Throughout history, countless people have wondered:
Why doesn’t God appear today like He did in the Bible?
Why don’t we see burning bushes, pillars of fire, or hear God’s audible voice as the prophets once did?
This question is not only valid but also deeply spiritual. The answer lies in understanding how God chose to reveal Himself throughout human history — and how the coming of the Holy Spirit transformed the way we experience God's presence.
1. God’s Appearances in the Old Testament: External and Powerful
In the Old Testament, God made Himself known in visible, external, and often dramatic ways:
- To Moses, He appeared in a burning bush (Exodus 3).
- To Israel, He appeared as a pillar of cloud by day and fire by night (Exodus 13:21).
- At Mount Sinai, His presence was felt through thunder, lightning, smoke, and earthquakes (Exodus 19:16-19).
- Prophets like Isaiah and Ezekiel had visions of God’s glory and heavenly throne.
These appearances, often called theophanies, were temporary revelations of God's glory to guide or deliver His people. But they were also rare, and not everyone experienced them directly.
2. The Ultimate Appearance of God: Jesus Christ
The Old Testament appearances of God were previews of a greater revelation — Jesus Christ.
“In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by His Son…”
(Hebrews 1:1-2)
Jesus was not just a messenger; He was God in human flesh:
“The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory…” (John 1:14)
“Anyone who has seen Me has seen the Father.” (John 14:9)
Through Jesus, God appeared to humanity in the most personal way possible — living among us, teaching, healing, forgiving, and dying for our sins.
3. The Shift from External to Internal: The Gift of the Holy Spirit
After Jesus rose from the dead and ascended into heaven, He promised a new kind of presence:
“I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper to be with you forever—the Spirit of truth.” (John 14:16-17)
At Pentecost (Acts 2), the Holy Spirit was poured out upon believers. From that point on, God no longer needed to appear externally, because He now lives within us.
“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit?” (1 Corinthians 6:19)
The Holy Spirit is not a lesser presence than God appearing on a mountain or in a vision. In fact, the Spirit is a more constant, personal, and powerful presence, available to all believers, not just prophets or chosen leaders.
4. Why God No Longer Appears Visibly Today
So, why doesn’t God appear like He used to?
a. He Already Has — In Full
Through Jesus, God gave His full and final revelation.
There is no need to repeat what has already been perfectly done.
b. Faith, Not Sight
Jesus said to Thomas:
“Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (John 20:29)
In this age, God calls people to come to Him through faith, not through visible signs.
c. The Holy Spirit Is Now With Us Always
External appearances were temporary. The Holy Spirit is a permanent presence, guiding, teaching, and transforming us daily.
“When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth…” (John 16:13)
d. God Will Appear Again — Visibly and Gloriously
Though we may not see God now, the Bible promises that Jesus will return visibly at the end of the age:
“Look, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him…” (Revelation 1:7)
5. Experiencing God Today: The Role of the Holy Spirit
Even though we don’t see God with our physical eyes, we can experience Him deeply and personally through the Holy Spirit:
- Through Scripture: The Spirit brings the Word of God to life.
- Through Prayer: He helps us pray when we don’t know what to say (Romans 8:26).
- Through Conviction and Comfort: He shows us what’s right and wrong, and gives us peace.
- Through Worship: We feel God’s presence and joy.
- Through Community: God speaks through other believers and the Church.
Conclusion:
God Hasn’t Stopped Appearing — He Changed the Way He Appears
God has not gone silent. He has simply shifted from appearing outside of us to living inside of us.
The age of burning bushes and fire from heaven has given way to something even greater — the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit.
So when you ask, “Why doesn’t God appear anymore?”
The answer is: He does — in every heart that welcomes His Spirit.
