Divine Immanence.
LESSON I.
(Scripture Reading Exercise.)
IMMANENCE OF GOD.
ANALYSIS. | REFERENCES. |
I. Definition of "Immanent." | Any of the standard dictionaries. The Scripture passages cited in the "Discussion" of this lesson. |
II. Distinction Between "Omnipresence" and "Immanence." | |
III. Revelation commits the Church to the Doctrine of Divine Immanence. |
SPECIAL TEXT: "The Light which now shineth, which giveth you light, is through him who enlighteneth your eyes, which is the same light that quickeneth your understandings; which Light proceedeth forth from the presence of God to fill the immensity of space." (Doc. and Cov. Sec. lxxxviii:11, 12.)
DISCUSSION.
1. Definition of Immanent: The word "Immanent" means "indwelling," "remaining within;" "opposed to transient," or "transitive."[A] Such the definition of the adjective. The noun, "Immanence," is defined as "the state of being immanent," "a permanent abiding within"—"indwelling."[B] As applied to God it conveys the idea of essential and permanent Divine presence in all the universe. It excludes the idea of movement or transition from one place to another in order for the Deity to be at a given place, since immanence conveys the idea of Divine presence being already and constantly at every point in the universe; hence movement conceived as necessary to presence is not essential, but is excluded from the conception of immanence.
[Footnote A: The Standard Dictionary, Funk and Wagnalls.]
[Footnote B: See both Standard and Century Dictionaries.]