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The concept of Divine presence in Christianity

According to Christianity, Divine presence encompasses multiple dimensions of God's engagement with believers, including the intimate involvement of God in their lives, the supportive presence of angels, and the sanctity symbolized by sacred objects like the ark. It signifies God's active spirit fostering community and empowerment while also providing guidance and protection. This presence is reflected in significant events throughout scripture, including Jesus' Ascension. Overall, Divine presence illustrates God's relentless engagement and connection with humanity, essential for spiritual fulfillment and community.

Synonyms: God's presence, Spiritual presence, Holy presence, Divine being, Sacred presence, Holy spirit, Deity, Spiritual force, Sacred entity, Celestial being, Divine essence, Divine spirit, Sacred atmosphere, Godliness, Holiness, Spirituality, Sacredness, Divinity, Sanctity

In Dutch: Goddelijke aanwezigheid; In Finnish: Jumalallinen läsnäolo; In Spanish: Presencia divina; In German: Göttliche Präsenz; In Malay: Kehadiran Ilahi; In Swedish: Gudomlig närvaro; In French: Présence divine

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Christian concept of 'Divine presence'

Christianity Books

Significance in Christianity (general):

From: Expositions of Holy Scripture

(1) This describes the awareness that the divine is present and silently forming opinions about individuals, which is only tolerable if there is a connection with the divine, leading to an understanding of the divine's loving nature and righteous judgment.[1] (2) This represents the sense of being in God's company, and it has the ability to extinguish temptations, and the recognition of this can prevent sin.[2] (3) This refers to the presence of the divine, with the visible manifestation as the subject of Moses' desire.[3] (4) This refers to the embodiment of Christ, representing the reality of God's presence with humanity, offering guidance and direction through His will and presence.[4] (5) The path into this is for every sinful soul blocked by an immense black rock, its own transgressions; but He has blasted away the rock, and the path is patent for all our feet, according to the provided text.[5]

From: A Cyclopedia of Biblical literature

(1) This refers to the extreme sanctity attached to the ark, which was the material symbol of the Divine presence, and was carried with great reverence and care by the priests.[6] (2) The Shekinah, which manifested between the cherubim and signified God's presence among the people.[7] (3) The manifestation of God's glory and power, which clouds symbolize by concealing their full intensity.[8] (4) Indicative of God's glory and power, often as represented by symbols like a smoking furnace and a burning lamp in covenant solemnities.[9] (5) Refers to the complete manifestation of God, either by sound or sight, perceived vividly like seeing a fellow-creature.[10]

From: A Dictionary of the Bible (Hastings)

(1) This term refers to the idea that the Divine Presence in the future was to be a Theophany, according to the provided text.[11] (2) Consciously setting ourselves in the awareness of God's existence, which is necessary to attain true contentment.[12] (3) The promise from Jahweh to accompany and lead the Israelites through their journey.[13] (4) The manifestation of God's essence or spirit among humanity, particularly in relation to the character of Christ.[14]

From: Hymns for Christian Devotion

(1) The manifestation of God's spirit and influence in the lives of believers.[15] (2) The constant companionship and guidance of God, as envisioned by the speaker throughout their journey.[16]

From: Bible cyclopedia, critical and expository

(1) The manifestation of God accompanying Joshua and the Israelites during their journey and conquests.[17] (2) Referred to as 'shechinah,' it is believed to have dwelt on Olivet after leaving Jerusalem.[18]

Significance in Early Christian church and writers:
Early Christianity Books

From: Ante-nicene Fathers

(1) The divine presence is referred to as the Lord of all things, who desires the sinner's repentance, and the one to whom people should turn.[19] (2) The state of God's manifest existence and influence in the world, through the Spirit and the Son.[20] (3) Refers to the manifestation of God, which believers recognize and engage with in their faith.[21]

From: Gospel of Thomas Commentary

(1) The experience of God's existence and connectivity, primarily available to the solitary person rather than in groups.[22]

Early Christianity (also known as Early Church) refers to the period starting roughly in the 6th century BC up until 325 A.D. during which year the first council of Nicaea was convened. Popular literature includes the writings by the early Church Fathers which forms the basis of later Christian theology.

Significance in Protestantism (Christian movement emphasizing faith and scripture):
Protestantism Books

From: The Existence and Attributes of God

(1) It is where we should carry ourselves with a sense of reverence, not with the same or lesser affections than those we show others.[23] (2) The aspect of God's being that is permanently united and active within Christ's humanity, indicating a continual residence of Divinity within the human form.[24]

Protestantism (or simply the protestant church) is a major branch of Christianity originating from the Reformation in the 16th century, led by figures like Martin Luther. It emphasizes salvation by faith alone and the Bible as the ultimate authority. Variants of Protestantism include Lutheranism, Calvinism, Anglicanism, Methodism and Presbyterianism, each with unique practices but generally united by these core principles.

Significance in Global Christian community:
Catholic Church Books

From: Summa Theologica (English translation)

(1) The state of God being present in all things, signifying His awareness and observation of creation.[25]

The Catholic Church is a global Christian community with over a billion members, rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ. It is led by the Pope and emphasizes the sacraments, particularly the Eucharist. Catholicism is a denomination centered on the teachings thereof. It has a rich theological and cultural heritage.