God is Spirit[1] (John 4:24) and the Bible provides us with a detailed understanding of who He is. The Bible is describing God as an infinite, perfect, eternal being that transcends time and space—something we cannot fully comprehend.
God is omnipotent, meaning He has all power (Matthew 19:26). He is omniscient, meaning He knows all things (Romans 11:33). He is omnipresent, meaning He is present everywhere at the same time (Psalm 139:7–10).
God is also unchanging and unchangeable. Hebrews 13:8 says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” He is immutable, meaning His character remains the same throughout all eternity (Malachi 3:6).
Key Takeaways
- God’s essence as spirit highlights the non-physical, omnipresent nature of the divine, emphasizing worship in truth and spirit.
- Understanding God as spirit enhances personal faith, encouraging a relationship beyond physical constraints, rooted in spiritual connection.
- The concept of God as spirit underscores the depth of divine wisdom and presence, inviting believers into a deeper, more meaningful spiritual journey.
What Does It Mean That God Is Spirit?
The Bible teaches that God is both spirit and a personal being. He is not just an impersonal force, but someone who can be known and interacted with.
In John 4:24, Jesus says, “God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” This means that we must approach Him with our hearts and minds. We must recognize who He is and how He works and open ourselves up to the Holy Spirit to receive His guidance.
God’s spirit is also seen in creation. The Bible tells us that God spoke His Word into existence (Genesis 1:1–2). This shows the power and creativity of God, as well as the fact that He is a spirit. This power was also seen in Jesus’ ministry, when He healed the sick, cast out demons, and even raised people from the dead (Matthew 8:16–17; Mark 5:35–43).
The Bible also tells us that God’s Spirit is present in us when we become believers (Romans 8:9). Through the Holy Spirit, God communicates with us and gives us the power to live out our faith. He helps guide our decisions, convicts us of sin, provides comfort, and strengthens us during difficult times.
Does The Bible Say God Is Spirit?
Yes, the Bible does say that our invisible God is also spirit. The most direct verse in the Bible on this topic is from John 4:24, which reads, “God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” This verse clearly states that only God exists as a spiritual being, not a physical one, as physical beings can be seen and touched.
The Bible also speaks of God’s Spirit in other ways. For example, multiple references to the Holy Spirit exist throughout the Old and New Testaments. Colossians 1:27 says, “To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” This verse indicates that God’s Spirit lives within those who believe in Him and accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior.
In addition to these references, the Bible also speaks to God’s Spirit through His creation. Psalm 104:24 reads, “O Lord, how manifold are Your works! In wisdom, You have made them all. The earth is full of Your possessions.” This verse demonstrates that God has created the world around its inhabitants and us through His Spirit.
God’s Spirit can also be seen in how He interacts with people throughout the Bible. In the Gospels, Jesus performs miracles and speaks with authority. This is evidence of God’s Spirit at work in the lives of those who believe in Him.
If God Is Spirit, How Did He Appear To Abraham?
The Bible does not directly answer this question, but it does give us some insight. In Genesis 18:1–15 we see that three strangers visited Abraham, and it is believed that one of them was the Lord in a human form. The Lord had chosen to manifest Himself in human form to communicate with Abraham and tell him about the coming birth of his son, Isaac.
It is possible that God chose to appear in this form for a few reasons. He may have wanted to show Abraham and others the power of prayer by demonstrating how powerful His presence was. Additionally, by appearing in human form and speaking with Abraham directly, God could explain more clearly what would happen and why it would happen.
The Bible also tells us that when Abraham saw the Lord in human form, he bowed down before Him and worshipped him (Genesis 18:22–33). This shows that Abraham believed God was more than a spiritual being but had an identifiable physical presence. He could see and feel the power of God’s presence in human form and responded to Him in this way.
In addition, the Lord appeared to Abraham numerous times throughout his life. This could be seen as a symbol of God’s commitment to His people and how He would continue to reach out and answer their prayers for generations to come.
God’s appearance to Abraham also reinforces the concept of God as a personal being. Throughout the Bible, God is presented as someone with whom people can have an intimate relationship due to His willingness to communicate through physical form. This allows believers to have a closer and more meaningful connection with Him, even if they cannot physically see Him.
Why Does It Matter That God Is Spirit?
It is important to understand that God is a Spirit because this understanding affects how we perceive and relate to Him. According to the Bible, God is not limited by physical limitations but rather exists outside of time and space. The Bible tells us in John 4:24, “God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and truth.” This means that although we cannot physically see Him, we can still worship Him.
The fact that God is a Spirit also changes how we view his nature and character. Since Physical limitations do not bind him, He is all-powerful, all-knowing, and everywhere present. We can trust Him to be faithful and trustworthy even though we cannot see Him. He is also loving, merciful, and just. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8).
Furthermore, the fact that our living God is a Spirit affects how we approach our relationship with Him. Since we cannot physically touch or see Him, we must rely on faith to experience His presence and power. We can’t just go to a physical location to encounter God; instead, we must be willing to pray and trust that He will meet us wherever we are.
Our relationship with God is a spiritual one, not a physical body. We must develop our faith and trust to draw closer to Him. This can be done through prayer, worship, Bible study, fasting, and service.
We strengthen our spiritual connection with Him every time we pray or worship Him. As we learn more of His Word, our faith increases, and we are better equipped to trust in Him. We can also grow closer to God by engaging in prayerful fasting, which is when we give up a certain activity for a period to focus solely on God. This allows us to spend more quality time with Him, further building our relationship.
Summary
The King Eternal is spirit—this simple yet profound truth has been the cornerstone of spiritual belief for thousands of years and remains a subject of intense debate today. God’s Word affirms that God is spirit (John 4:24).
While this may appear contradictory, it accurately reflects both scripture and the experience of human beings—that God is an unseen, infinite Being who transcends our physical world. This knowledge allows us to enjoy His glory forever and achieve eternal life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is God The Spirit?
God the spirit is understood as the non-physical, omnipresent essence of God, emphasizing a divine nature that transcends human understanding and physical constraints.
Which Bible Verse Says God Is A Spirit?
The Bible verse that says God is a spirit is found in John 4:24, which directly states, “God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”
What Does It Mean That God’s Word Is Spirit?
God’s word is spirit means that it embodies life-giving power and divine truth, offering guidance and sustenance to the believer’s spiritual life, beyond mere written text.
What Does Spirit Mean In The Bible?
In the Bible, “spirit” means a non-material aspect of life, often associated with divine presence, breath, or influence, indicating a dimension of existence that’s beyond physical reality.