------------------------------------------------------- **Cross Reference**: #theology, #Christian_identity, #Gods_grace, #Gods_character, #divine_attributes, #Old_Testament, #Gods_independence, #self_existence ## [[God’s Self-Existence]]: The Uncaused Cause ### The Meaning of [[God’s Self-Existence]] The concept of [[God’s Self-Existence]] sets [[God]] apart from every created being. It describes a foundational truth about [[God’s nature]]—that [[God]] exists without any cause or origin. Unlike everything else in the universe, [[God]] is not dependent on anything for existence. [[God]] is uncreated, self-sufficient, and utterly independent. This attribute is most famously expressed in [[God’s declaration]] to [[Moses]]: **“I AM WHO I AM”** ([Exodus 3:14](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus+3.14&version=AMP)). This statement signifies that [[God’s existence]] is not derived from anyone or anything else. [[God]] simply *is*. ### Understanding the “I AM” Statement When [[God]] said to [[Moses]], “I AM WHO I AM,” [[God]] was revealing [[His self-existence]] and eternal nature. The phrase signifies more than just existence; it speaks of [[God’s independence]] and immutability. [[Humans]], on the other hand, are shaped by various factors like biology, upbringing, and culture. [[God]] is not. [[God]] is not the result of anything, nor is [[God]] shaped by anyone. > [[God’s statement]] “I AM” is not only a declaration of [[existence]] but a declaration of the nature of that existence. It’s the basis of all other truths about [[God]]. It tells us that [[God]] is entirely self-contained, self-determined, and self-sustained. ### Why Is This Important? Understanding [[God’s Self-Existence]] helps grasp why [[God]] is uniquely worthy of worship. If [[God]] were dependent on anything else for [[being]], [[God]] would not be supreme. But as the self-existent One, [[God]] is the ultimate source of all reality and the final reason for everything. This makes [[God]] completely sovereign and worthy of all glory. Everything that exists does so because [[God]] brought it into being, and everything is ultimately for [[God’s purposes]]. ### Self-Existence and [[God’s Independence]] Because [[God]] is self-existent, [[God]] is also entirely independent. This independence is not just in [[being]] but also in what [[God]] does. [[God’s decisions]], actions, and purposes are not influenced by external forces. [[God]] does not need anything outside of Himself to sustain existence. Theologically, this is referred to as *aseity*—self-sufficiency and independence. [[Human beings]], by contrast, are dependent on food, water, air, and countless other things just to survive. But [[God]] is free from such needs. - **[Job 22:2–3](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Job+22.2-3&version=AMP)** questions, “Can a man be of benefit to God?” The answer is no. [[Human actions]], whether good or evil, do not add or subtract anything from [[God]]. [[God]] is perfectly complete. ### The Error of Self-Creation Some may mistakenly think that [[God’s Self-Existence]] means [[God]] created Himself. This is not true. The doctrine of self-existence does not imply self-creation, as that would be a contradiction. For [[God]] to create Himself, He would have had to exist before [[existing]]—an impossibility. Instead, [[God’s Self-Existence]] means [[God]] has always been. There was never a time when [[God]] did not exist, and there will never be a time when [[God]] ceases to exist. ### [[God’s Self-Existence]] and [[Other Attributes]] Self-existence is not an isolated attribute; it’s intertwined with many of [[God’s other attributes]]. For example: - **Eternity**: Because [[God]] is self-existent, He is eternal. [[God]] has no beginning and no end ([Psalm 102:25–27](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+102.25-27&version=AMP)). - **Immutability**: Since [[God]] is self-existent, He does not change. [[God]] is always the same ([James 1:17](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+1.17&version=AMP)). - **Omnipotence**: Being self-existent, [[God]] possesses all power and does not depend on anything else for strength. Each of these attributes—eternity, immutability, omnipotence—is rooted in the fact that [[God’s existence]] is grounded in Himself alone. ### Self-Existence and [[Creation]] Because [[God]] is self-existent, He is the ultimate source of everything that exists. All created things—angels, planets, animals, and [[humans]]—derive their existence from [[God]]. This is why Paul says in [1 Corinthians 8:6](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+8.6&version=AMP): “Yet for us there is one [[God]], the [[Father]], from whom all things came and for whom we live.” This also means that creation adds nothing to [[God]]. [[God]] did not create the universe out of some lack or need. Instead, [[God]] created freely, out of [[His own will]] and desire to express His glory. [[Humans]] often do things out of need or necessity, but [[God’s acts]] are always free and sovereign. ### The Practical Implications of [[God’s Self-Existence]] Knowing that [[God]] is self-existent and independent should influence how [[believers]] view their relationship with Him: - **Humility**: Recognizing that [[God]] does not need [[humans]] should humble them. [[Worship]], service, and obedience do not complete or make [[God]] better. He is perfect. - **Trust**: Because [[God]] is self-existent, He is unchanging. [[believers]] can trust Him because His purposes are not dependent on circumstances. - **Worship**: The fact that [[God]] exists for Himself and not for another shows that He is worthy of the highest praise and adoration. ### Call to Action: Worship the Self-Existent One - Reflect on the self-existence of [[God]] and let it deepen your worship. - Recognize that [[God]] is not like [[humans]]—He is self-sufficient, independent, and eternal. - Take time to praise Him for being the great “I AM,” the source of all life, and the One who upholds everything by [[His power]].