THEOSISGregory the Great
It is stated, "It is higher than heaven, what can you do? Deeper than hell, what can you know? His measure is greater than the earth, and wider than the sea" (Job 11:8-9). The depiction of God as being 'higher than heaven,' 'deeper than hell,' 'greater than the earth,' and 'wider than the sea' should be interpreted spiritually; it is improper to understand such characteristics in a physical sense. He is 'higher than the heavens' due to His surpassing majesty that transcends all creation through the unfathomable nature of His Spirit. He is 'deeper than hell' as He sustains and governs it from above. He is 'greater than the earth' owing to His eternal existence, which exceeds the limits of all that is created.
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He is 'wider than the sea' because He governs the tumult of worldly matters, encompassing them within the vastness of His sovereign might, even as they remain finite.
It is conceivable that 'heaven' signifies angels, 'hell' represents demons, 'earth' stands for the righteous, and 'sea' denotes sinners. Thus, He is said to be 'higher than heaven' since even the Elect Spirits cannot fully grasp His infinite greatness. He is 'deeper than hell' as He judges and condemns evil spirits more profoundly than they can imagine. He is 'greater than the earth' because His patience exceeds our ability to endure, bearing our transgressions and welcoming us back when we repent, while He is 'wider than the sea' as He engages with sinners through His punishing authority, evoking His presence even when they do not recognize it.
Furthermore, this understanding can be applied to humanity, where a person may be termed 'heaven' when aspiring towards lofty ideals, and 'hell' when ensnared by lowly desires and temptations. Humanity can be likened to 'earth' as it produces abundant good through a hopeful spirit, while it may be called 'sea' during times of anxiety and turmoil. God is 'higher than heaven' as His power subdues us even when we feel elevated. He is 'deeper than hell' as His judgments penetrate far beyond human insight into temptation. He is 'greater than the earth,' for the blessings He imparts exceed what we can currently grasp. He is 'wider than the sea' as human thoughts, vulnerable to fleeting distractions, often misjudge the transient. Our ability to comprehend Him falters in our contemplation; as the psalmist articulated the difficulty, "Thy knowledge is a wonder to me; it is strong; I cannot comprehend it" (Psalms 138:6).
The one who truly understands that He is 'deeper than hell' is the one who, having examined his heart, recognizes that he is not justified in his own sight, declaring, "I know nothing against myself; yet I am not justified. It is the Lord who judges me" (1 Cor. 4:4). The individual who perceives Him as 'greater than the earth' acknowledges that the longings of human existence are limited, remarking, "To Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think" (Eph. 3:20). The one who sees His 'wider than the sea' nature considers, despite the fear that one can never fully know Him, the quest to gauge His overwhelming might, as expressed: "Who knows the power of Your wrath? For as the fear of You, so is Your anger" (Psalm 89:11). The unparalleled teacher illustrates God's immensity by stating, "What is the breadth and length and height and depth" (Eph. 3:18).
God's 'breadth' reflects His love, extending even toward those who oppose Him. His 'length' denotes the path through trials leading to eternal life. His 'height' surpasses the comprehension of those within heavenly fellowship, while His 'depth' displays the constancy of His judgment upon the wicked below. These attributes also resonate with us in our earthly existence, demonstrated in how, by loving others, He shows His 'breadth'; through perseverance, He reveals His 'length'; by transcending our understanding, He expresses His 'height'; and His 'depth' is evident in divine judgment upon the subtle sins of thought.
His incomprehensible nature can only be recognized by those who engage earnestly in contemplation or who strive against the hidden temptations of the heart. As voiced to blessed Job, "He is higher than heaven; what can you do? Deeper than hell; what can you know?" This implies a profound challenge: confirm the depths and heights which lie beyond your grasp if you have not learned to elevate yourself through strength or to combat temptation rigorously.