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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