What does 'divine' mean in the Bible?

The term "divine" is one that permeates the entirety of the Bible, shaping the way we understand God, His nature, and His interactions with humanity. In the simplest terms, "divine" refers to anything related to God or emanating from God. However, to fully grasp the biblical meaning of "divine," it's essential to explore the multifaceted dimensions of God's nature as revealed in Scripture.

The Bible begins with a profound declaration about the divine: "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth" (Genesis 1:1, ESV). This opening verse sets the stage for understanding the divine as the ultimate source of all that exists. God is portrayed as the Creator, a being of infinite power and wisdom, who brings order out of chaos. The divine nature here is marked by omnipotence, omniscience, and omnipresence—attributes that distinguish God from His creation.

To further understand what "divine" means in the Bible, consider the various names and titles attributed to God, each revealing different aspects of His nature. For instance, God is called "Yahweh" (Exodus 3:14), a name that signifies His eternal, self-existent nature. He is also referred to as "El Shaddai" (Genesis 17:1), meaning "God Almighty," highlighting His supreme power. These names are not mere labels but profound revelations of the divine character.

One of the most compelling aspects of the divine nature is God's holiness. The prophet Isaiah had a vision where he saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the seraphim calling out to one another, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory" (Isaiah 6:3, ESV). The repetition of "holy" three times emphasizes the absolute purity and otherness of God. Holiness is an intrinsic part of the divine nature, setting God apart from all that is sinful and impure.

The divine nature is also marked by love, a theme that runs throughout the Bible. In the New Testament, the Apostle John makes a profound statement: "God is love" (1 John 4:8, ESV). This is not merely an attribute of God but the essence of His being. The divine love is sacrificial, unconditional, and eternal, most clearly demonstrated in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16, ESV). Here, the divine intersects with human history in the most intimate and transformative way.

Another dimension of the divine nature is justice. The Bible portrays God as a righteous judge who upholds justice and punishes evil. "For the Lord is righteous; he loves righteous deeds; the upright shall behold his face" (Psalm 11:7, ESV). Divine justice is not arbitrary but rooted in God's moral perfection. It assures us that evil will not go unpunished and that righteousness will ultimately prevail.

In addition to these attributes, the divine nature encompasses God's immutability, meaning that He is unchanging. "For I the Lord do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed" (Malachi 3:6, ESV). This immutability provides a foundation of stability and reliability for believers, knowing that God's promises and character remain constant throughout time.

The divine nature is also relational. God is not a distant, impersonal force but a personal being who desires a relationship with His creation. This is evident in the covenant relationships God establishes throughout the Bible, from His covenant with Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3) to the New Covenant instituted by Jesus Christ (Luke 22:20). These covenants reveal a God who is intimately involved in the lives of His people, guiding, protecting, and loving them.

Moreover, the divine nature is revealed through the Trinity—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This complex yet profound doctrine encapsulates the unity and diversity within the Godhead. The Father is the source of all, the Son is the Word made flesh (John 1:14), and the Holy Spirit is the presence of God within us (John 14:16-17). Each person of the Trinity shares the same divine essence yet fulfills distinct roles in the work of creation, redemption, and sanctification.

The divine nature also encompasses God's sovereignty. He is the ultimate ruler over all creation, orchestrating history according to His divine plan. "The Lord has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all" (Psalm 103:19, ESV). This sovereignty assures believers that nothing happens outside of God's control and that His purposes will ultimately be accomplished.

Understanding the divine nature in the Bible also involves recognizing God's transcendence and immanence. Transcendence refers to God's existence above and beyond the physical universe, highlighting His majesty and otherness. "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts" (Isaiah 55:9, ESV). Immanence, on the other hand, speaks to God's presence within His creation, actively sustaining and interacting with it. "Yet he is actually not far from each one of us, for 'In him we live and move and have our being'" (Acts 17:27-28, ESV). These two aspects together provide a balanced view of God's nature, emphasizing both His greatness and His nearness.

In Christian literature, the divine nature has been explored extensively. For instance, in his classic work "The Knowledge of the Holy," A.W. Tozer delves into the attributes of God, offering insights into His holiness, love, and justice. Tozer writes, "What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us." This statement underscores the significance of understanding the divine nature, as it shapes our faith, worship, and daily living.

Similarly, C.S. Lewis, in "Mere Christianity," discusses the divine nature in the context of the Trinity, emphasizing the relational aspect of God. Lewis writes, "God is not a static thing—not even a person—but a dynamic, pulsating activity, a life, almost a kind of drama." This vivid description captures the dynamic and relational nature of the divine, inviting believers to participate in the life of God through faith and obedience.

In summary, the term "divine" in the Bible encompasses the entirety of God's nature and attributes. It speaks to His power, wisdom, holiness, love, justice, immutability, relationality, sovereignty, transcendence, and immanence. Understanding the divine nature is not merely an intellectual exercise but a transformative journey that shapes our relationship with God and our understanding of our place in His creation. As we delve into the Scriptures and seek to know God more deeply, we are continually drawn into the mystery and majesty of the divine, leading us to worship, trust, and love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength.