The story of God’s presence

The creation account introduces us to a deeply relational God. Adam and Eve are not presented merely as servants obeying commands from a distant deity. God speaks with them, walks with them, and places them in fellowship with himself. Humanity was created not simply for duty, but for relationship with God.

However, sin shattered that relationship. Adam and Eve rebelled against God, and the consequence was separation from his presence. Yet even in that moment of judgment, God’s desire to restore what was broken became evident. The story of the Bible from that point on is the story of God seeking to bring humanity back into his presence.

As Scripture unfolds, a repeated pattern emerges. Again and again, God promises his people, “I will be with you,” and “my presence will go with you.” These are not isolated statements. They reveal the very heart and character of God. He is not distant or detached. He desires to dwell among his people.

This theme runs consistently throughout the Bible. God’s presence is seen in Eden, where humanity first enjoyed fellowship with him. It continues through his covenant promises to Abraham and the patriarchs. Later, God dwells among Israel in the tabernacle during the wilderness journey, then his glory fills the temple in Jerusalem.

At the centre of Israel’s hope was not merely land, victory, or prosperity, but the presence of God himself.

Yet Israel’s sin eventually led to exile. One of the most tragic moments in the Old Testament occurs when God’s glory departs from the temple. The exile was not only political judgment; it represented broken fellowship with God. But even then, the prophets spoke words of hope. God promised that he would return to his people as their King, Shepherd, and Saviour.

The expectation was not merely for another prophet or messenger. Israel awaited the return of the Lord himself.

Jesus: God with us

This wider biblical context helps us understand why the coming of Jesus is so significant. The New Testament does not present Jesus merely as another teacher or prophet. It presents him as the fulfilment of God’s promise to dwell among his people.

The gospel of Matthew describes Jesus as Emmanuel, “God with us.” John’s gospel says that “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” These are extraordinary claims, but they are deeply connected to the story the Bible has been telling all along.

The New Testament presents him as the fulfilment of the prophets’ promises. The long-awaited return of God’s saving presence had arrived.

This is why Jesus is central to the Christian faith. In him, God does not remain distant from human suffering and sin. He comes near. He enters history to rescue sinners, restores fellowship, and brings his people back into communion with himself.

The story that began in Eden moves toward restoration through Christ.

Why this is difficult for Muslims

This theme of God dwelling among his people is also one of the reasons the Christian message can be difficult for many Muslims to grasp.

Islam recognises many biblical figures as prophets, including Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, and Jesus. Yet their stories are presented quite differently in the Qur’an and Islamic tradition. While the Bible progressively reveals God’s desire to dwell among his people, this theme is largely absent within Islam.

In the Bible, salvation ultimately leads to restored fellowship with God. In Islam, revelation primarily functions as guidance for submission and obedience. Because the larger biblical storyline is fundamentally different, the Christian claim that God became flesh in Jesus can appear confusing or even impossible.

For many Muslims, without the wider scriptural context, the incarnation can seem like an idea added later to the Christian message. Yet within the Bible’s unfolding story, Jesus is not an interruption to the narrative — he is its climax. The God who walked with Adam and Eve, dwelt among Israel in the wilderness, filled the temple with his glory, and promised to return to his people, ultimately comes near in Jesus Christ.

Understanding this bigger picture can transform the way Christians engage with Muslim friends. Rather than beginning only with abstract theological arguments, we can invite them to explore the Bible’s story as a whole. Through that story, we discover not only information about God, but the very character of the God who desires to be with his people.

A hope worth sharing

The Christian message is far more than moral instruction or religious guidance. It is the good news that God himself has come near.

The final pages of the Bible bring this hope to completion. Revelation declares: “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man.” The biblical story ends with restored fellowship, where God dwells with his redeemed people forever.

This is the great hope Christians have the privilege of sharing with the world, including with our Muslim friends: the hope of the God who dwells among us.

If we are to communicate this truth clearly and compassionately, we must first understand the story the Bible is telling. That is why conversations like these matter so deeply. As we learn to trace the theme of God’s presence throughout Scripture, we grow not only in confidence, but also in our ability to share the hope of Emmanuel with clarity, wisdom, and love.

Join the conversation

If you want to grow in your understanding of the God of the Bible and develop greater confidence in sharing him with Muslims, come and join the conversation.

On 4 July, London City Mission is hosting the Muslim Engagement Conference, a day designed to equip ordinary Christians for real conversations. Together, we’ll explore:

· how God’s triune nature is revealed throughout the Bible,

· why God’s presence among His people is a central theme of Scripture,

· and how Allah is different from the God of the Bible.

Above all, it’s about rediscovering the joy of sharing the gospel.

Find out more and book your place:
https://www.lcm.org.uk/get-involved/events/me-conference-2026/

Because when we truly know God, sharing him isn’t a burden—it’s a privilege.

Imtiaz Khan, Islam Missiologist Training Director, London City Mission

Imtiaz is London City Mission’s Islam training director, and has been leading training on reaching those from Muslim backgrounds for over 15 years.

Working with the training team at LCM, he helped to pioneer the Muslim Engagement Training Conference for those wanting to learn more about how to reach Muslims with the gospel, and helped to create and develop LCM’s video course, Sharing Jesus with Muslims.