The Daily Memo | February 13, 2023 | Transcendence and Immanence

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‘Transcendence’ and ‘immanence’ describe the almost paradoxical nature of our relationship with God. The ‘transcendence’ of God means that God exists apart from, and is not subject to the limitations of, the material universe. He is above and beyond, surpassing and excelling, greatly superior to us.

On the other hand, the ‘immanence’ of God means that it is possible to experience his immediate friendship. In the Old Testament passage, Job speaks of ‘God’s *intimate friendship*’ (Job 29:4). It is only when you understand the transcendence of God that you see how amazing his immanence is, and what a huge privilege it is to be able to enjoy intimate friendship with God.

Worship the transcendent God and love his awesome presence. David speaks of the awesome presence of God: ‘The earth trembled and quaked, and the foundations of the mountains shook… Out of the brightness of his presence… The Lord thundered from heaven; the voice of the Most High resounded’ (Psalm 18:7,12–13).

In this psalm we see both the power and the anger of the transcendent God: ‘They trembled because he was angry’ (verse 7). God’s anger (though never malicious) is his personal reaction against sin.

Be in awe of God’s transcendence and his immanence. Perhaps in Heaven we’ll get an up close view of what that looks like.

And that’s the Memo.

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