Topical Encyclopedia The eternality of God is a fundamental attribute that underscores His nature as timeless, without beginning or end. This concept is woven throughout the Scriptures, affirming God's existence beyond the confines of time and space, and is central to understanding His divine nature and relationship with creation.Biblical Foundation The Bible consistently affirms God's eternal nature. In the Old Testament, Moses declares in Psalm 90:2 , "Before the mountains were born or You brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting You are God." This verse highlights God's existence before creation, emphasizing His timelessness and unchanging nature. Isaiah 40:28 further reinforces this attribute: "Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary; His understanding is beyond searching out." Here, God's eternality is linked with His inexhaustible power and wisdom, distinguishing Him from His creation. In the New Testament, the apostle Paul writes in 1 Timothy 1:17 , "Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen." This doxology ascribes eternal kingship to God, acknowledging His perpetual sovereignty and existence. Theological Implications The eternality of God implies His independence from the temporal order. Unlike His creation, which is bound by time, God exists outside of it. This attribute assures believers of His constancy and faithfulness, as seen in Malachi 3:6 : "Because I, the LORD, do not change, you descendants of Jacob have not been destroyed." God's eternal nature guarantees His promises and purposes remain steadfast. Moreover, God's eternality is foundational to His omniscience and omnipotence. As the eternal One, He possesses complete knowledge of past, present, and future, and His power is not diminished by the passage of time. Revelation 1:8 declares, "I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is and was and is to come—the Almighty." This title encapsulates God's eternal presence and authority over all history. Christological Considerations The eternality of God is also reflected in the person of Jesus Christ. John 1:1-2 states, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning." This passage affirms the pre-existence of Christ, identifying Him with the eternal Word who participated in creation. Jesus Himself speaks to His eternal nature in John 8:58 , "Truly, truly, I tell you," Jesus declared, "before Abraham was born, I am!" This statement not only asserts His divinity but also His existence beyond temporal constraints, echoing the divine name revealed to Moses in Exodus 3:14. Practical Significance For believers, the eternality of God provides a source of comfort and hope. It assures them of God's unchanging nature and His eternal presence in their lives. As the eternal God, He is a refuge and strength, as expressed in Deuteronomy 33:27 : "The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms." In worship and devotion, acknowledging God's eternality leads to a deeper reverence and awe. It invites believers to trust in His eternal purposes and to find peace in His unending love and faithfulness. |