Scripture Reference Note: Scripture references throughout this study follow R. A. Torrey’s topic outline (Concerning God: His Being and Attributes). Scriptures are from my personal notes.
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God as Spirit
There can be no doubt that God exists. Yet as a Spirit, He cannot be seen, heard, tasted, or touched by physical senses. Still, God created humanity in His image and stamped us with a spiritual nature—the exact quality that enables us to know Him and understand His ways.
As you read the following passages regarding the spiritual nature of God, notice how tangible earthly elements are used to illustrate spiritual truths. God is not a generic, impersonal force, nor is He distant or detached. He is actively present and desires a vibrant, personal relationship with us.
Scripture & Commentary
Genesis 1:2 — “And the earth became desolate and empty, and darkness was on the face of the abyss; and the Spirit of God brooded upon the face of the waters.”
The universe did not always exist—in an instant, it was caused to be. Whether humanity debates theories of origins, the reality remains: the universe exists, and we are here. Out of a shapeless, disconnected void, God’s Spirit moved—or “brooded”—over the waters as gently as a mother hen tending her nest. Creation was birthed not merely by cold cosmic force, but by the intentional, loving touch of a spiritual God.
Deuteronomy 4:15–19 — “Vehemently safeguard yourselves, for you saw no shape on the day Yahweh spoke to you at Horeb from the midst of the fire—refrain from making idols, shaping figures in the likeness of male or female, beasts on the earth, winged birds in the sky, crawling creatures, or fish in the waters… Refrain from lifting your eyes to the sun, moon, and stars to worship them…”
When the Israelites gathered at Mount Sinai (Horeb), they clearly heard God’s voice, yet no physical form appeared. The lesson is straightforward: God is Spirit. He does not resemble any man, woman, animal, or celestial body. Because God cannot be contained or represented by physical materials, making idols degrades the reality of who He is. Even the sun, moon, and stars—as magnificent as they seem—are merely created things, not objects of worship.
Psalm 139:7 — “Where shall I go from Your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from Your presence?”
Because God is Spirit, He is omnipresent. You cannot wander away from Him, nor can you run fast enough to escape His view. There is no corner of existence outside His presence or authority—wherever you go, He is already there.
Isaiah 60:1 — “Arise, shine; for your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you.”
God’s Spirit is not oppressive; in His presence, we are made to shine. Walking with God brings constant renewal—a fresh start and a bright morning for the soul.
Ezekiel 37:14 — “I will put My Spirit in you, and you shall live, and I will place you in your own land. Then you shall know that I, the Lord, have spoken it and performed it,” says the Lord.
God’s Spirit breathes new life into us. He ministers to our deepest spiritual needs while providing security and a place where we belong. When Scripture uses the phrase “says the Lord” (or “oracle of Yahweh”), it signifies a solemn, unbreakable promise directly from the self-existing, living God.
Ezekiel 39:29 — “‘And I will not hide My face from them anymore; for I shall have poured out My Spirit on the house of Israel,’ says the Lord God.”
Although this passage historically addresses God’s covenant with Israel, the underlying principle extends to all believers. Even when we stumble, God offers mercy—not because we have earned it, but because it aligns with His gracious character and purpose. While we cannot see God’s physical face, His Spirit draws us near, purifying our hearts so we can enjoy unbroken fellowship with Him.
Joel 2:28–29 — “And it shall come to pass afterward that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions. And also on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days.”
In God’s appointed time, He promised to pour out His Spirit without partiality. Men, women, young, old, leaders, and servants alike receive access to His presence. This promise met its ultimate fulfillment through Jesus Christ and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, opening the spiritual realm so that all who believe may claim their inheritance in Him.
