The phrase "No one has seen God" is a theological assertion found in several passages of the Bible, emphasizing the transcendence and invisibility of God. This concept is rooted in the understanding of God's holiness and the limitations of human perception.

Biblical References:

1. John 1:18 : "No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is Himself God and is at the Father’s side, has made Him known." This verse highlights the unique role of Jesus Christ in revealing God to humanity. While God the Father remains unseen, Jesus, as the incarnate Word, provides the fullest revelation of God's nature and character.

2. 1 John 4:12 : "No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God remains in us, and His love is perfected in us." Here, the apostle John connects the invisibility of God with the manifestation of His presence through love among believers. The love of God, expressed in the community of faith, becomes a tangible way in which God's presence is experienced.

3. Exodus 33:20 : "But He added, 'You cannot see My face, for no one can see Me and live.'" In this Old Testament passage, God speaks to Moses, underscoring the danger and impossibility of seeing God's face directly due to His overwhelming holiness and glory.

4. 1 Timothy 6:16 : "He alone is immortal and dwells in unapproachable light. No one has ever seen Him, nor can anyone see Him. To Him be honor and eternal dominion! Amen." This verse emphasizes God's immortality and the unapproachable nature of His divine light, reinforcing the idea that God is beyond human sight.

Theological Implications:

The assertion that no one has seen God serves to highlight the distinction between the Creator and His creation. God's essence is beyond human comprehension and perception, underscoring His majesty and the reverence due to Him. This concept also points to the necessity of divine revelation for understanding God, as seen in the person of Jesus Christ, who is the image of the invisible God (Colossians 1:15).

Christological Significance:

The New Testament presents Jesus Christ as the ultimate revelation of God. While God the Father remains unseen, Jesus, being fully God and fully man, bridges the gap between the divine and human realms. Through His life, teachings, death, and resurrection, Jesus reveals the character and will of God, making the invisible God known to humanity.

Practical Application:

For believers, the understanding that no one has seen God calls for a life of faith and trust in God's self-revelation through Scripture and the person of Jesus Christ. It encourages Christians to seek a deeper relationship with God through prayer, worship, and the study of His Word, relying on the Holy Spirit to illuminate their understanding of God's nature and will. Additionally, it challenges believers to reflect God's love and character in their interactions with others, serving as a living testimony to the unseen God.