The Incomprehensibility of God 

What does “The Incomprehensibility of God mean”? Have you heard this term before? Randy discusses why it’s foundational to Christian thinking.

The Incomprehensibility of God 

In John’s gospel, chapter 1, we read the following,

“The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14).

Theologians talk about “The Incomprehensibility of God.”

It sounds complicated – and maybe you’re thinking it’s something belonging to a dry seminary lecture from a disheveled professor – you know the one: ill-fitting jacket with a tie knotted too tightly?

But, it really is practical and foundational to authentic Christian thinking and living.

What the Doctrine Says

Essentially the doctrine says this:

• God is not knowable by anyone,
• except to the degree, and in the manner, He chooses to reveal Himself.

In other words, if He chose not to disclose anything of His existence, Person or character, we wouldn’t know Him.

At all.

Without Him revealing Himself to us, He would be totally incomprehensible.

He Has Revealed Himself To Us

But the great news of the Gospel is that God has chosen to reveal Himself:

In nature;

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands – Psalm 19:1.

In the Bible;

I remember, Lord, your ancient law and I find comfort in them…I have promised to obey your words. I have sought your face with all my heart…You are good, and what you do is good; teach me your decrees – Psalm 119:52,57,58,68.

..and, ultimately in Christ;

He is the image of the invisible God – Colossians 1:15.

Carl Henry’s Observation

The late American theologian Carl Henry observed,

“God loved us so much that He forfeited His own personal privacy to reveal Himself to sinful creatures that we might know Him.”

That is the Gospel.

That is the glory of the mysterious Incarnation.

That is eternal doctrinal truth: the Incomprehensibility of God.

Takeaway:

In this new year, might our understanding of the Person and work of the Tri-une God be more closely and accurately aligned with the precise truth of Who He is, as disclosed in His self-revelation.

What do you think it means that God is incomprehensible? How can we know God? We would love to hear from you. Share your comment below or contact us at HopeStreamRadio