His Presence

Posted 2/26/14 by Donald Barnhouse

His Presence

God is with us; God is for us; God is in us. If we understand the nature of these prepositions we shall grow indeed in the graces of Christ. The very name of our Lord Jesus was Immanuel. God with us (Isa. 8:10; Matt. 1:23). The meaning of the incarnation is that the Lord came to us from Heaven, the Word being made flesh to "dwell among us." "All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way" (Isa. 53:6). This disobedience caused the loneliness that characterizes man and highlights his greatest need. But suddenly, Christ came, and God was with us.

Then He went to the cross and through the tomb, and perfect reconciliation was provided. Now, God is for us. He not only tells us so but adds, "If God be for us, who can be against us?" (Rom. 8:31). Here is the all-pervading, breathtaking statement that the Creator of the universe, Author of all life, is for us. If He had not told us this Himself, it would be the height of arrogance and presumption to think that it could be so, but He Himself has said it, and has confirmed it by explaining, "He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all; how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?" Rejoice! God is for us.

Then He rose from the grave and poured out the Holy Spirit, and God was in us. The Lord Jesus had announced it, "He dwells with you and will be in you" (John 14:17). Then the day came; "He breathed on them and said, Receive the Holy Spirit" (John 20:22). Ever since, it has been for each and every believer, "Christ in you the hope of glory" (Col. 1:27). Rejoice! God is in us.

The unbeliever should know that God is beside him, calling him. He should realize that God holds out His hand to him and is willing to support him. But only the believer knows the fullness of the power of the indwelling Lord. Only when His presence within us becomes indescribably everything - life and awareness of life, and so much more - can we enter into the life that is to be lived "more abundantly" (John 10:10).

1. What does being in God’s presence look like here on earth? Will it be different in heaven?
2. If God is the one who brings us into His presence can we ever leave His presences? Even more, can we demand His presence?
3. If not, how should the answers to our previous question lead us to style our worship services?