The Self-Existent God
Who hath directed the Spirit of the LORD, or being his counsellor hath taught him? With whom took he counsel, and who instructed him, and taught him in the path of judgment, and taught him knowledge, and shewed to him the way of understanding? Isaiah 40:13, 14
God revealed Himself in many ways in His Holy Word. Today in our world, there are thousands of gods being worshipped and they all have one thing in common. They are either man made or exist only in the imagination of people’s minds.
God is not dependent on any of them for His existence. It is difficult for mankind to recognize the truth that GOD IS UNCAUSED and He depends on no one for his existence. He is totally independent and sufficient in Himself. He has no equals.
It may be that Isaiah asked the question, “Who made God?” His answer clearly reveals that no one made Him. He’s not an idol made by the hands of mankind, and He is not the sun, moon or stars that were made by Him. There is no one on the face of the earth that has knowledge even close to God’s knowledge, though there are those who think they know more than God. Obviously, they do not know God. Even all of the gods of this world cannot be compared to God, and they can do absolutely nothing to hinder God’s plans and purposes.
In Athens, Paul found people worshipping many gods and so that none were missed, they had an altar with the inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD (Acts 17:23). Obviously, even the philosophers in Athens had never sought to know God. Yet, from another perspective man is not capable by himself to know God. The matter rests on the truth that God has revealed Himself. What we know about God is dependent on divine revelation rather than human rationalization.
God revealed Himself to Moses (Exodus 3:13-15). And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you. The words “I Am” (Hebrew – hahah) means in our language “to be” or simply that HE EXISTS. It also reveals that there no one else like Him. He is separate and above all other beings, even over all of the so-called gods.” Existence is drawn from Himself alone and by the way, our existence is from Him as well.
God has revealed Himself to us in His Word and He has revealed Himself in our consciences. Which show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness… (Romans 2:15).
Our God is not one of our imaginations but One Who cares for us, loves us, made every provision for our eternal existence and desires our fellowship. He has even chosen us to be His children by way of adoption (Romans 8:15-17; Galatians 3:26; 4:5; Ephesians 1:5).
It is so incredible that our God is independent and under no obligation to us, and yet out of love, grace and mercy, He obligated Himself to us, providing for us what we could never provide. He is intimately concerned with all our affairs and desires to work in us and through us for His eternal purposes. There is no way we could have our sins forgiven and experience everlasting life if God did not initiate His care for us. We should respond to Him with praise, thanksgiving and adoration.
Those who believe that salvation is by works place God in a position of being a debtor to us. Salvation is a free gift from a God who has chosen to love us even when we were sinners. How can we not worship Him daily?
George Stiekes serves as a Lay Pastor at Bethany Bible Church in Hendersonville, NC. See here for a more complete bio of brother Stiekes extensive ministry. We republish his material by permission.
Photo by Greg Rakozy on Unsplash