Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  1000 God  »  1200 God, titles and descriptions of  »  1205 God, titles and names of  »  1225 God, as Spirit

God has no material body and he is not subject to human limitations. While his spiritual nature is clearly inferred in Scripture, it is seldom directly stated; the emphasis is on his dynamic, living personhood.

God as spirit

John 4:24 See also Isaiah 28:5-6; Isaiah 31:3

God is not subject to physical limitations

1 Samuel 16:7; 1 Kings 18:27 Elijah's mockery of Baal implies a contrast with the true God who is not subject to the limitations suggested; Job 10:4-8; Psalm 121:3-4

God as the Spirit

Psalm 139:7 See also Psalm 51:11 The Spirit and the presence of God are equated; Psalm 143:10 God's guidance and the Spirit's leading are equated; Isaiah 34:16 God's Spirit participates in God's plans; 2 Corinthians 3:17-18

God cannot be represented physically

Images of God are prohibited

Exodus 20:4; Exodus 34:17; Leviticus 26:1; Acts 17:29

God transcends spacial limitations

Acts 17:24 See also 1 Kings 8:27 pp 2 Chronicles 6:18; 2 Chronicles 2:6; Acts 7:48-50

God is invisible

1 Timothy 6:15-16 See also Exodus 33:20; Deuteronomy 4:15-19; John 1:18; Colossians 1:15; 1 Timothy 1:17

See also

1110  God, present everywhere
1145  God, transcendent
1170  God, unity of
1210  God, human descriptions
1352  covenant, the new
3010  God, the Holy Spirit
4018  life, spiritual
4804  breath
8128  guidance, receiving
8474  seeing God
8768  idolatry