The God of the Bible, and as the Creator of the universe, have always existed. God existed before everything. And He brought everything into existence. He is past, present, and future. God is “self-existent” because He doesn’t owe His existence to anyone or anything
Moses said to God, “If I come to the people of Israel and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ What shall I say to them?” God answered, “I AM WHOM I AM.” “Say this to the people of Israel, ‘I am has sent me to you.’” (Exodus 3:13,14). Note God’s response, “I AM WHOM I AM,” meaning God never changes. He is from “everlasting to everlasting.”
Being eternal, God has neither beginning nor end, and He is unconstrained by time. Moses who lived for 120 years, recognized God’s eternality. In his prayer he said, “LORD, you have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. For a thousand years in your sight are but as yesterday when it is past, or as a watch in the night” (Psalm 90:1,2,4).
Or earth received her frame,
From everlasting Thou art God,
To endless years the same.
A thousand ages in Thy sight
Are like an evening gone;
Short as the watch that ends the night
Before the rising sun.”
(Isaac Watts, 1674-1748)
The Bible opens with these words, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep” (Genesis 1:1,2). There is no attempt in Scripture to prove or explain the “origin” of God or His existence. The great fact is that God has absolutely no beginning since He has always been in existence, and He will continue to be without end. Perhaps this is most baffling and puzzling to scientific and philosophical thinking. If so, let it be.
As creatures of time and space, people change, things change, times and seasons change. However, it is impossible for God to change. He said, “For I the LORD do not change” (Malachi 3:6).
And the psalmist wrote this, “You whose years endure throughout all generations! Of old you laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. They will perish, but you will remain; they will all wear out like a garment. You will change them like a robe, and they will pass away, but you are the same, and your years have no end” (Psalm 102:24-27).
Earth’s joys grow dim, its glories pass away;
Change and decay in all around I see;
O Thou who changest not, abide with me.”
(Henry Francis Lyte, 1793-1847)
Not only is the God of the Holy Scriptures from “everlasting to everlasting,” His mighty and wonderful love is also from everlasting to everlasting.
David said, “The steadfast love of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him, and His righteousness to children’s children, to those who keep His covenant and remember to do His commandments” (Psalm 103:17,18).
God loves His children with a perfect and unchangeable love—a love that knows no bounds, because it is from everlasting to everlasting just as God is the same. What a mighty God is our God. “Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; for His steadfast love endures forever!” (1 Chronicles 16:34).
Let us therefore acknowledge God, honor Him, and rejoice in His goodness, mercies, and bountiful blessings.
“The LORD is good to all, and His mercy is over all that He has made. All your works shall give thanks to you, O LORD, and all your saints shall bless you! They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom and tell of your power, to make known to the children of man your mighty deeds, and the glorious splendor of your kingdom. Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures throughout all generations. [The LORD is faithful in all His words and kind in all His works.]” (Psalm 145:9-13).
This is David’s song of praise to the eternal God. David’s God is also our God. Let us therefore join with him in praising our eternal God. Hallelujah. Amen.