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2. Eternality a) Definitions (1) This
attribute is a logical conclusion to God’s self-existence because, if God is
self-existent, He must also exist eternally and endlessly. However, it is
more than a logical conclusion; it is a major truth and theme in Scripture. (2) Eternality could be defined as, God is
without beginning, or end…God is free from all succession of time though He
is the author of it. (Gibson, Study of God, Lancaster Bible College) (3) Louis Berkhof defines it as, that
perfection of God whereby He is elevated above all temporal limits and all
succession of moments, and possesses the whole of His existence in one
indivisible present. (Louis Berkhof, ibid, pg. 60) b) God
exists without beginning or end, and therefore exists eternally (Job
36:26; Ps 102:24). c) God’s eternality is also seen in His
name found in Ex 3:14. The Great I AM (Self-Existent One) has always
existed and will always exist (Ge 1:1 cf. Ep 1:4 & 1Pe 1:20 also cf.
Christ - Jn 1:1-3, 15; Jn 8:58; Col 1:17). d) God is described as existing from
“everlasting to everlasting” (Ps 90:1-4; Ps 41:13; Is 43:13). (1) The word
“everlasting” in Hebrew is olam. In
order to demonstrate God’s eternality, He revealed one of His names as El-Olam, i.e. the Everlasting God (Ge 21:33; Is 40:28). (2) In Ro 16:26, He revealed Himself as the
“Eternal (aiṓnios) God.” The Greek
expression, eís toús
aiṓnas tṓn
aiṓnas means, “forever and ever”
(Gal 1:5). e) God
existed before time, space, the universe, and the heavens (Jude 1:25; Ge
1:1; Neh 9:6; Isa 42:5; He 11:3). f) God’s eternality is contrasted with
the temporal physical existence of man (Ps 102:11-12, 25-27; Job 10:5). g) Applications (1) Since God
is the everlasting God, then the life He gives through His Son is also
everlasting. Since He never ceases to exist, our eternal life in Him will
never cease (Mt 25:46; Jn 3:15-16, 36; Jn 5:24). (2) God works all things for good in His own
time (Ro 8:28). Man however, must work within the limits of his limited time
(Ps 39:5). But the believer works within his limited time for eternal ends
(Ps 90:12; Mt 6:19-20; 1Th 2:19). Though the believer must struggle and
suffer in this life, it is not comparable to his eternal glory with Christ
(Ro 8:18). |
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Grace Bible Church · 4000 E. Collins Rd · PO Box #3762 · Gillette, WY · (307) 686-1516 |
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