Introduction

Omnipresence means that God is present everywhere at the same time.  Another word for omnipresence is ubiquity. All created beings, including angels, can only be in one place at one time. Material things occupy some specific part of space, but do not occupy all space. Space is defined as the infinite extension of the three-dimensional field in which all matter exists or the expanse in which the solar system, stars, and galaxies exist, otherwise known as the universe. God created this universe and is therefore not subject to it nor limited by it according to 1 Kings 8:27 and Acts 17:24.  This is called immensity and means that God surpasses all of His creation and extends beyond without end. The heavens cannot contain God. He was present outside the universe when He created it.

“But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain You, how much less this house which I have built!” (1 Kings 8:27)

“The God who made the world and all things in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands;” (Acts 17:24)

Omnipresence does not imply that God is spread out or diffused throughout the universe in that only part of Him is everywhere. This is erroneous thinking. He is wholly present as fully as if He were in only one place. God completely fills the entire universe and all aspects of it without diffusion, expansion, multiplication, or division.  The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are fully present in every minute part of His infinite dominion. This is known as God’s immanence. God is everywhere and in all things simultaneously in His totality and with all of His perfect attributes.

If space is that outer boundary of the universe, then God’s presence exceeds this boundary by infinity. This aspect of God’s omnipresence or infinite presence is called transcendence. God is transcendent which means He is infinitely above all of his creatures, the universe, and the heavens which He created.  The fact that God is both immanent and transcendent is taught in Jeremiah 23:23-24 and Acts 17:27.

“Am I a God who is near,” declares the Lord, “And not a God far off? Can a man hide himself in hiding places so I do not see him?” declares the Lord. “Do I not fill the heavens and the earth?” declares the Lord. (Jeremiah 23:23-24)

That they would seek God, if perhaps they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; (Acts 17:27)

It is not reasonable for the human finite mind to suppose that it can fully comprehend the omnipresence of God according to Psalm 139:6 and Psalm 73:23-24.

Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; (Psalm 139:6)

It is too high, I cannot attain to it. Nevertheless I am continually with You; You have taken hold of my right hand. With Your counsel You will guide me, and afterward receive me to glory. (Psalm 73:23-24)

God fills all of space and every moment of time as is passes with His presence. God also sustains everything and gives it purpose and value.  God is the Lord of both time and history.  God does not negate time, but fulfills it. 

Application Of God’s Omnipresence To The Believer

One very important aspect of God’s omnipresence is that God indwells all believers in the Church Age. All believers are indwelt by the Trinity, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit according to Psalm 139:7-12.  

Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend to heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, You are there. If I take the wings of the dawn, if I dwell in the remotest part of the sea, even there Your hand will lead me, and Your right hand will lay hold of me. If I say, “Surely the darkness will overwhelm me, and the light around me will be night,” even the darkness is not dark to You, and the night is as bright as the day. Darkness and light are alike to You. (Psalm 139:7-12)

The Christian can take great comfort in the omnipresence of God. His continual presence in all things should be abundant consolation to believers. The following verses speaks of God’s promises to Israel and to each of us. They also speak of the mental attitude of confidence we should have in God’s ability to keep His promises. He has said that he is present when two or more assemble for the intake of Bible Doctrine. God has promised that He will always be with us in every possible situation. There is no greater encouragement for the believer under testing. 

“Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” (Genesis 28:15)

And He said, “My presence shall go with you, and I will give you rest.” (Exodus 33:14)

He will not allow your foot to slip; He who keeps you will not slumber.  Behold, He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. (Psalm 121:3-4)

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)

“For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst.”  (Matthew 18:20)

Teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20)

Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, “I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you,”  (Hebrews 13:5)

Man cannot escape the presence of God. If you think you can run from God, you don’t know Him as stated in Job 34:21-22 and Proverbs 15:3. 

“For His eyes are upon the ways of a man, and He sees all his steps. There is no darkness or deep shadow where the workers of iniquity may hide themselves.” (Job 34:21-22)

The eyes of the Lord are in every place, watching the evil and the good. (Proverbs 15:3)

Some people think that if they get out of line and do something wrong, it won’t be so bad if they do it in another area, so as not to damage their credibility at work or at home.  They might be able to hide it from other people, but you can’t hide it from God.  Psalm 139:7-12 says it very well.  The pastor might not see you, loved ones might not see you, friends might not see you, but God is right on the scene.  One of the beautiful things about growing spiritually is you develop virtue, strength of character.  D.L. Moody said, “Character is what a person is in the dark.”  Dark and light are all alike to God.  He’s on the scene. 

Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend to heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, You are there. If I take the wings of the dawn, if I dwell in the remotest part of the sea, even there Your hand will lead me, and Your right hand will lay hold of me. If I say, “Surely the darkness will overwhelm me, and the light around me will be night,” even the darkness is not dark to You, and the night is as bright as the day.  Darkness and light are alike to You. (Psalm 139:7-12)

Whether it is atmosphere, stratosphere, ionosphere, or throughout space, God is there. No matter how far you go out in space or even into heaven, God is there.  God is in His heaven, God is throughout space, God is throughout our stratosphere, our ionosphere, atmosphere, God is everywhere, even in the depths of the ocean and in the depths of the earth. You cannot hide from God and God never hides from any of us. 

That’s wonderful comfort, isn’t it.  The omnipresence of God should not only sober us up and realize that you can’t get away with anything.  That God knew your life’s entire history (with all of the sordid details) in eternity past.  He knows all about you.  As in Psalm 31:3, it’s encouraging and great comfort knowing God will guide you. 

For You are my rock and my fortress; For Your name’s sake You will lead me and guide me. (Psalm 31:3)