The Revelation of the Hiddenness of God

Isaiah tells us explicitly that God is in the business of hiding (Is 45:15). He conceals himself. This is a fact. Job is one book in Scripture that fleshes out this theme. In fact, we may even walk away from Job convinced that we know far less about God than we did when we began reading. I believe this is one intention of the author. Yes, as strange as it sounds, I am saying that this book was written that we might know less about God. It is paradox for God to reveal to us that he is hidden, but that is exactly what he is doing. In essence he is saying, โ€œI want you to know that there is so much of me that you cannot know.โ€

This concealment is tied to his glory (Prov 25:2). God alone has an exhaustive knowledge of God. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit hold the exclusive rights and ability to fully comprehend one another (Lk 10:22, 1 Cor 2:10-11, Rom 8:27). There is splendor in his infinite and incomprehensible nature. There is majesty in a God who can never be totally understood. As creatures it is beyond our capacity to ever know the fullness of God. As creatures any knowledge we have of God is based on his free choice and nothing we do. God chooses the content and limits of his self-revelation. He chooses what to reveal and what to conceal. According to Isaiah and Job, he has left a lot hidden.

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