What is the aseity of God?

Aseity is defined as "existence originating from and having no source other than itself" (https://www.dictionary.com/browse/aseity?s=t). The aseity of God is His attribute of independent self-existence. When we refer to the aseity of God, we are affirming that He has always existed and that He Himself has no creator. He is also the creator of all that exists and is therefore the source from which all He has created is sustained.

In Exodus, we see God's aseity in the name He reveals Himself to Moses as: "I AM WHO I AM" (Exodus 3:14). God is completely independent and self-sufficient. He is eternal and unchanging. He has never changed and will never change. Psalm 90:2 says of God, "Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God." In Malachi 3:6 God declares, "For I the LORD do not change" (see also James 1:17).

By recognizing the aseity of God, we also know that He has complete autonomy and is sovereign over all. In Isaiah 46:9–10, God says, "I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, 'My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.'"

In the Gospels, Jesus, as the Son of God, also asserted His aseity (John 1:1–5; 8:58). Paul affirms this in Colossians 1:16–17: "For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together." Hebrews 13:8 says, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." Of course, the Holy Spirit, as part of the Trinity, also has the attribute of aseity.

What does the aseity of God mean for us? It means we can rely on Him with total confidence. His character has never changed and will never change. He is fully able to protect and deliver us without ever growing tired or weary (Isaiah 40:28). He is a trustworthy shepherd for us through every situation (Psalm 23). His plans and purposes will always prevail (Isaiah 55:10–11).



Related Truth:

What does transcendent mean? How is God transcendent?

Is God immanent? What is significance of the immanence of God?

Is God omnipresent? What does it mean to be omnipresent?

Is God omniscient? What does it mean to be omniscient?

Is God omnipotent? What does it mean to be omnipotent?


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