Presence of God
The presence of God is the biblical theme describing God's nearness to His creation and His people, expressed through His dwelling among them, guiding them, revealing Himself, and ultimately restoring full fellowship with humanity through Jesus Christ.
Open the book storylines index
Return to the storyline index when you want to compare the wider canonical movement of Scripture by book.
Without the presence of God theme, the Bible can appear to be merely about moral instruction or religious ritual. Scripture instead reveals that the central goal of redemption is restored fellowship with God Himself. From Eden to the new creation, the storyline shows God's desire to dwell among His people.
The Bible teaches that God desires to be near His people. His presence means that He reveals Himself, guides, protects, and blesses those who belong to Him. The story of the Bible shows how sin separates people from God and how redemption restores that relationship.
Storyline Function: The presence of God theme traces the movement from humanity's original fellowship with God, through separation caused by sin, toward restored fellowship in redemption.
Gospel Connection: Jesus brings the presence of God near to humanity and restores access to God through His saving work.
Church Formation: The church lives as a community shaped by God's presence through the Spirit and anticipates the fullness of that presence in the new creation.