Examples of Christ's Presence in Scripture Demonstrated Through Humans

The presence of Christ in Scripture is demonstrated through various human forms and experiences, particularly in the New Testament, where Jesus Christ is revealed as God incarnate ^{[11, 13]}. However, foreshadowings of this presence can be observed even in the Old Testament.

Old Testament instances of divine visitation in human form are understood by some scholars as prefiguring the incarnation of Jesus ^[10]. For example, Ezekiel's vision describes a figure on God's throne with the appearance of a man, radiating overwhelming glory. This human form is seen as a visible manifestation of God's presence, hinting at God's future coming to earth as a man in Jesus Christ ^[16]. These Old Testament appearances are not Christ himself, but rather divine visitations that prepare the way for the full revelation of God in human flesh ^[10].

In the New Testament, the human nature of Christ is central to his mediatorial office ^[5]. His presence is demonstrated through his physical life, from his conception in the Virgin's womb and birth, to his partaking of flesh and blood ^[5]. The Gospels provide historical accounts of Jesus's person and work, presenting him as the promised King, a prophet mighty in deed and word, and the Savior ^[1]. His humanity is evidenced by his experiences of weeping (Luke 19:41; John 11:35), hungering (Matthew 4:2), thirsting (John 4:7), sleeping (Matthew 8:24), and weariness (John 4:6) ^[5]. These aspects underscore his full identification with humanity, which was necessary for his role as mediator (1 Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 2:17) ^[5].

Christ's presence is also demonstrated through his resurrection, which is a cardinal fact and doctrine of the gospel ^[2]. The New Testament revelation rests on the historical fact of his resurrection, which was predicted in the Old Testament (Psalm 16) and by Jesus himself (Matthew 20:19) ^[2]. After his resurrection, Jesus showed himself alive to his disciples, providing infallible proof and confirming their faith ^[12]. This event is foundational, as without Christ's resurrection, faith is considered vain (1 Corinthians 15:14) ^[2].

Beyond his physical presence, Christ's presence is also manifested through his followers. The apostle Paul describes believers as "a letter of Christ, served by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tablets of stone, but in tablets that are hearts of flesh" (2 Corinthians 3:3) ^[6]. This suggests that Christ's character and message are made visible through the lives of those who follow him.

Furthermore, Christ serves as an example for humanity ^[3]. The New Testament encourages looking to Jesus as "the author and perfecter of faith" (Hebrews 12:2) ^[9]. His life provides a pattern for conduct, particularly for pastors in their flocks (Philippians 3:17; 1 Peter 5:3) ^[3]. The prophets also serve as examples of enduring affliction (James 5:10) ^{[3, 8]}, which can be seen as reflecting a Christ-like endurance.

The term "Christ" itself, derived from the Hebrew "Messiah," means "anointed" and signifies Jesus's consecration to his redemptive work as Prophet, Priest, and King ^{[4, 7]}. This anointing sets him apart and defines his unique role, which is made manifest through his human life and ministry ^[7]. The testimony of Christ was confirmed among early believers through preaching and accompanying miracles, demonstrating God's power and giving effect to the Gospel ^[15].

In the book of Revelation, Jesus Christ is depicted as the Lamb standing on Mount Zion, which is understood as the gospel church ^[14]. His presence within the church secures its perseverance, even amidst troubles ^[14]. He is also described as being "in the midst of the throne, and of the four beasts, and of the elders," indicating his proximity to God the Father and his central role in divine authority ^[17]. This imagery reinforces the ongoing, active presence of Christ within his community and in the divine order.

Sources

Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Gospels — The central fact of Christian preaching was the intelligence that the Saviour had come into the world (Matt. 4:23; Rom. 10:15); and the first Christian preachers who called their account of the person and mission of Christ by the term evangelion_ (= good message) were called _evangelistai (= evangelists) (Eph. 4:11; Acts 21:8). There are four historical accounts of the person and work of Christ: "the first by Matthew, announcing the Redeemer as the promised King of the kingdom of God; the second by Mark, declaring him a prophet, mighty in deed and word'; th”
Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Resurrection of Christ — One of the cardinal facts and doctrines of the gospel. If Christ be not risen, our faith is vain (1 Cor. 15:14). The whole of the New Testament revelation rests on this as an historical fact. On the day of Pentecost Peter argued the necessity of Christ's resurrection from the prediction in Ps. 16 (Acts 2:24-28). In his own discourses, also, our Lord clearly intimates his resurrection (Matt. 20:19; Mark 9:9; 14:28; Luke 18:33; John 2:19-22). The evangelists give circumstantial accounts of the facts connected with that event, and the apostles, ”
Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Example — Of Christ (1 Pet. 2:21; John 13:15); of pastors to their flocks (Phil. 3:17; 2 Thess. 3:9; 1 Tim. 4:12; 1 Pet. 5:3); of the Jews as a warning (Heb. 4:11); of the prophets as suffering affliction (James 5:10).”
Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Messiah — (Heb. mashiah), in all the thirty-nine instances of its occurring in the Old Testament, is rendered by the LXX. "Christos." It means anointed. Thus priests (Ex. 28:41; 40:15; Num. 3:3), prophets (1 Kings 19:16), and kings (1 Sam. 9:16; 16:3; 2 Sam. 12:7) were anointed with oil, and so consecrated to their respective offices. The great Messiah is anointed "above his fellows" (Ps. 45:7); i.e., he embraces in himself all the three offices. The Greek form "Messias" is only twice used in the New Testament, in John 1:41 and 4:25 (R.V., "Messiah"), and in the Old ”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Human Nature of Christ, The — Was necessary to his mediatorial office -- 1Ti 2:5; Heb 2:17; Ga 4:4,5; 1Co 15:21; Ro 6:15,19. Is proved by his Conception in the Virgin's womb. -- Mt 1:18; Lu 1:31. Birth. -- Mt 1:16,25; 2:2; Lu 2:7,11. Partaking of flesh and blood. -- Joh 1:14; Heb 2:14. Having a human soul. -- Mt 26:38; Lu 23:46; Ac 2:31. Circumcision. -- Lu 2:21. Increase in wisdom and stature. -- Lu 2:52. Weeping. -- Lu 19:41; Joh 11:35. Hungering. -- Mt 4:2; 21:18. Thirsting. -- Joh 4:7; 19:28. Sleeping. -- Mt 8:24; Mr 4:38. Being subject to weariness. -- Joh 4:6. ”
2 Corinthians “being revealed that you are a letter of Christ, served by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tablets of stone, but in tablets that are hearts of flesh. -- 2 Corinthians 3:3”
Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Christ — Anointed, the Greek translation of the Hebrew word rendered "Messiah" (q.v.), the official title of our Lord, occurring five hundred and fourteen times in the New Testament. It denotes that he was anointed or consecrated to his great redemptive work as Prophet, Priest, and King of his people. He is Jesus the Christ (Acts 17:3; 18:5; Matt. 22:42), the Anointed One. He is thus spoken of by Isaiah (61:1), and by Daniel (9:24-26), who styles him "Messiah the Prince." The Messiah is the same person as "the seed of the woman" (Gen. 3:15), "the seed of Abraham" (Ge”
James “James 5:10 (BBE) — Take as an example of pain nobly undergone and of strength in trouble, the prophets who gave to men the words of the Lord.”
Hebrews “looking to Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising its shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. -- Hebrews 12:2”
Jude (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Jude 13:19: 13:19-22 It is not possible for human beings to take in the full revelation of God’s holy presence and still live (cp. 6:20-24; Exod 19:21; 33:20). The Old Testament frequently reports divine visitations on earth in human form; these visitations foreshadow the full appearance of God on earth in the incarnation of Jesus.”
1 John (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 1 John 3:5: And ye know that he was manifested,.... This is a truth of the Gospel the saints were well instructed in and acquainted with; that Jesus Christ, the Word and Son of God, who is here meant, who was with the Father, and lay in his bosom from all eternity, was in the fulness of time made manifest in the flesh, or human nature, by assuming it into union with his divine person; in which he came and dwelt among men, and became visible to them: the end of which manifestation was, to take away our sins; as the antitype of the scape goat, making reconciliation and satisfactio”
John (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on John 20:19: The infallible proof of Christ's resurrection was his showing himself alive, Act 1:3. In these verses, we have an account of his first appearance to the college of the disciples, on the day on which he rose. He had sent them the tidings of his resurrection by trusty and credible messengers; but to show his love to them, and confirm their faith in him, he came himself, and gave them all the assurances they could desire of the truth of it, that they might not have it by hearsay only, and at second hand, but might themselves be eye-witnesses of his being alive, becaus”
1 John (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on 1 John 4:14: And we have seen - Jesus Christ manifested in the flesh; see Jo1 1:1, etc.; and do testify - bear witness, in consequence of having the fullest conviction, that the Father sent the son to be the Savior of the world. We have had the fullest proof of this from his doctrine and miracles, which we heard and saw during the whole time that he sojourned among men.”
Revelation (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Revelation 14:1: Here we have one of the most pleasing sights that can be viewed in this world - the Lord Jesus Christ at the head of his faithful adherents and attendants. Here observe, 1. How Christ appears: as a Lamb standing upon mount Zion. Mount Zion is the gospel church. Christ is with his church and in the midst of her in all her troubles, and therefore she is not consumed. It is his presence that secures her perseverance; he appears as a Lamb, a true Lamb, the Lamb of God. A counterfeit lamb is mentioned as rising out of the earth in the last chapter, which was really”
1 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Corinthians 1:6: According as the testimony of (of, and concerning) Christ (who is both the object and author of this testimony [BENGEL]; Co1 2:1; Ti1 2:6; Ti2 1:8) was confirmed among [ALFORD] you; that is, by God, through my preaching and through the miracles accompanying it (Co1 12:3; Mar 16:20; Co2 1:21-22; Gal 3:2, Gal 3:5; Eph 4:7-8; Heb 2:4). God confirmed (compare Phi 1:7; Heb 2:3), or gave effect to the Gospel among (or better as English Version, "in") the Corinthians by their accepting it and setting their seal to its truth, through the inward power of ”
Ezekiel (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Ezekiel 1:26: 1:26-27 On the throne of God was a figure whose appearance resembled a man. Ezekiel’s ability to describe the scene was overwhelmed by the magnificence of the sight. This human form revealed the Lord’s overpoweringly radiant glory that had once filled the Tabernacle and the Temple as a visible manifestation of God’s presence (cp. Dan 7:9-10; Rev 1:12-17). While God’s awesome presence in human form comforts his faithful people, it signifies inevitable judgment for those who are disobeying him. This vision presages God’s coming to earth as a man in Jesus Christ.”
Revelation (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Revelation 5:6: Here, I. The apostle beholds this book taken into the hands of the Lord Jesus Christ, in order to its being unsealed and opened by him. Here Christ is described, 1. By his place and station: In the midst of the throne, and of the four beasts, and of the elders. He was on the same throne with the Father; he was nearer to him than either the elders or ministers of the churches. Christ, as man and Mediator, is subordinate to God the Father, but is nearer to him than all the creatures; for in him all the fulness of the Godhead dwells bodily. The ministers stand bet”

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