Immanuel - God with us

The study examines the biblical meaning of "Immanuel", the name given in Isaiah 7:14 and applied to Jesus in Matthew 1:22–23. The Hebrew name 'Immanu-el means "God is with us." Isaiah 8:10 repeats this idea directly, while Matthew presents the birth of Jesus as its fulfilment. The paper argues that "God with us" should be understood through the biblical principle of God-manifestation, rather than as meaning that Jesus is literally God Himself. Scripture repeatedly teaches that the immortal and invisible God cannot be seen. Nevertheless, God makes Himself known through His angels, His representatives and, most completely, through His Son. Jesus therefore manifested his Father's character, authority, words and saving work. He could say, "He that hath seen me hath seen the Father" and "I and my Father are one," while still speaking of the Father as the one who sent him and was with him. Likewise, Acts 10:38 states that God anointed Jesus and was with him, and 2 Corinthians 5:19 says that God was in Christ, reconciling the world to Himself. The study connects this manifestation with biblical language concerning God's "face" or visible presence. John the Baptist prepared the way for God by preparing people for Jesus, who became the visible image - 'face(s)' - and representative of the unseen God. Thomas's words, "My Lord and my God," are consequently interpreted as a recognition of God manifested through the risen Christ. The theme extends beyond Jesus' earthly ministry. God was with Moses and Israel, was uniquely present in Christ, remains with Christ's followers, and will ultimately dwell with redeemed humanity. Revelation 21:3 therefore supplies the theme's culmination: "The tabernacle of God is with men ... and God Himself shall be with them."

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