Today we begin our study of the book of Genesis. In the very first verse we read: “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth” (Gen 1:1). In this verse we learn about the beginning of the universe, but we are not told about God’s beginning. How did God begin? Did someone or something else create Him? Did He create Himself? Over the next few weeks we shall discuss key attributes of God and today we shall learn about His Self-Existence.
- God is the Creator. Genesis 1:1 clearly teaches that God is the Creator of the universe. Everything that exists (birds, plants, animals, humans, etc.) does so because of God’s creative power. Everything and everyone owes their existence to God. When God created our universe, He also created time and space for all of His creation.
- God is not Self-Created. Since God created all things, does that mean God created Himself? The Bible tells us that God did not create Himself because He is eternal. God always has and always will exist. Psalm 102:12 says that God is “enthroned forever” and Isaiah 57:15 says that God “inhabits eternity.” Therefore, it is unbiblical to say that God created Himself. It is also illogical because if God created Himself, then God would have existed before He existed. This shows us that while God created all things, He is uncreated.
- God is Self-Existent. While it is unbiblical and illogical to say that God is Self-Created, it is clearly taught in Scripture and logical to say that God is Self-Existent. This truth is properly understood when we grasp that God created time and space for His creation and is not Himself subject to either. God is eternal, He has no beginning because He has always existed and His existence is dependent on nothing. Psalm 90:2 says, “Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.” Since God is not bound by time like we are, it makes no sense to seek His beginning.
- Self-Existence is Necessary. While the Self-Existence of God may be hard to understand, it is very important for us to understand. Being Self-Existent, God is the source of life. We see God as greater than ourselves and this should lead to our submission to Him. That this powerful Creator should love us and send His Son Jesus to die for our sins, should work in us repentance and faith. Being the source of existence, God is the author and supplier of life and by extension is the only one with the right to remove life (e.g., death) whenever He wishes.
Have you ever wondered where God came from? Do you believe that God is uncreated and is Self-Existent? If you do not believe this, are your objections from the Bible or other reasons? Do you believe that God is the Creator of all things and the author of life? If so, do you have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ?
First Baptist Scott City, MO 