Sunday, October 27, 2024

Biblical Comparison of 'The Hidden God' and 'The Concealed God'

 

Biblical Comparison of 'The Hidden God' and 'The Concealed God'

Isaiah 45:15 "Truly, you are a God who hides himself, O God of Israel, the Savior"

Deuteronomy 31:17-18 "I will hide my face from them"

 

Aspect

The Hidden God

The Concealed God

Spiritual Meaning

• Refers to God's transcendence and mystery

• Divine nature beyond human comprehension

• Mysteries actively revealed by God

God's self-concealment in specific periods

• God's discipline or testing

• Temporary withdrawal of manifestation

Essential Characteristics

• Eternal: God's essential mystery

• Sovereign: God's autonomous choice

• Revelatory: Revealed through Christ

• Temporal: Specific periods

• Educational: For spiritual purposes

• Relational: Connected to human response

Spiritual Interpretation

Emphasizes God's:

• Transcendence

• Incomprehensibility

• Divine mystery

• Self-revelation

Emphasizes God's:

Educational purpose

• Disciplinary intent

• Testing function

• Relational interaction

Key Scripture

• Isaiah 45:15 "Truly, you are a God who hides himself, O God of Israel, the Savior"

• Job 11:7 "Can you find out the deep things of God?"

• Romans 11:33 "Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God!"

• Deuteronomy 31:17-18 "I will hide my face from them"

• Isaiah 8:17 "I will wait for the LORD, who is hiding his face"

• Psalm 10:1 "Why, O LORD, do you stand far away? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?"

Practical Manifestation

• Mystery of creation

• Plan of redemption

• Mystery of Trinity

• Sovereign acts

• Period of Israel's exile

• Job's trials

• Spiritual low periods

Waiting seasons

Believer's Experience

• Reverence and wonder

• Humble seeking

• Faith-filled expectation

• Continuous pursuit

• Spiritual testing

• Faith trials

• Lessons in repentance

• Exercise in waiting

Response Method

• Worship with reverence

• Humbly acknowledge limitations

• Seek knowledge in Christ

• Draw near through Scripture and prayer

• Self-examination

• Repentance

• Maintaining faith

• Patient waiting

Spiritual Lessons

• Learn to worship in mystery

• Experience God's greatness within limitations

• Understand God's heart in Christ

• Grow through Spirit's guidance

• Exercise faith and patience

• Deepen knowledge of God

• Renew relationship with God

• Experience God's faithfulness

Modern Application

• Maintain reverence for God

• Balance reason and faith

• Hold to mystery of truth

• Know God in Christ

• Face spiritual valleys

• Handle faith doubts

• Experience divine discipline

• Wait on God's timing

 

Key Reflections

1.      Overall Significance:

o   The Hidden God reveals divine essential attributes

o   The Concealed God demonstrates divine educational purposes

2.      Faith Practice:

o   Both require faithful response from believers

o   Both point to deeper spiritual experiences

3.      Growth Purpose:

o   Helps believers develop mature faith

o   Deepens relationship with God

4.      Balanced Understanding:

o   Need to recognize both God's mystery and presence

o   Maintain faith in all circumstances

 

*Please refer to the International Training for Elders and Responsible Ones, October 2024 General Subject: Living in the Reality of the Kingdom of God    Week 2: Living the Kingdom Life Through a Hidden Life

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