Is God contained ?

[MoreCoffee]

One chap, in another discussion forum, has suggested that the Lord's prayer implies that God is contained in heaven, I presume that he doesn't mean that God isn't omnipresent, but he appears to mean that God is "in heaven" meaning contained within heaven (whatever heaven may mean). What's your view?

 

[Lamb]

I've heard of some Baptists who don't believe that the Lord can be present in Holy Communion because He's in heaven. I guess I never understood how they believed such a thing, but I can see how they would think it's because of the Lord's Prayer. But I disagree that God is stuck in heaven. The prayer says "who art in heaven" and "thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven".

Psalm 103:19 states
The Lord has established his throne in heaven,
and his kingdom rules over all.

That doesn't say He is ONLY in heaven, nor does the prayer.

 

[VybrantMoonC]

While the prayer begins with "Our Father in heaven" (Matthew 6:9), it doesn't imply that God is confined to a physical location, as Scripture affirms His omnipresence: “Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?” (Psalm 139:7). Heaven, in this context, reflects His sovereignty and divine authority rather than a limitation on His presence.

Jesus also clarified that God is spirit (John 4:24), transcending earthly confines. So, while we honor His dwelling in heaven, we must recognize that God's essence surpasses any physical realm.

 

[MoreCoffee]

While the prayer begins with "Our Father in heaven" (Matthew 6:9), it doesn't imply that God is confined to a physical location, as Scripture affirms His omnipresence: “Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?” (Psalm 139:7). Heaven, in this context, reflects His sovereignty and divine authority rather than a limitation on His presence.

Jesus also clarified that God is spirit (John 4:24), transcending earthly confines. So, while we honor His dwelling in heaven, we must recognize that God's essence surpasses any physical realm.

The concept of omnipresence in creation may not fully capture the essence of where God is. I believe that God is not confined within creation, thus He could be omnipresent within it and yet exist beyond. Therefore, 'omni' in omnipresence should be understood as an infinite presence, indicating that there is no state or place devoid of God's presence.

 

[BruceLeiter]

One chap, in another discussion forum, has suggested that the Lord's prayer implies that God is contained in heaven, I presume that he doesn't mean that God isn't omnipresent, but he appears to mean that God is "in heaven" meaning contained within heaven (whatever heaven may mean). What's your view?

Psalm 139 refutes such an interpretation of the Lord's Prayer. God is everywhere; yet his kingly presence rules from heaven with Jesus at the father's "right hand." Jesus has his body in heaven; yet he is also God, present everywhere.