Wednesday, June 23, 2010

the Ubiquity of the Divine Essence

"Everywhere in the Old and in the New Testament, God is represented as a spiritual Being, without form, invisible, whom no man hath seen or can see; dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto, and full of glory; as not only the creator, and preserver, but as the governor of all things; as everywhere present, and everywhere imparting life, and securing order; present in every blade of grass, yet guiding Arcturus in his course, marshalling the stars as a host, calling them by their names; present also in every human soul, giving it understanding, endowing it with gifts, working in it both to will and to do. The human heart is in his hands and He turneth it even as the rivers of water are turned. Wherever, throughout the universe, there is evidence of mind in material causes, there, according to the Scriptures, is God, controlling and guiding those causes to the accomplishment of his wise designs. He is in all, and over all things; yet essentially different from all, being over all, independent, and infinitely exalted. This immensity and omnipresence of God, therefore, is the ubiquity of the divine essence, and consequently of the divine power, wisdom, and goodness. As the birds in the air and the fish in the sea, so also are we always surrounded and sustained by God. It is thus that He is infinite in his being, without absorbing all created beings into his own essence, but sustaining all in their individual subsistence, and in the exercise of their own powers." Charles Hodge, Systematic Theology

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hey,

As a fellow coastal (mid) Mainer just wanted to say hello.

I'm trying to figure out this whole God/Christ relationship thing. Savior, good person, or mythical thought? So in my quest I'd like to continue to read your ideas (blog). Hope it's ok.

-gina-

Joshua Klein said...

Hey Gina!
Welcome to my blog. Ain't Maine wonderful? Coastal Mid-Mainer Eh?
Rural rocks.
Feel free to read on at your leisure.
If ya want to ask any questions on your journey, I'm available. I'd love to get any help to ya I can. God bless you!
-Joshua