Did God Become Man or Remain Unseeable Spirit?
In this article, you will learn how John 1:14 contradicts Exodus 33:20, Numbers 23:19, 1 Timothy 6:16, Hosea 11:9 and John 4:24. Find the translations at the bottom of the page..
The New Testament verse, John 1:14, conveys a profound message: the divine Word became flesh. This suggests that Jesus, embodying God's essence, lived among humanity, showing God’s kindness and truth. Yet, when placed beside certain Old Testament and New Testament scriptures, this idea seems to present a theological puzzle.
Consider Exodus 33:20, where God declares that no one can see Him and live. This seems to contradict John 1:14, implying God was visibly present in human form. It's akin to claiming a person, whose likeness cannot be captured in a photograph, suddenly appeared in everyone's photo album.
Similarly, Numbers 23:19 and Hosea 11:9 emphasize that God is not a man. John 1:14 faces a direct contradiction here, as it describes God transforming into human form. Imagine someone who's known for never attending parties then being the life of every party you go to—confusing, right?
Furthermore, in 1 Timothy 6:16, God is described as dwelling in unapproachable light, seen by no one. If God became flesh and was among people, how do we reconcile the idea of an unseeable deity? It’s as if someone known for their reclusive lifestyle decides to be in every social gathering you host, yet still claims to be hidden.
Lastly, John 4:24 states God is a spirit. The question arises: how does a spirit become flesh without ceasing to be spirit? It’s like arguing air transformed into solid ground while remaining intangible.
Therefore, these verses together raise intriguing theological discussions. They challenge us to ponder: how do different facets of divine nature—being unseeable, spiritual, and yet human—come together in a cohesive understanding? This contradiction invites believers to delve deeper into the mystery of God's nature.
| # | Verse | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | John 1:14 | And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. |
| 2. | Exodus 33:20 | And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live. |
| 3. | Numbers 23:19 | God [is] not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do [it]? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good? |
| 4. | 1 Timothy 6:16 | Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom [be] honour and power everlasting. Amen. |
| 5. | Hosea 11:9 | I will not execute the fierceness of mine anger, I will not return to destroy Ephraim: for I [am] God, and not man; the Holy One in the midst of thee: and I will not enter into the city. |
| 6. | John 4:24 | God [is] a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship [him] in spirit and in truth. |