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dGod Is Near, Not Manifested: Understanding God’s Immanence (Psalm 145:18)
By Doreen Virtue
Show Summary
In this episode of New Age to Christ, Doreen Virtue teaches on the biblical doctrine of God’s
immanence—the truth that God is not distant, but near to His people. Drawing from Psalm 145:18 and other passages, she explains how God’s nearness is not something we create through manifestation, techniques, or spiritual practices, but something He has revealed in His Word and secured through the gospel of Jesus Christ.
In God Is Near Not Manifested, Doreen Virtue explains the difference between biblical truth and New Age spirituality by teaching the doctrine of God’s immanence from Psalm 145:18. This episode helps listeners understand that God’s presence is not something manifested through techniques or declarations, but the gracious nearness of the Lord to His people through Jesus Christ.
This episode contrasts the deceptive promises of New Age spirituality with the true comfort of God’s presence. Rather than trying to control outcomes through “decreeing and declaring,” believers are called to trust the Lord’s will, His perfect timing, and His wisdom in prayer.
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God Is Near Not Manifested: Episode Notes
Many people today speak of “manifesting” answers, peace, or spiritual experiences. But Scripture teaches something very different. God is not manipulated, summoned, or directed by human words or rituals. He is the holy and sovereign Lord who draws near to His people in truth, grace, and covenant love.
In this episode, Doreen explains that God’s immanence means He is near to His people. He is not only transcendent—far above creation in majesty and authority—but also actively involved in the lives of those who trust Him. This truth gives believers great comfort in suffering, uncertainty, loneliness, and prayer.
Psalm 145:18 reminds us, “The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.” God’s nearness is not something we manufacture through spiritual formulas. It is the reality of His presence with His redeemed people through the finished work of Christ and the indwelling ministry of the Holy Spirit.
Doreen also contrasts biblical prayer with New Age manifestation. New Age spirituality teaches people to try to control spiritual outcomes, often through self-focused declarations or techniques. But biblical prayer is rooted in trust, surrender, reverence, and dependence on the Lord. Jesus taught His people to pray with humility, seeking the Father’s will rather than trying to impose their own.
This episode also highlights the comfort of God’s nearness to the brokenhearted. The Lord sees, hears, and cares for His people. He is near in sorrow, near in weakness, near in repentance, and near in every trial. The God who is above all is also the God who is with His people.
God Is Near Not Manifested — Key Scripture
Psalm 145:18 — “The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.”
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
- What the doctrine of God’s immanence means
- How God’s immanence relates to His transcendence
- Why God’s nearness is not the same as manifestation
- How the gospel reveals God’s personal presence with His people
- Why biblical prayer is built on trust rather than control
- How God comforts the brokenhearted and hears His people
Reflection Question
When you feel alone or unseen, how does remembering that the Lord is near help you trust Him more fully?
The message of God Is Near Not Manifested reminds believers to trust God’s presence, His timing, and His sovereign care rather than pursuing spiritual counterfeits found in New Age teachings.
About New Age to Christ
New Age to Christ helps listeners grow in biblical discernment and understand the difference between New Age deception and the truth of God’s Word. Through Scripture-centered teaching, Doreen Virtue equips women to reject spiritual confusion and rest in the sufficiency of Christ.
Call to Action
If this episode encouraged you, share it with a friend who needs biblical clarity about God’s presence, prayer, and the difference between Christianity and New Age spirituality.
For more biblical resources, podcasts, and articles, visit Doreen’s
page
at Servants of Grace or at our
YouTube
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Doreen Virtue holds a Master’s degree in Biblical & Theological Studies with highest honors from Western Seminary (56 units / 2021), and an MA in Counseling Psychology from Chapman University. Prior to being saved by God‘s grace and mercy in 2017, Doreen was a psychotherapist specializing in women’s issues, rated in the top 15 most influential living spiritual teachers by Watkins, and the top selling new age author in the world. She was born and raised in new thought churches which she attended for 33 years, before segueing to new age and Wicca in 1991 while touring with a mind-body-spirit conference organization. Before her salvation, Doreen frequently appeared on Oprah, CNN, The View, Coast to Coast and other liberal secular media. After the Holy Spirit convicted her of her sins, while she read Deuteronomy 18:10-12, Doreen repented and gave her life to Jesus as her Lord and Savior. Doreen has been helping professing Christians to identify and avoid new age and new thought deception. Doreen volunteers in discipling women who’ve been saved out of New Age in a private Facebook group. Doreen was a speaker at the Answers in Genesis 2025 women’s conference at the Ark Encounter. She has been featured on American Gospel 3, American Gospel TV, Daily Wire, Moody Radio, Spillover, Christianity Today, Cultish, New York Magazine, Spiritual Counterfeits Project, Servants of Grace, and other Christian media.
