In terms of “what does God look like?” the Bible provides various descriptions and metaphors to help believers understand the nature and presence of God. While it does not give a specific physical depiction of God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ), or God the Holy Spirit, it does have much to say. We will explore what the Bible says about the appearance and presence of each member of the Trinity.

God the Father

Invisibility and Spirit Nature

The Bible teaches that God the Father is spirit and invisible, emphasizing His omnipresence and transcendence.

John 4:24 (NIV)

God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.

1 Timothy 1:17 (NIV)

Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

The Throne Room Vision

Revelation provides a symbolic and awe-inspiring vision of God the Father seated on His throne.

Revelation 4:2-6 (NIV)

At once I was in the Spirit, and there before me was a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it. And the one who sat there had the appearance of jasper and ruby. A rainbow that shone like an emerald encircled the throne. Surrounding the throne were twenty-four other thrones, and seated on them were twenty-four elders. They were dressed in white and had crowns of gold on their heads. From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings and peals of thunder. In front of the throne, seven lamps were blazing. These are the seven spirits of God. Also in front of the throne there was what looked like a sea of glass, clear as crystal.

This passage uses imagery and symbols to convey the majesty, holiness, and glory of God the Father.

God the Son (Jesus Christ)

Incarnation of Jesus

The Bible provides specific descriptions of Jesus Christ during His earthly ministry, highlighting His humanity.

Isaiah 53:2-3 (NIV)

He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem.

Glorified Appearance in Revelation

Revelation presents a vision of the glorified Christ, emphasizing His divine nature and authority.

Revelation 1:12-16 (NIV)

I turned around to see the voice that was speaking to me. And when I turned I saw seven golden lampstands, and among the lampstands was someone like a son of man, dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest. The hair on his head was white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters. In his right hand he held seven stars, and coming out of his mouth was a sharp, double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance.

This vision highlights Jesus’ divine authority, purity, and power, presenting Him in a glorified form.

God the Holy Spirit

Spirit Nature

The Holy Spirit is described as spirit, without a physical form, emphasizing His presence and work in the lives of believers.

John 14:16-17 (NIV)

And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.

Symbolic Representations

The Holy Spirit is often represented through various symbols in the Bible, each conveying different aspects of His nature and work.

• Dove: Symbolizing peace and purity.
  Matthew 3:16 (NIV)
  As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him.
• Wind: Symbolizing His invisible yet powerful presence.
  Acts 2:2 (NIV)
  Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting.
• Fire: Symbolizing purification and presence.
  Acts 2:3 (NIV)
  They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them.

Conclusion

The Bible provides various descriptions and symbolic representations to help believers understand the nature and presence of God. God the Father is described in terms of His invisibility and majesty, often using symbolic language. Jesus Christ, God the Son, is depicted both in His humble earthly form and His glorified heavenly appearance. The Holy Spirit is represented through symbols like a dove, wind, and fire, emphasizing His spiritual and dynamic presence. Together, these descriptions offer a profound understanding of the triune nature of God, encouraging worship, reverence, and a deeper relationship with Him.