1 Timothy 6:16: The Unapproachable God
In the book of 1 Timothy, chapter 6, verse 16, the apostle Paul writes to Timothy, "Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen." (KJV)
The Unapproachable God
This verse highlights the nature of God as an unapproachable being, dwelling in unapproachable light. The phrase "who only hath immortality" emphasizes God's exclusive possession of eternal life. He is the only one who has immortality in Himself, and He is the source of eternal life for believers.
The phrase "dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto" suggests that God's nature is so infinitely holy and majestic that no human can approach Him in their sinful state. The light that surrounds God is not just a physical light but a spiritual one, representing God's holy and pure nature.
Incomprehensible God
The verse also emphasizes that God is incomprehensible to humanity. The phrase "whom no man hath seen, nor can see" indicates that God is beyond human understanding. He is not only invisible but also unseen, meaning that humanity cannot comprehend Him in His fullness.
This concept is reinforced in Isaiah 55:8-9, which says, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts." (KJV)
Worship and Adoration
The verse concludes with a doxology, "to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen." This expression of worship and adoration acknowledges God's infinite power and honor, which are eternal and unchanging.
In this verse, Paul emphasizes the majesty and transcendence of God, highlighting His exclusive possession of immortality and His unapproachable nature. This passage serves as a reminder of humanity's finite understanding of God and the importance of worshiping and adoring Him in spirit and truth.
