INTRODUCTION
The theological term for God's all-presence is omnipresence, declaring that God's presence is universal.
Dr Herbert Lockyer comments on omnipresence:
"The prefix "omni" signifies "all". An omnibus is a vehicle for all kinds of
persons. This quality indicates that the possessor has power to be present everywhere at the
same time. Being human, we can only be in one place at a given time". Dr Herbert
Lockyer - All The doctrines of The Bible - Zondervan
It is important to understand that God who eternally is present everywhere has a special place of manifestation.
His throne is in the highest heaven (Matthew 6:9 ). No being can rival Him in this ability. There is no
escaping God, hiding from God or keeping from Him our most secret thoughts (Psalm 139:2 ). He knows
the motives of each persons heart (Matthew 6:3-4 ). He hears the prayers in the secret place and
rewards openly (Matthew 6:5-6 ). God in His all-presence witnesses everything.
Hebrews 4:13 "Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are
naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. "
How we are affected by the truth of His all-presence depends on our personal relationship with Him. The
revelation knowledge of God being everywhere present is a delight to those who are in Christ Jesus, who
live and walk in the Spirit (Galatians 5:16,25 ). Their joy is to know His presence as Redeemer,
Friend, Strengthener, Enabler and Deliverer:
Psalm 23:4
"... For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me."
But, even for the believer, it is with trembling joy that God's all-seeing presence is contemplated. J.I. Packer
wrote in his classic book:
"A God whose presence and scrutiny I could evade would be a small and
trivial deity. But the true God is great and terrible, just because He is always with me and His
eye is always upon me. Living becomes an awesome business when you realise that you
spend every moment of your life in the sight and company of an omniscient, omnipresent
Creator." J.I. Packer - Knowing God - InterVarsity Press
His all-presence is revealed in Scripture as unchanging, unwelcome, and unfailing.