incommunicable attributes—qualities exclusive to the divine essence—sets forth a framework for understanding God’s transcendence. Unlike communicable attributes such as love, knowledge, or righteousness, which humanity may reflect analogically, incommunicable attributes like omnipotence, omniscience, and omnipresence belong solely to God. This study focuses on omnipresence, defined as the divine perfection whereby God, in His whole being, is present everywhere at all times, transcending spatial and temporal limitations while remaining immanent within creation. This exploration engages biblical texts, theological commentary, and systematic formulations to elucidate the nature, scope, and significance of divine omnipresence.

Defining Omnipresence 

Omnipresence denotes God’s infinite presence, whereby He fills all space with His entire being, yet remains uncontained by it (1 Kings 8:27; Jeremiah 23:24). As Louis Berkhof articulates, God’s immensity—synonymous with omnipresence in its transcendence—implies that God “transcends all spatial limitations, and yet is present in every point of space with His whole Being” (Berkhof, 1979, p. 60). This definition avoids pantheistic conflations of God with creation or deistic notions of divine remoteness, affirming both transcendence and immanence. Omnipresence is not a diffusion of divine essence but a qualitative presence, distinct from the circumscriptive (bodily) or definitive (finite spiritual) modes of spatial presence.

Biblical Foundations 

Scripture consistently attests to God’s omnipresence. In 2 Chronicles 6:18, Solomon declares, “Behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain thee,” affirming God’s transcendence over spatial confines. Psalm 139:7-10 rhetorically asks, “Whither shall I go from thy spirit? Or whither shall I flee from thy presence?” illustrating God’s inescapable presence across all realms. Isaiah 66:1 portrays God’s throne as heaven and earth as His footstool, underscoring His sovereignty over creation. Jeremiah 23:24 further asserts, “Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the LORD,” linking omnipresence with divine omniscience. Amos 9:2 and Acts 17:27-28 reinforce this, emphasizing God’s accessibility and sustaining presence: “In him we live, and move, and have our being.”

Trinitarian Expression 

Omnipresence extends to all persons of the Trinity. The Father’s omnipresence is implied in His limitless power (Matthew 19:26), the Son’s in His universal authority (Matthew 28:18), and the Holy Spirit’s in His pervasive presence (Psalm 139:7). This Trinitarian unity underscores the indivisibility of the divine essence, where each person fully possesses the attribute of omnipresence without division or limitation.

Theological Commentary 

Exegetical insights from John Gill shed light on key texts. On Jeremiah 23:24, Gill notes that God’s filling of heaven and earth is not merely a function of His power or providence but an ontological reality of His essence, incapable of being confined by spatial boundaries (Gill, 2011, p. 376). Similarly, Gill’s exposition of John 3:31 highlights the Son’s transcendence “above all,” affirming His divine origin and authority, which presuppose omnipresence (Gill, 2011, pp. 111-112). These interpretations resist reductionist views that limit divine presence to mere activity or will, affirming God’s essential presence throughout creation.

Geerhardus Vos, in the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, situates omnipresence within the monotheistic framework, correlating it with God’s omnipotence and omniscience (Vos, 1986, pp. 2090-2092). Vos clarifies that biblical language, while anthropomorphic, does not imply spatial limitation but instead accommodates human understanding through theophanic manifestations. These manifestations, such as God’s presence in the ark or temple, signify redemptive and revelatory engagement rather than ontological confinement.

Theological Implications 

Omnipresence carries profound religious and soteriological significance. Religiously, it assures believers of God’s nearness and accessibility, enabling communion with Him beyond sacred spaces (Psalm 139:5-10). Soteriologically, it guarantees God’s capacity to save in any context, as no place is beyond His reach (Isaiah 43:2). Berkhof distinguishes between God’s immensity (transcendence) and omnipresence (immanence), cautioning against pantheistic identification of God with creation or deistic detachment (Berkhof, 1979, p. 61). God’s presence varies in mode—more pronounced in Christ, the Church, or the pious—but remains universally operative, sustaining all creation (Acts 17:28).

Distinguishing Omnipresence from Pantheism and Deism 

The doctrine of omnipresence must be carefully distinguished from pantheism, which equates God with the universe, and deism, which posits a distant deity acting only through power. Scripture affirms God’s distinction from creation (Isaiah 66:1) while asserting His immanence (Acts 17:27-28). As Berkhof notes, God’s presence is not uniform but adapts to the nature of His creatures, being uniquely manifest in Christ (Colossians 2:9) and the Church (Ephesians 2:21-22).

Conclusion 

The attribute of divine omnipresence magnifies God’s transcendence and immanence, revealing a God who is both infinitely beyond creation and intimately present within it. This doctrine, grounded in scriptural revelation and elucidated through theological reflection, underscores the uniqueness of God’s nature, which is inaccessible to human participation. It invites believers to marvel at divine grace, which sustains and redeems creation through Christ’s redemptive work (Romans 5:8). By studying this incommunicable attribute, we are drawn to worship the Triune God, whose presence permeates all reality, offering assurance of His nearness and salvation.

References 

1. Berkhof, L. (1979). Systematic Theology. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans. 

• Gill, J. (2011). Exposition of the Old and New Testaments. Grace Works, Multi-Media Labs. 

• Vos, G. (1986). Omnipresence. In J. Orr (Ed.), International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (pp. 2090-2092). Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans. 

Declaration

“For transparency, I note that I used Grok, an AI tool developed by xAI, and Grammarly AI for editorial assistance in drafting, organizing, and refining the manuscript’s clarity and grammar, as indicated in the article’s attribution. All theological arguments, exegesis, and interpretations are my own, and I take full responsibility for the content.” –  Jack Kettler