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