Attributes of God by Charnock (Available from Amazon or free on the internet, here for example) - Conclude Chapter 7 (A discourse upon God's omnipresence).
Today Charnock finishes up his discourse on God's omnipresence.
In his third point on the subject, Charnock deals with some challenges to the doctrine by showing that:
(i) it is not weakened by the expressions in Scripture where God is said to dwell in heaven and in the temple;
(ii) nor do the expressions of God's coming to us, or departing from us, impair this doctrine;
(iii) nor is the essential presence of God with all creatures any disparagement to him;
(iv) nor will it follow that everything is God;
(v) nor doth it follow therefore a creature may be worshipped without idolatry;
(vi) nor is God defiled by being present with those creatures which seem filthy to us.
The fourth point looks at the uses of the doctrine of God's omnipresence for:
(i) information;
(ii) comfort;
(iii) exhortation.
I found this application of God's omnipresence most helpful: 'This will be a shield against all temptations. God is present is enough to blunt the weapons of hell; this will secure us from a ready compliance with any base and vile attractives, and curb that headstrong principle in our nature, that would join hands with them. The thoughts of this would, like the powerful presence of God with the Israelites, take off the wheels from the chariots of our sensitive appetites, and make them, perhaps, more slower, at least towards a temptation. How did Peter fling off the temptation which had worsted him? Upon a look from Christ! The actuated faith of this would stifle the darts of Satan; and fire us with an anger against his solicitations, as strong as the fire that inflames the darts.'
If you are aware that God is present wherever you are, oh how fearful you would be to sin against him.
Commence Chapter 8
Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
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