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:
- * The Hidden God reveals divine essential attributes
- * The Concealed God demonstrates divine educational purposes
- 2. Faith Practice:
- * Both require faithful response from believers
- * Both point to deeper spiritual experiences
- 3. Growth Purpose:
- * Helps believers develop mature faith
- * Deepens relationship with God
- 4. Balanced Understanding:
- * Need to recognize both God's mystery and presence
- * 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 Message One: The Kingdom of God—The Realm of the Divine Life and the Realm of the Divine Species