Topical Encyclopedia The term "transcendent" refers to that which is beyond or above the range of normal or physical human experience. In theological contexts, it is often used to describe the nature and attributes of God, emphasizing His otherness, majesty, and supremacy over creation. The concept of transcendence highlights God's infinite greatness and His existence beyond the limitations of the material universe.Biblical Foundations The Bible presents God as transcendent in numerous passages, underscoring His sovereignty, holiness, and eternal nature. In Isaiah 55:8-9 , the Lord declares, "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so My ways are higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts." This passage illustrates the vast gulf between God's understanding and human comprehension, affirming His transcendence. Psalm 113:4-6 further emphasizes God's exalted position: "The LORD is exalted over all the nations, His glory above the heavens. Who is like the LORD our God, the One enthroned on high? He humbles Himself to behold the heavens and the earth." Here, God's transcendence is depicted in His exaltation above all creation, yet He is also intimately involved with His creation. Attributes of God's Transcendence 1. Eternality: God's transcendence is evident in His eternal nature. Psalm 90:2 states, "Before the mountains were born or You brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting You are God." This verse highlights God's existence beyond time, affirming that He is not bound by temporal constraints. 2. Omnipotence: God's all-powerful nature is a key aspect of His transcendence. Jeremiah 32:17 proclaims, "Ah, Lord GOD! You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too difficult for You!" God's ability to create and sustain the universe underscores His supreme power and authority. 3. Omniscience: God's infinite knowledge is another dimension of His transcendence. Psalm 147:5 declares, "Great is our Lord and mighty in power; His understanding has no limit." God's perfect knowledge encompasses all things, past, present, and future, setting Him apart from His creation. 4. Holiness: The holiness of God is a central theme in Scripture, reflecting His moral purity and separateness from sin. Isaiah 6:3 records the seraphim's proclamation, "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; His glory fills the whole earth." God's holiness is intrinsic to His transcendent nature, distinguishing Him from all that is unholy. Transcendence and Immanence While God is transcendent, He is also immanent, meaning He is present and active within His creation. This duality is a profound mystery of the Christian faith. Acts 17:27-28 speaks to God's nearness: "He is not far from any one of us. 'For in Him we live and move and have our being.'" God's immanence does not diminish His transcendence; rather, it reveals His desire for a relationship with humanity. Theological Implications The transcendence of God has significant implications for Christian theology and worship. It calls believers to a posture of reverence and awe, recognizing the majesty and greatness of God. It also provides comfort, knowing that the God who is above all is in control of all things. The transcendence of God assures believers of His ultimate authority and the fulfillment of His divine purposes. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (a.) Very excellent; superior or supreme in excellence; surpassing others; as, transcendent worth; transcendent valor.2. (a.) Transcending, or reaching beyond, the limits of human knowledge; -- applied to affirmations and speculations concerning what lies beyond the reach of the human intellect. Greek 3169. megaloprepes -- befitting a great one ... Adjective Transliteration: megaloprepes Phonetic Spelling: (meg-al-op-rep-ace') Short Definition: magnificent, superb, transcendent Definition: magnificent ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3169.htm - 7k Library Third Tractate. The Knowing Hypostases and the Transcendent. Out of this Transcendent Eternal Nature, which is as Universal and ... As, Then, by the Higher Mystical Ascent from Matters that Concern ... Concerning "Holy of Holies," "King of Kings," "Lord of Lords ... Concerning "Perfect" and "One. " Concerning "Peace" and what is Meant by "Very Being" Itself, "Very ... Concerning "Great," "Small," "Same," "Different," "Like," "Unlike ... Concerning "Wisdom," "Mind," "Reason," "Truth," "Faith. " Letter i. My Dear Friend, I Employed the Compelled and Most ... The Old Testament is Good: the New Testament is Better. Thesaurus Transcendent (3 Occurrences)... 1. (a.) Very excellent; superior or supreme in excellence; surpassing others; as, transcendent worth; transcendent valor. ...Transcendent (3 Occurrences). ... /t/transcendent.htm - 7k Omnipresence Anthropomorphism Authority (326 Occurrences) Mediation Consist (7 Occurrences) Mediator (7 Occurrences) Johannine Romans (8 Occurrences) Incomparable (1 Occurrence) Resources What is epistemology? | GotQuestions.orgWhy is biblical Creationism so important? | GotQuestions.org Can God lie? | GotQuestions.org Transcendent: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Transcendent (3 Occurrences)2 Corinthians 4:7 Ephesians 1:19 Ephesians 2:7 Subtopics Related Terms |
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