Where Did God Come From If He Created Everything?
Introduction
As a new Christian, you may find yourself grappling with the profound question: "Where did God come from if He created everything?" This query often stirs curiosity and confusion as we try to grasp the concept of a Creator who has eternally existed. Understanding this theological notion requires exploring God's unique nature and His role in creation.
Understanding God as the Uncaused Creator
The Nature of God
God is often described by His divine attributes: omnipotence, omniscience, and eternality. His omnipotence means He holds limitless power, omniscience implies He knows all things, and eternality signifies that He exists without beginning or end. These qualities set God apart from His creation, as He exists independently and outside the confines of time and space.
God's Existence in Eternity
The concept of eternity is difficult for human minds to comprehend, yet it's essential to understanding God's nature. Scripture affirms God's timeless existence. For instance, Psalm 90:2 declares, "From everlasting to everlasting, you are God." This verse and others like it emphasise that God did not have a starting point and doesn't abide by temporal limitations.
Common Questions and Misconceptions
The Question of Creation
It seems logical to ponder who created God, especially when we consider that everything in our experience has a cause. However, Christian doctrine teaches that God is the "uncaused cause." If God were created by something, He wouldn't be God. Instead, God is the necessary being who originated everything else.
God's Relationship to Time and Space
Imagine a painter outside his masterpiece. Just as the painter is not trapped within the boundaries of his canvas, so God exists outside the dimensions of time and space. He created these constructs and is thus not limited by them. God being outside of time helps explain why He sees the past, present, and future simultaneously.
Biblical Evidence of God's Eternality
Scriptural References
The Bible is replete with verses affirming God's eternality. Genesis 1:1 starts with "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth," highlighting that God was already there at the beginning. John 1:1-3 further reinforces this: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning."
Theological Implications
These verses shape our understanding of God's divine nature. They teach us that God is not a part of the universe but is the originator of it. His eternal existence assures us that He governs all things and remains steadfast, providing comfort and stability in our lives.
Conclusion
When confronted with the question, "Where did God come from if He created everything?", it's vital to recognise that God stands apart as the uncaused, eternal Creator. Through biblical teachings and theological insights, we understand that God has no beginning and exists beyond the realm of time and space. For new Christians, embracing this profound truth provides a foundation of faith—rest assured, God has always existed and always will.
