In biblical theology and Christian doctrine,
the concept of God’s existence and creation is understood in specific terms:
- ### God as Eternal and Uncreated
- 1. **Eternal Existence**: The Bible portrays God as existing eternally, without beginning or end. Psalm 90:2 declares, “Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.”
- 2. **Uncreated Being**: Unlike created beings and entities within the universe, God is considered uncreated. He is the ultimate cause and source of all existence, including time, space, and matter (Genesis 1:1; John 1:1-3).
- ### Biblical Understanding of Creation
- 1. **Genesis Account**: The Bible begins with the declaration that “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). This verse establishes God as the Creator of all things, demonstrating His power and authority over creation.
- 2. **Creator of Time**: God exists outside of time, as He is the one who created time itself. 2 Peter 3:8 states, “But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.”
- 3. **Self-Existence**: God’s self-existence means that He does not depend on anything or anyone else for His existence. He is the “I AM WHO I AM” (Exodus 3:14), a self-revelation to Moses indicating His eternal, unchanging nature.
- ### Theological Perspective
- 1. **No Beginning**: The concept of God having a beginning contradicts His nature as the eternal, uncreated Creator. Isaiah 43:10 reaffirms, “Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me.”
- 2. **Causality and Dependency**: God is not caused or dependent upon anything outside of Himself. He is self-sufficient and the ultimate cause of all things (Acts 17:24-25).
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### Conclusion
- According to biblical teaching, God exists eternally, without beginning or end, and is the uncreated Creator of all things. This foundational belief underpins the Christian understanding of God’s nature and relationship to His creation. It emphasizes His sovereignty, self-existence, and eternal existence as fundamental attributes that distinguish Him from all created beings and entities.