The question “What does God look like?” is one that has intrigued and inspired countless people throughout history. In the Christian tradition, understanding the appearance of God involves delving into the Bible, which provides various descriptions and interpretations. These descriptions often use symbolic language to convey God’s majesty and transcendence, emphasizing His nature rather than providing a literal image.
God’s Invisibility and Spiritual Nature
- God as Spirit
The Bible clearly states that God is spirit, and therefore not visible in the way humans are. In John 4:24, Jesus says, “God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” This verse indicates that God is not a physical being with a form that can be seen or touched. Instead, God’s essence is spiritual, transcending the physical limitations of the human body.
- Invisible God
In Colossians 1:15, Paul describes Jesus as “the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.” This suggests that God, in His essence, is invisible. The use of the term “invisible” highlights that God’s true nature cannot be fully perceived by human senses. However, through Jesus, who took on human form, believers can glimpse God’s character and nature.
Symbolic Descriptions of God’s Appearance
- The Burning Bush
One of the most famous biblical encounters with God’s presence is Moses and the burning bush. In Exodus 3:2-4, it is written, “There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up. So Moses thought, ‘I will go over and see this strange sight—why the bush does not burn up.’ When the Lord saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, ‘Moses! Moses!’ And Moses said, ‘Here I am.’” The burning bush represents God’s self-sustaining, eternal nature and His holiness, which cannot be consumed or diminished.
- Vision of Isaiah
Isaiah 6:1-3 provides a dramatic vision of God: “In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him were seraphim, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. And they were calling to one another: ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.’” This vision emphasizes God’s majesty, glory, and holiness, presenting an image of divine royalty and purity. The seraphim’s response underscores God’s absolute holiness.
- Ezekiel’s Vision
In Ezekiel 1:26-28, the prophet describes a remarkable vision: “Above the vault over their heads was what looked like a throne of lapis lazuli, and high above on the throne was a figure like that of a man. I saw that from what appeared to be his waist up he looked like glowing metal, as if full of fire, and that from there down he looked like fire; and brilliant light surrounded him. Like the appearance of a rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the radiance around him. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. When I saw it, I fell facedown, and I heard the voice of one speaking.” Ezekiel’s vision uses vivid imagery to convey God’s overwhelming glory and radiant majesty, again stressing symbolic representation over literal description.
- Revelation of John
In Revelation 4:2-3, John describes his vision of God’s throne: “At once I was in the Spirit, and there before me was a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it. And the one who sat there had the appearance of jasper and ruby. A rainbow that shone like an emerald encircled the throne.” The use of precious stones and radiant colors symbolizes God’s beauty, purity, and holiness. The rainbow around the throne echoes the covenantal promise God made to Noah, highlighting God’s faithfulness.
God Revealed in Jesus
In the New Testament, Jesus is described as the ultimate revelation of God to humanity. In John 14:9, Jesus tells Philip, “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?” This statement emphasizes that through Jesus, who took on human form, the nature and character of God are fully revealed. Colossians 2:9 further explains, “For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form.” This means that Jesus embodies the essence of God, making the divine accessible and comprehensible to humans.
Read also: Who Is God
Conclusion
While the Bible does not provide a literal description of God’s physical appearance, it uses symbolic language and vivid imagery to convey His nature and attributes. God’s invisibility, spiritual essence, and the symbolic visions seen by prophets highlight His transcendence, majesty, and holiness. Through Jesus, believers can see the fullest revelation of God, understanding His character and nature. These scriptural insights invite believers to worship God in spirit and truth, embracing His infinite and incomprehensible beauty.