That statement is getting at two different meanings of “God being present,” and people often mix them together.
God is everywhere — that’s His omnipresence.
Scripture is clear on this:
“Where can I go from Your Spirit? … If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there.” (Psalm 139:7–8)
No one is outside God’s awareness, power, or authority — believer or unbeliever.
But when Christians say God is “in” someone’s heart, they’re talking about something more specific:
👉 God’s indwelling presence through the Holy Spirit.
The Bible teaches that:
The Holy Spirit dwells in believers (John 14:16–17, Romans 8:9–10)
This indwelling happens through faith in Christ, not just existence
Jesus said it plainly:
“The world cannot receive Him… but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.” (John 14:17)
So here’s the clean way to say it, without confusion:
God is everywhere — including around and aware of unbelievers
God does not dwell in the heart of an unbeliever in the relational, saving, Spirit-indwelling sense
An unbeliever is separated from God relationally, not geographically
A good analogy:
The sun shines everywhere, but not everyone opens the window.
God is present to all, but He only makes His home in those who receive Christ.