The manifest presence of the Holy Spirit refers to the Holy Spirit being actively and tangibly at work in a particular place, while God’s omnipresence refers to God being present everywhere at all times. Though related, these are distinct concepts in Scripture.
The Manifest Presence of the Holy Spirit
The manifest presence of the Holy Spirit is seen throughout Scripture, particularly in the New Testament. After Christ’s ascension, the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost was a dramatic demonstration of the manifest presence of the Third Person of the Trinity (Acts 2:1-4). The Holy Spirit filled the disciples, giving them power to preach the gospel and perform miraculous signs and wonders (Acts 2:4; 1 Corinthians 12:7-11). In the Old Testament, the manifest presence of the Spirit came upon prophets, priests, judges, and kings for empowerment at specific times, but now the Spirit resides within all believers permanently (1 Corinthians 3:16).
The manifest presence of the Holy Spirit is not necessarily a visible manifestation, but it is a tangible experience of the Spirit at work. There are times in Scripture when visible manifestations did accompany the presence of the Holy Spirit, such as tongues of fire or a dove descending at Jesus’ baptism (Matthew 3:16; Acts 2:3). However, usually the Spirit’s manifest presence is apparent in other ways, such as:
- The spiritual gifts in operation (1 Corinthians 12:7)
- The fruit of the Spirit being evidenced (Galatians 5:22-23)
- God’s power working through believers (Acts 1:8)
- Conviction of sin (John 16:8)
- Liberty in worship (2 Corinthians 3:17)
- Unity and fellowship among believers (Philippians 2:1-2)
The manifest presence results in tangible effects in the lives of believers individually and corporately. Though the Spirit is invisible, His presence is made evident by these outcomes. The Holy Spirit’s presence can be invited, welcomed, and experienced, but cannot be controlled or manufactured.
God’s Omnipresence
In contrast to the Holy Spirit’s manifest presence, God’s omnipresence refers to Him being everywhere present at all times. This is an aspect of God’s infinite nature. God is unlimited by time and space; He is transcendent yet immanent. Several Scriptures affirm that God is omnipresent:
- “Do I not fill heaven and earth? declares the Lord.” (Jeremiah 23:24)
- “‘Am I a God near at hand,’ says the Lord, ‘and not a God far away?'” (Jeremiah 23:23)
- “The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good.” (Proverbs 15:3)
- “Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!” (Psalm 139:7-8)
God is present everywhere, in all places at all times, by virtue of His omnipresence. He is simultaneously present with each individual believer through the Holy Spirit who resides within them (Romans 8:9-11). He is present throughout His creation (Psalm 19:1-4). No one can escape God’s presence, no matter where they go. His presence fills the heavens and the earth.
An important distinction is that God’s omnipresence refers to His divine essence or essential presence. The Holy Spirit is God, and thus shares the attribute of omnipresence (the Spirit is everywhere at once), yet the Spirit may be actively manifesting His presence in unique ways in certain places.
Differences Between the Two Concepts
There are key differences between the manifest presence of the Holy Spirit and God’s omnipresence:
- Immediacy: The Holy Spirit’s manifest presence is something that can be experienced immediately, while God’s omnipresence is constant.
- Activity: The manifest presence implies the Spirit’s active work in a tangible way, while omnipresence speaks to God’s essence rather than His action.
- localization: The Spirit manifests presence in specific local situations, while omnipresence refers to God being present everywhere globally at all times.
- Visibility: The Spirit’s manifest presence may result in visible signs, while omnipresence is invisible.
- Invitational: We are instructed to invite the manifest presence of the Spirit, but omnipresence just is.
The manifest presence of the Holy Spirit is therefore a distinct and episodic activity of God’s Spirit. It results in tangible effects and moves. Believers have a role to play in partnering with the Spirit through prayer, worship, and submission. God’s omnipresence is more constant and passive – He is simply everywhere at all times, whether or not it is being actively experienced.
Practical Applications
Understanding the differences between these two concepts provides insight for how to relate to God’s presence in everyday life:
- God is always present whether we sense Him or not, by virtue of His divine omnipresence.
- We should regularly invite and welcome the Holy Spirit’s manifest presence in our lives and gatherings.
- While God is everywhere, the manifest presence of the Spirit is special and at timesunique or intense.
- Cooperating with the Spirit allows Him to work in greater ways through manifestation.
- God’s omnipresence is the basis for praying to Him at all times and places.
- Unlike omnipresence, the manifest presence comes and goes based on God’s will and timing.
- We can take comfort that God is always near, even when we don’t feel Him tangibly.
In summary, God’s omnipresence means He is always present with us as believers, while the Holy Spirit’s manifest presence implies a special, intense, or tangible activity of God in our lives. Understanding the distinction helps us relate to God properly and seek His manifest presence in dynamic ways while resting in His constant presence.
Examples of the Manifest Presence of the Holy Spirit
There are many examples throughout Scripture of the Holy Spirit manifesting His presence in visible or tangible ways:
- The Spirit descending as a dove at Jesus’ baptism (Mark 1:10)
- The day of Pentecost, with signs like rushing wind and tongues of fire (Acts 2:2-4)
- The apostles performing healings and miracles through the Spirit (Acts 3:1-10)
- The Holy Spirit directing Philip to approach the Ethiopian’s chariot (Acts 8:29)
- Peter’s vision from the Spirit regarding Cornelius’ invitation (Acts 10:19)
- The Spirit speaking specific messages to the prophets (1 Peter 1:10-12)
- The Spirit interceding through believers in prayer (Romans 8:26-27)
- The conviction of sin that leads to repentance (John 16:8)
- Spiritual gifts operating to edify the church (1 Corinthians 12:7-10)
In the Old Testament as well, the manifest presence of the Holy Spirit came upon God’s people at specific times for empowerment and leadership, such as with Moses, David, Gideon, and others. This tangible presence gave them wisdom, courage, skills, and strength from the Spirit of the Lord.
How Believers Can Invite the Manifest Presence
Followers of Christ have a role to play in welcoming and cooperating with the manifest presence of the Holy Spirit. Here are some ways believers can invite the Spirit’s manifest presence:
- Asking in prayer for Him to come in power (Luke 11:13)
- Waiting in God’s presence through worship and meditation (Psalm 63:1-2)
- Yielding every area of life to the Spirit’s control (Galatians 5:16-25)
- Gathering with other believers (1 Corinthians 5:4)
- Exalting Christ sincerely from the heart (John 16:14)
- Repenting and confessing all known sin (Acts 3:19)
- Eagerly desiring spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 14:1)
- Stepping out in faith and obedience to God’s call (Acts 1:8)
However, we cannot control or demand the manifest presence. It is God’s sovereign choice when and how He will send His Spirit in these tangible ways. Our role is to humbly invite and anticipate, while submitting to God’s will and timing.
Why Does the Manifest Presence Matter?
Experiencing the dynamic, manifest presence of the Holy Spirit is vital for every believer and church:
- It brings God’s power, giftings, and fruit to accomplish His work (Zechariah 4:6).
- It renews our minds and transforms us into Christ’s image (Titus 3:5).
- It comforts, guides, and helps us in every situation (John 14:26).
- It connects us to God’s heart, vision, and passions (Romans 8:14-16).
- It empowers our witness and ministry (Acts 1:8).
- It stirs our hearts to worship God more deeply (John 4:24).
- It melts strongholds, brings conviction, and draws the lost to salvation (Psalm 51:10-13).
Life in the Spirit brings new vitality, zeal, hope, and victory. The manifest presence releases God’s kingdom and transforms communities. Through the Spirit’s mighty working, the glory of Jesus Christ is revealed. Therefore believers should continually seek Him, while resting in the assurance of God’s constant presence.
Conclusion
The manifest presence of the Holy Spirit refers to the Spirit’s active, tangible work in a situation, resulting in effects like spiritual fruit, gifts, conviction, healing, miracles, guidance, and empowerment. This is distinct from God’s omnipresence, which refers to Him being everywhere at all times by virtue of His infinite nature. Believers can and should invite the Holy Spirit’s manifest presence, while resting in the comfort of God’s constant presence. Experiencing the dynamic presence of the Spirit brings renewal, vitality, and the power of God’s kingdom. Both the manifest presence of the Spirit and God’s omnipresence are gifts demonstrating His desire for deep relationship with us.