Seeing the Unseen: What Does God *Really* Look Like?

Sometimes, when we're studying, or maybe even just having a quiet moment of scripture study with a companion, a question pops into our minds that feels huge. It’s a question that has stumped saints and seekers for centuries: What does God actually *look* like?

It’s a natural curiosity, isn't it? We are wired to see, to picture, to categorize. When we think about the Creator, our minds naturally try to build a portrait. But when we dive into the scriptures, we find ourselves standing at the edge of the infinite, looking at something utterly beyond our frame of reference.

As returned missionaries, or even just as disciples trying to deepen our knowledge of the Father, we learn quickly that the most profound truths often defy simple description. We learn that the glory of the Lord is not something we can photograph, sketch, or even fully comprehend with our current understanding.

What struck me while reviewing this material was the consistent theme: the Bible gives us glimpses, not blueprints. Passages like Ezekiel and Revelation are incredible accounts, full of vibrant, powerful imagery—the sapphire throne, the white hair like snow, the eyes like blazing fire. These descriptions are powerful, but the transcript itself gently guides us to understand *why* they are described that way.

They are symbolic. They are God communicating truths about His attributes—His power, His glory, His holiness—in a language that sinful, finite human beings *can* process. They are analogies pointing toward an infinite reality. Think of it like trying to describe the feeling of perfect peace to someone who has only known chaos; you can use words, but the experience remains beyond the words.

The Glory is Beyond Description

This is a crucial point for any disciple preparing for the temple, or any of us who are learning to live in the Spirit. We are taught that in our mortality, we are incapable of perceiving God in all His glory (Exodus 33:20). Our physical selves, our limited senses—they are simply not equipped for that magnificent reality.

But here’s where the encouragement comes in, and this is the heart of our journey as Latter-day Saints. We are not called to *see* Him physically in this life to know Him. We are called to *feel* Him, to *act* on His covenants, to *live* in alignment with His Spirit.

The promise of 1 John 3:2—that we shall see Him as He is—is the ultimate goal, the destination. It’s the promise of the veil being lifted, the final perfection of our understanding. Until then, our focus must be on the preparatory work: building our character, deepening our scripture study, and learning to rely on the promptings of the Spirit.

A Bite-Sized Skill: Focusing on the *Feeling*

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the vastness of the Atonement or the sheer scope of the Plan of Salvation, try this simple exercise this week. Instead of trying to visualize the Father, visualize the *feeling* of His love. When you read a passage about His grace, pause. Don't just read the words; pause and ask the Spirit, "What does this feel like in my heart right now?" This shifts our focus from the impossible *sight* to the attainable *feeling* of divine companionship.

This understanding—that our discipleship is about internal transformation rather than external vision—is what allows us to be Internet missionaries anywhere, anytime. We don't need a grand spectacle; we just need our testimonies and our willingness to share the gospel.

Deepening Your Study

If this topic has stirred your curiosity, I highly recommend diving deeper into the concept of God’s nature. J.I. Packer’s Knowing God is a timeless resource that helps anchor our understanding in doctrine while honoring the mystery. It’s available through LivingBook if you don't have it already.

For those of you who love digging into scripture together, remember that the HolyPlaces platform is a wonderful place to connect. Whether you’re joining a Book Club or participating in a Bible Study Group, these structured environments help us tackle these profound questions together, side-by-side.

If you're wrestling with these concepts, don't hesitate to bring them to Davee. He’s ready to walk you through the hard questions an investigator might ask about the nature of God, helping you craft thoughtful, Spirit-filled answers.

Keep pressing forward, brothers and sisters. The glory awaits, but the preparation starts right here, right now, in our commitment to Christ.