Divine Paradoxes: Resolving Seeming Contradictions in Christian Theology
Category 2: Divine Attributes vs. Human Limitations
1. Introduction
God is portrayed throughout Scripture as utterly holy, separated from sin and unapproachable in moral perfection (Isaiah 6:3). Yet, paradoxically, the same God chooses to dwell among sinful people, whether in the tabernacle, temple, or through the incarnation of Christ. This paradox—divine holiness coexisting with human sinfulness—presents a tension central to understanding God’s redemptive plan and relational nature.
2. The Holiness of God
2.1 Scriptural Foundations
- “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts.” (Isaiah 6:3)
- “You are of purer eyes than to behold evil.” (Habakkuk 1:13)
- “Be ye holy; for I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:16)
- “God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.” (1 John 1:5)
2.2 Theological Meaning
- God’s holiness is both moral perfection and complete otherness, separate from sin and uncleanness.
- His nature cannot be compromised by contact with evil.
3. God Dwelling with Sinners
3.1 Biblical Evidence
- Eden: God walked with Adam and Eve before the fall (Genesis 3:8).
- Tabernacle: “Let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them.” (Exodus 25:8)
- Temple: “My name shall be there… I will dwell among the children of Israel.” (1 Kings 6:13)
- Incarnation: “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” (John 1:14)
- Pentecost: God now indwells believers through the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19).
3.2 Paradoxical Tension
- Though God is morally separate, He chooses to draw near to sinners not because of their worthiness, but because of His mercy (Romans 5:8).
4. Theological Resolution: Holiness That Cleanses
- God’s presence does not tolerate sin but transforms the sinner.
- The paradox is resolved in that God’s holiness is not contaminated by contact with sinners; rather, His holiness purifies those He dwells with (Isaiah 6:7; Ezekiel 36:25–27).
5. Christ as the Fulfilment
- Jesus dwelled among sinners, ate with them (Luke 15:1–2), and even touched the unclean (Mark 1:41), yet remained sinless (Hebrews 4:15).
- In Him, God tabernacled in human flesh without compromising holiness (Colossians 2:9).
6. Clarifying the Paradox
| Divine Attribute | Apparent Contradiction |
|---|---|
| God is perfectly holy | Yet He lives among and in sinners |
| God cannot tolerate sin | Yet He invites sinners into His presence |
| God is morally pure | Yet He forgives and dwells within the impure |
Resolution: God’s holiness is not diminished by proximity to sin—it is manifest in redemptive power, cleansing those He indwells rather than being defiled by them.
7. Devotional and Doctrinal Implications
7.1 Grace and Intimacy
- God’s willingness to draw near is not a compromise of His holiness but a manifestation of His grace (Ephesians 2:13).
7.2 Personal Sanctification
- The believer is called to respond in holiness, since God’s indwelling presence is a call to moral transformation (2 Corinthians 7:1).
7.3 The Church as Holy Ground
- The Church, though composed of sinners, is God’s chosen dwelling place on earth (Ephesians 2:22), made holy by His presence.
8. Conclusion
The paradox that God is holy, yet dwells with sinners is resolved in the mystery of divine mercy and transformative presence. Far from compromising His holiness, God’s indwelling among His people reveals a love that purifies rather than punishes, that sanctifies rather than separates. This is the essence of the Gospel: Emmanuel—God with us.
References
- The Holy Bible, King James Version (KJV)
- Calvin, J. Institutes of the Christian Religion
- Bavinck, H. Reformed Dogmatics, Vol. 2
- Bonhoeffer, D. The Cost of Discipleship
- Packer, J.I. Knowing God
- Wright, N.T. Jesus and the Victory of God