Throughout Scripture, God revealed Himself to humanity in a variety of ways. These appearances range from the audible voice of God to manifestations through natural phenomena, objects, and even human form. Such instances help us understand how God communicates His character, will, and redemptive plan. This essay explores these divine appearances, particularly focusing on Christophanies—the pre-incarnate appearances of Jesus Christ—and other forms of God’s self-revelation. We will examine these encounters to determine why they are attributed to God, often specifically to the Second Person of the Trinity.
Words: 1095 / Time to read: 6 minutes
Christophanies: Pre-incarnate Appearances of Christ
A Christophany refers to a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ, the Second Person of the Trinity. Before His birth in Bethlehem, the eternal Son of God occasionally manifested Himself in human or angelic form to interact with people. These appearances are distinguished from theophanies, which broadly refer to any visible manifestation of God.
1. The Angel of the Lord
One of the most common Christophanies is the appearance of “the Angel of the Lord.” This figure is distinct from other angels, often receiving worship and speaking as God Himself. Such appearances are not attributed to the Father or the Holy Spirit, as these persons of the Trinity are not described as taking on human form.
- Hagar: In Genesis 16:7-13, the Angel of the Lord appears to Hagar in the wilderness, comforts her, and promises that her son Ishmael will become a great nation. Hagar calls Him “the God who sees me,” affirming the divine nature of this being.
- Abraham: In Genesis 22:11-18, the Angel of the Lord intervenes as Abraham prepares to sacrifice Isaac, confirming God’s covenant and providing a substitute ram.
- Moses and the Burning Bush: Exodus 3:2 describes the Angel of the Lord appearing in a flame of fire. The figure identifies Himself as God, saying, “I am who I am” (Exodus 3:14).
2. The Mysterious Visitor to Joshua
In Joshua 5:13-15, Joshua encounters the “commander of the army of the Lord.” This figure accepts Joshua’s worship, a gesture inappropriate for created beings, suggesting His divine nature. This Christophany points to Christ as the leader and protector of His people.
3. The Fourth Man in the Furnace
In Daniel 3:24-25, King Nebuchadnezzar sees a fourth figure in the fiery furnace with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, described as having the appearance “like a son of the gods.” Many scholars believe this figure is a Christophany, demonstrating Christ’s presence with His people in times of trial.
Theophanies: Visible Manifestations of God
Theophanies are broader manifestations of God, often involving natural phenomena or symbolic representations of His presence. These are not limited to the Second Person of the Trinity but include appearances of God in general.
1. God as Fire
Fire is one of the most common representations of God’s presence and holiness.
- The Burning Bush: As mentioned earlier, the bush that burned without being consumed (Exodus 3:2-4) was a theophany where God revealed His name and mission to Moses.
- Pillar of Fire: In Exodus 13:21-22, God led the Israelites through the wilderness as a pillar of fire by night and a cloud by day, signifying His guidance and protection.
- Mount Sinai: God descended on Mount Sinai in fire, smoke, and thunder to give the law to Moses (Exodus 19:18-20).
2. God as a Cloud
Clouds often symbolize God’s glory and presence.
- The Tabernacle: The cloud of God’s glory, or Shekinah, filled the Tabernacle, signifying His dwelling among His people (Exodus 40:34-38).
- Transfiguration of Jesus: In Matthew 17:5, a bright cloud overshadowed the disciples, and a voice declared Jesus as God’s beloved Son.
3. God as Wind or Spirit
The Hebrew word for “spirit” (ruach) and the Greek word (pneuma) can mean “wind” or “breath,” often representing God’s invisible yet powerful presence.
- Creation: God’s Spirit “hovered over the waters” in Genesis 1:2.
- Pentecost: In Acts 2:2-4, the Holy Spirit descended with the sound of a rushing wind, empowering the disciples to preach the Gospel.
4. God as an Earthquake
Earthquakes often accompanied theophanies, symbolizing God’s power and majesty.
- Mount Sinai: The mountain trembled when God descended on it (Exodus 19:18).
- The Resurrection: An earthquake marked Jesus’ resurrection as the angel rolled away the stone (Matthew 28:2).
God’s Appearances Through Objects and Symbols
In addition to Christophanies and theophanies, God used physical objects and symbols to reveal His presence and character.
1. The Ark of the Covenant
The Ark represented God’s covenant and presence among His people (Exodus 25:22). It was housed in the Holy of Holies, where God’s glory dwelled above the mercy seat.
2. The Bronze Serpent
In Numbers 21:8-9, God instructed Moses to craft a bronze serpent. Those who looked at it were healed, prefiguring Christ’s crucifixion and the salvation offered to those who look to Him (John 3:14-15).
3. The Glory of the Lord
God’s glory, or Shekinah, often appeared as a radiant light or cloud. For example, Ezekiel saw God’s glory departing the temple in Ezekiel 10:18-19, signifying judgment.
Why These Appearances Are Attributed to Christ
While some theophanies involve God the Father or the Holy Spirit, many scholars attribute pre-incarnate human-like appearances to the Second Person of the Trinity. This is because:
- Jesus is the visible image of the invisible God (Colossians 1:15). When God interacts visibly with humanity, it aligns with Christ’s role as the mediator.
- Christ fulfills God’s redemptive plan, and many Old Testament appearances foreshadow His incarnation.
- The Angel of the Lord’s acceptance of worship suggests divinity, distinguishing Him from created angels.
Conclusion: The God Who Reveals Himself
The appearances of God throughout Scripture demonstrate His desire to reveal Himself to humanity. From the Christophanies of the Angel of the Lord to theophanies in fire, wind, and cloud, these manifestations point to His holiness, power, and redemptive plan. Most significantly, they culminate in the incarnation of Jesus Christ, who fully reveals the Father and offers salvation to all who believe.
As we reflect on these divine encounters, we are reminded of John 1:14: “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
All Scripture quoted from:
New International Version (NIV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
