Infinity -
What does 'eternal' mean when applied to the existence of God?
The word eternal means "everlasting, having no beginning and no end." Psalm 90:2 tells us about God’s eternality: “Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.” Since humans measure everything in time, it is very hard for us to conceive of something that had no beginning, but has always been, and will continue forever. However, the Bible does not try to prove God’s existence or His eternality, but simply begins with the statement “In the beginning God…” (Genesis 1:1), indicating that at the beginning of recorded time, God was already in existence. From duration stretching backward without limit to duration stretching forward without limit, from eternal ages to eternal ages, God was and is forever.
Thus says the Lord, the King of Israel
and his Redeemer, the Lord of hosts:
“I am the first and I am the last;
besides me there is no god. Isaiah 44:6 (ESV)
Infinity, this sculpture by Jose de Rivera was installed in Washington D.C. outside the Museum of Natural History - a Smithsonian Institution. The installation happened in 1967. In the fall of 1968 I saw this sculpture on one of my first visits into the District and it captivated me. As time passed it began to take on a meaning for me that has continued to embed itself into my thought process. It is a symbol of eternity as much as infinity. It has no starting point and no ending point. These are a few verses that teach us regarding the infinite presence of God. Many more speak of God's eternity with no beginning and no end.
Who has performed and done this,
calling the generations from the beginning?
I, the Lord, the first,
and with the last; I am he. Isaiah 41:4 (ESV)
“You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord,
“and my servant whom I have chosen,
that you may know and believe me
and understand that I am he.
Before me no god was formed,
nor shall there be any after me. Isaiah 43:10 (ESV)
Before the mountains were brought forth,
or ever you had formed the earth and the world,
from everlasting to everlasting you are God. Psalm 90:2 (ESV)
For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. Romans 1:20 (ESV)
from everlasting to everlasting you are God. Psalm 90:2 (ESV)
For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. Romans 1:20 (ESV)
“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” Revelation 1:8 (ESV)
When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, “Fear not, I am the first and the last, Revelation 1:17 (ESV)
And he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment. Revelation 21:6 (ESV)
I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” Revelation 22:13 (ESV)
When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, “Fear not, I am the first and the last, Revelation 1:17 (ESV)
And he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment. Revelation 21:6 (ESV)
I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” Revelation 22:13 (ESV)
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