Is Jesus Really Everywhere? Understanding God’S Omnipresence

The concept that Jesus is everywhere is central to Christian theology. But what does it really mean when we say God is omnipresent? And how can Jesus be everywhere if He has a human body?

If you are short on time, here is the key point: According to Scripture and Christian belief, while Jesus took on human form about 2000 years ago, His divine nature means He is present everywhere through the Holy Spirit.

This article will examine biblical evidence for Jesus’ omnipresence as well as how we can connect with God’s presence in our lives today.

What Does the Bible Say About God’s Omnipresence?

God Fills and Sustains All of Creation

The Bible teaches that God is omnipresent, meaning he is fully present everywhere at all times (Psalm 139:7-12). As Creator, God both fills and sustains all of creation, not just certain locations (Acts 17:28).

His presence continuously upholds all things, otherwise they would cease to exist (Colossians 1:17). Unlike humans, God is not limited by time and space.

Some key verses on God’s omnipresence include:

• Jeremiah 23:24 – “Can anyone hide in secret places so that I cannot see him?” declares the Lord. “Do not I fill heaven and earth?” declares the Lord.
• Psalm 139:7-10 – Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.

God’s unlimited presence offers great comfort – we can never be out of His watchful care and protection (Psalm 121).

The Holy Spirit Allows Jesus to Be Present Everywhere

After His resurrection, Jesus was no longer bound physically to earth. Though His incarnated body ascended to heaven, Jesus promised to be spiritually present always through the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:20).

The Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and Son to minister God’s presence to believers (John 15:26).

Jesus told His disciples it was beneficial for them that He went to the Father, so Christ could be fully present through the Spirit, rather than limited physically (John 16:7). The Holy Spirit allows Jesus to indwell all believers everywhere simultaneously. Some key verses include:

• 1 Corinthians 6:19 – Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?
• Romans 8:9 – You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you.

The Holy Spirit serves as Christ’s omnipresent spirit on earth, testifying of Him and manifesting His presence.

Jesus Promised His Presence Would Be With Believers

Though Jesus ascended bodily to heaven, He promised His spiritual presence would always be with believers (Matthew 28:20). Where two or three gather in Christ’s name, He is there among them (Matthew 18:20).

Christ’s presence is not limited to church gatherings, but is with every single believer through God’s Spirit. Key verses include:

• John 14:16-17 – And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever – the Spirit of truth.
• Matthew 28:20 – And teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Believers can be assured that Jesus remains constantly present with them through the Spirit, never leaving or forsaking them (Hebrews 13:5). His presence brings guidance, comfort, and help in every situation.

How Can Jesus Be Fully Human yet Present Everywhere?

Jesus Has Two Natures – Fully God and Fully Man

According to the Bible and Christian theology, Jesus Christ has two natures – He is both fully God and fully human (https://www.gotquestions.org/hypostatic-union.html). When Jesus came to earth over 2,000 years ago, He took on human flesh and became a man while retaining His divine nature as the Son of God.

This concept, known as the Hypostatic Union, is a complex paradox and mystery that is challenging for the human mind to fully understand.

However, Scripture affirms that Jesus was fully human in every way, experiencing human emotions, needs, and even temptations (Hebrews 2:17-18), while also being fully divine as demonstrated by His miracles and claims of authority and oneness with God the Father (John 10:30). So when considering Jesus’ ability to be present everywhere, we must recognize that this is according to His divine nature which transcends the normal physical limitations of a human body.

Jesus’ Human Body Ascended, His Spirit Remains on Earth

After His sacrificial death and miraculous resurrection, Jesus ascended bodily into heaven (Acts 1:9). His human body is now in heaven, seated at the right hand of God (Mark 16:19). However, before ascending, Jesus promised His disciples, “I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).

While Jesus’ human body is localized in heaven, His Spirit which indwells and remains with believers on earth is omnipresent. Jesus said His Spirit would be sent to “guide you into all the truth” (John 16:13).

Through the Holy Spirit, Jesus is able to be relationally and spiritually present with each follower as a Counselor and Helper not limited by physical location or time.

The Mystery of Jesus’ Simultaneous Limited and Limitless Presence

This simultaneous existence in two states, though beyond full human comprehension, is made possible through the unity of Jesus’ two natures in one Person. It remains a beautiful and mysterious paradox for Christians about a Savior who is truly Immanuel – God with us (Matthew 1:23).

Experiencing the Presence of Jesus in Daily Life

Talking and Listening Through Prayer

One of the most intimate ways to connect with Jesus is through prayer. Prayer allows for a two-way conversation, where we can pour out our hearts to God and also listen for His gentle guidance. Whether it’s an intimate chat, a time of confession, intercessory prayer, or even just giving thanks, Jesus promises to meet us in these divine conversations (Matthew 18:20).

As we talk and listen to Him through prayer, we can tangibly experience His presence and peace.

Sensing God’s Guiding Hand

Beyond formal prayer times, Jesus also invites us to continually be aware of His presence throughout our day. When we face decisions large and small, ask for wisdom, and tune our spiritual ears, we can often sense God’s prompting and Guiding Hand.

It can show up in supernatural peace about a decision, an inspirational thought that comes just at the right time, divine appointments or timing of events that can only be attributed to His work behind the scenes.

A 2022 study by the Pew Research Center found 72% of Christians in the US say they “absolutely” or “fairly certain” have perceived God directly influencing or intervening in their lives. As they learn to recognize His still, small voice and walk in step with His Spirit day to day, followers of Jesus indeed experience tangible expressions of His constant presence and care.

Seeing Christ in Other Believers

Jesus doesn’t just dwell directly in each of His followers, but also manifests Himself through their actions and community. When Christians assemble in His name and demonstrate His unconditional love to one another, Jesus promised His living presence would be there among them (Matthew 18:20).

Seeing fellow Christians give generously, extend lavish grace, demonstrate unusual wisdom, or show selfless care above and beyond can reveal the supernatural fingerprints of Jesus. After all, the Holy Spirit produces divine fruit like “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (Galatians 5:22).

Recognizing Christ shine through other Spirit-filled believers is another precious way to experience His living presence each day.

Conclusion

In the end, Jesus’ omnipresence is wonderfully good news. Wherever we go, whatever we face, He promises to walk with us as comforter, sustainer and friend. While we may not fully grasp the supernatural mystery of Christ’s simultaneous boundless presence in the Spirit and physical body, we can be assured His presence brings us life and hope.