The omnipresence of God refers not only to his presence everywhere but also to his infinite and powerful influence over all things in all places. All things in heaven and on earth are subject to him by his power, since he providentially sustains all things. Likewise, such subjection manifests itself in the fact that God knows all things, implying his presence in all places. As Charnock says, “His power reaches all, and his knowledge pierces all.”
In the Bible, the doctrine of God’s creation does not mean simply that God made the earth out of nothing but also that he preserves the earth according to his wisdom and power and goodness. To preserve all things according to all his perfections, he must be present everywhere. In sustaining all creatures, he cares for each as if he or she were the only one. Just as all times are a moment in relation to his eternity, all people and places are a point in relation to his being because of his omnipresence.
This breakout session explores the biblical and Reformed doctrine of divine omnipresence—the truth that God is present everywhere in His entire being, yet remains distinct from creation. The session is grounded in Psalm 139:7–12, where the psalmist confesses that no place in heaven, on earth, or in the grave lies beyond God’s presence, knowledge, or power.
The teaching begins with a clear definition of omnipresence from a Reformed perspective. God is not a physical substance spread throughout the universe. He is spirit, infinite, and not limited by space. He is fully present in every place without being contained by that place or divided into parts. At the same time, God is not identical with the universe. Pantheism, which treats God and creation as the same reality, is rejected. Scripture clearly distinguishes between the Creator and His creatures.
The session examines key biblical texts such as Jeremiah 23:23–24, Acts 17:24–28, and Colossians 1:15–17. These passages show that God fills heaven and earth, sustains all life, and governs all things according to His sovereign will. Colossians 1:15–17 further teaches that all things were created through Christ and are held together in Him. The Westminster Confession of Faith (2.1; 5.1) and the Heidelberg Catechism (Questions 27–28) are used to clarify how God’s omnipresence relates to His spirituality, infinity, and providence.
A central theme of the session is the distinction between God’s universal presence and His special covenant presence. God is present to all creation as Creator and Sustainer, but He is present to His people in a unique way—as Redeemer, Father, and covenant Lord. This does not mean that God is spatially nearer to His people, but that He is present with them in a special covenantal and gracious way. This distinction guards against both deism, which places God at a distance, and pantheism, which identifies God with creation.
The session also addresses the practical significance of omnipresence for Christian living. God’s presence exposes secret sin and calls believers to honest repentance. It reminds us that every area of life is lived coram Deo—before the face of God. It comforts those who suffer, strengthens prayer, shapes worship, and encourages the church in its mission.
Participants will engage in discussion questions that connect doctrine to pastoral ministry, personal holiness, and evangelism. The goal is not merely to understand a theological concept but to live in the light of God’s presence with reverence, humility, and confidence in Christ.
This session is designed for pastors, Bible teachers, and lay leaders who desire a clear, biblical, and Reformed understanding of divine omnipresence and its application to the life of the church.
Source:
Mark Jones, God Is: A Devotional Guide to the Attributes of God, Kindle locations 1016–1020.
Mark Jones, God Is: A Devotional Guide to the Attributes of God (Crossway), Kindle locations 1021–1024.
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The doctrine of divine omnipresence is not merely a truth to be understood, it is a reality in which every moment of our lives is lived. If this overview has awakened in you a desire to understand more deeply what it means to live coram Deo, before the face of the God who is always present, continue the journey with us at Reformation Conference Cebu 2026.
When selecting your breakout session, choose:DIVINE OMNIPRESENCE
Explore the biblical and Reformed teaching that God is wholly present everywhere, yet remains distinct from His creation and discover how this glorious truth shapes our repentance, prayer, worship, suffering, ministry, and daily Christian living.
Continue the Journey at Reformation Conference Cebu 2026
𝐁𝐄𝐇𝐎𝐋𝐃 𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐆𝐎𝐃 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔
October 21–23, 2026
Hosted by Bradford United Church of Christ, Inc.
𝗥𝗘𝗚𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗘:
https://forms.gle/fzGFvqpBn2ceztfs9
𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗟𝗬 𝗕𝗜𝗥𝗗 𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗘:
Php 700.00
June 30–August 31
𝗥𝗘𝗚𝗨𝗟𝗔𝗥 𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗘:
Php 1,000.00
September 1–October 15
Registration is inclusive of the conference kit only. Food and accommodation are not included.
Come and behold the glory of our ever-present God through the faithful proclamation of His Word, Christ-centered worship, and fellowship with His Church.