Jesus’ (PBUH) Everlasting Presence
C) Jesus’ (PBUH) Everlasting Presence
Those who claim Jesus’ (PBUH) divinity cling to some of his words, which speak of his presence with his disciples and their followers, which come in the Gospels. They believe that it is an eternal presence. He said, while he was ascending to heaven, “teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." (Matt. 28:20). He said, “Whenever two or three are gathered in my name, I will be among them”.
They understand that it is a real physical presence and they consider it as evidence to his divinity, for Jesus (PBUH) is present everywhere and at any time, as Allah (S.W) is everywhere and at any time.[1]
The Holy Bible does not speak of a real physical presence of Allah (S.W) nor of Jesus (PBUH), for Allah (S.W) does not incarnate or dwell in His Creations. His presence is metaphoric; it is a support, and guidance type of presence and the same is for Jesus (PBUH) in showing the right path and instruction.
The passages that contain this kind of presence in the Holy Bible are uncountable. “You will not need to fight in this battle. Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the LORD on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem.' Do not be them, and the LORD will be with you." (Chron.2 20:17) “for the LORD your God is He who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to give you the victory.” (Duet. 20:4)
Allah (S.W) is with them by His salvation and support, and not that He came from heaven and physically fought with them.
Allah’s (S.W) presence requires a response from the Jews, which is their acceptance of His Law and worshipping Him. “and he went out to meet Asa and said to him, "Hear me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin: The LORD is with you while you are with Him. If you seek Him, He will be found by you, but if you forsake Him, He will forsake you.” (Chr.2 15:2). And this is proof that it is a metaphoric presence.[2]
Regarding this claimed real presence of Jesus (PBUH), Jesus (PBUH) denied it and refuted this claim, when he told his disciples that he was leaving earth and would not be amongst them. He said, “For you always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me.”(Matt. 26:11)Jesus then said, "I will be with you a little longer, and then I am going to Him who sent me.” (John 7:33)
His presence with them was spiritual, as Paul said in his Epistles to the Colossians and the Corinthians. “Or though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ.” (Col. 2:5)“For though absent in body, I am present in spirit; and as if present, I have already pronounced judgment on the one who did such a thing.” (Cor.1 5:3)
