God Is Unapproachable Light in The Physical-Realm, But Desires a Relationship With Us in The Spiritual-Realm

 In Christian theology, God is frequently described as light—symbolizing purity, holiness, truth, and divine glory—and as dwelling in "unapproachable light," emphasizing His transcendent majesty that humans, in their finite and sinful state, cannot directly access or behold without mediation. This concept draws primarily from Scripture and has been unpacked by theologians across denominations.

Biblical FoundationThe phrase "unapproachable light" appears explicitly in 1 Timothy 6:16  "who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To him be honor and might forever. Amen." This describes God as the eternal, sovereign King whose essence is so radiant and holy that it overwhelms human perception, much like staring into the sun blinds the eyes. Similarly:

• Psalm 104:2 speaks of God "covering himself with light as with a garment," portraying divine glory as a luminous veil.
• 1 John 1:5 declares, "God is light; in him there is no darkness at all," reinforcing light as a core attribute of God's moral and spiritual perfection, not merely a metaphor but a profound reality tied to His unchanging nature.

These passages aren't literal (God doesn't "live in the sun," as some might misinterpret); instead, light represents the incomprehensibility of God's holiness. Human sin creates a barrier, making direct approach impossible—echoing Exodus 33:20, where God tells Moses, "you cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live."Theological InterpretationTheologians interpret this as God's transcendence: He is infinitely other, beyond human grasp, yet immanent (near) through revelation. The "unapproachability" isn't rejection but a safeguard against the destructive intensity of divine presence for imperfect beings—like how intense light can burn or blind. Early Christians saw it as God's essence being veiled to protect us, while Reformers like John Calvin emphasized it as a call to awe and humility.In Christian tradition, it signifies a divine mystery surpassing reason, inviting contemplation rather than presumption. Paradoxically, this unapproachable light isn't distant cruelty; it's the source of all goodness, illuminating creation (Genesis 1:3).Approachability Through ChristWhile unapproachable in essence, God bridges the gap in Christianity via Jesus, the "light of the world" (John 8:12). The incarnation makes the unapproachable accessible: "In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind" (John 1:4). Believers, united with Christ, can "approach God's throne of grace with confidence" (Hebrews 4:16), as the perfect light reflects without consuming.
In short, yes—God can and, per Scripture, is such light, inviting reverence over casual familiarity.