The Necessity of a Self-Existent God

 

Summary

In our exploration of apologetics, we have been examining the fundamental question of existence and the nature of reality. We began by considering the possibility that reality is an illusion, which we dismissed. We then explored the idea of self-creation, which is logically impossible because it would require something to exist before it existed. This led us to the concept of self-existence, which is not only a rational possibility but a necessity if anything exists at all.

The idea of self-existence is crucial because it provides a foundation for understanding the nature of God as a necessary being. Unlike self-creation, which is absurd, self-existence is logically coherent. It posits that there must be something that exists in and of itself, without being caused by anything else. This concept is known in theology as "aseity," meaning that a being has the power of being within itself, eternally and uncaused.

St. Thomas Aquinas argued for the existence of God through the principle of necessary being, suggesting that if anything exists now, something must have always existed. This leads us to the conclusion that a self-existent being is not just a rational possibility but a rational necessity. This being, which we identify as God, is necessary both rationally and ontologically. Rational necessity means that reason demands the existence of a self-existent being, while ontological necessity means that this being exists by the necessity of its own nature.

The distinction between contingent beings, like humans, and a self-existent being is profound. Contingent beings are dependent, derived, and subject to change, whereas a self-existent being is changeless and independent. This understanding aligns with the biblical revelation of God as "I AM," the eternal, unchanging presence that underpins all existence.

In conclusion, the concept of a self-existent, eternal being is not only a rational necessity but also a cornerstone of Christian theology. It challenges the prevailing secular narratives that dismiss the need for a Creator and underscores the coherence and necessity of theistic belief.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Impossibility of Self-Creation: Self-creation is logically impossible because it requires something to exist before it exists, which is a contradiction. This highlights the necessity of a self-existent being as the foundation of reality. [01:58]

2. Rational Possibility of Self-Existence: Unlike self-creation, self-existence is a rational possibility. It posits that something can exist eternally and uncaused, providing a coherent explanation for the existence of anything at all. [07:07]

3. Rational and Ontological Necessity: A self-existent being is necessary both rationally and ontologically. Rational necessity means reason demands such a being, while ontological necessity means it exists by the necessity of its own nature. [14:10]

4. The Nature of Contingent Beings: Contingent beings, like humans, are dependent and subject to change, unlike a self-existent being, which is changeless and independent. This distinction underscores the unique nature of God as the ultimate being. [17:19]

5. Biblical Revelation of God as "I AM": The biblical name "I AM" reveals God as the eternal, unchanging presence, emphasizing His self-existence and the foundational role He plays in the existence of everything else. [22:05]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:29] - Exploring Reality's Options
- [01:09] - The Concept of Self-Existence
- [01:58] - The Impossibility of Self-Creation
- [02:34] - Rational Possibility of Self-Existence
- [03:12] - Conceiving the Impossible
- [04:21] - Rationality and Existence
- [05:37] - Uncaused Being
- [06:21] - Rational Necessity of Self-Existence
- [07:49] - The Necessity of Being
- [09:31] - Aseity: Power of Being
- [10:54] - St. Thomas Aquinas and Necessary Being
- [12:06] - The Law of Causality
- [14:52] - Criticism of Creation
- [15:59] - Ontological Necessity
- [17:19] - Contingent vs. Self-Existent Beings
- [20:16] - God's Revelation to Moses
- [22:43] - Conclusion and Next Steps

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Exodus 3:14 - "God said to Moses, 'I AM WHO I AM.' And he said, 'Say this to the people of Israel: I AM has sent me to you.'"
2. John 8:58 - "Jesus said to them, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.'"
3. 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."

---

Observation Questions:

1. What does the term "self-existence" mean, and how does it differ from "self-creation"? [01:58]
2. How does the concept of "aseity" relate to the nature of God as described in the sermon? [09:31]
3. According to the sermon, why is the idea of a self-existent being considered a rational necessity? [08:30]
4. How does the biblical name "I AM" reflect the concept of God's self-existence? [22:05]

---

Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the concept of self-existence challenge secular narratives that dismiss the need for a Creator? [14:52]
2. In what ways does the distinction between contingent beings and a self-existent being deepen our understanding of God's nature? [17:19]
3. How does the sermon explain the necessity of a self-existent being from both a rational and ontological perspective? [14:10]
4. How does the biblical revelation of God as "I AM" provide a foundation for Christian theology? [22:05]

---

Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you questioned the existence of God. How does the concept of self-existence provide clarity or assurance in your faith journey? [08:30]
2. How can understanding God's self-existence influence the way you view your own dependence on God in daily life? [17:19]
3. In what ways can the acknowledgment of God as the self-existent "I AM" impact your worship and prayer life? [22:05]
4. How might the idea of God's rational and ontological necessity affect your conversations with those who hold secular beliefs? [14:52]
5. Consider the ways in which you rely on contingent things in your life. How can you shift your focus to rely more on the self-existent nature of God? [17:19]
6. How does the understanding of God as the eternal, unchanging presence challenge or affirm your current beliefs about God's role in the universe? [22:05]
7. Identify one area in your life where you struggle with change. How can the concept of God's changeless nature provide comfort or guidance in that area? [19:11]

Devotional

Day 1: The Logical Impossibility of Self-Creation
The concept of self-creation is inherently contradictory because it requires something to exist before it exists, which is logically impossible. This impossibility highlights the necessity of a self-existent being as the foundation of reality. In understanding this, we recognize that the universe and everything within it cannot be self-created but must have originated from a self-existent source. This realization challenges us to consider the nature of existence and the foundational role of a self-existent being, which theology identifies as God. By acknowledging the impossibility of self-creation, we are led to a deeper understanding of the necessity of a Creator who exists independently and eternally. [01:58]

Isaiah 45:18 (ESV): "For thus says the Lord, who created the heavens (he is God!), who formed the earth and made it (he established it; he did not create it empty, he formed it to be inhabited!): 'I am the Lord, and there is no other.'"

Reflection: Consider an area in your life where you might be trying to "self-create" or control outcomes. How can you invite God to be the foundation and guide in that area today?


Day 2: The Rational Possibility of Self-Existence
Unlike self-creation, the concept of self-existence is a rational possibility. It posits that something can exist eternally and uncaused, providing a coherent explanation for the existence of anything at all. This idea is foundational in understanding the nature of God as a self-existent being, who exists by the necessity of His own nature. The rationality of self-existence challenges us to consider the eternal nature of God and His role as the uncaused cause of everything. By embracing this concept, we gain a deeper appreciation for the coherence and necessity of theistic belief, which provides a logical framework for understanding the existence of the universe. [07:07]

Psalm 90:2 (ESV): "Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God."

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt the presence of something greater than yourself. How does acknowledging God's eternal nature change your perspective on that experience?


Day 3: The Necessity of a Self-Existent Being
A self-existent being is necessary both rationally and ontologically. Rational necessity means that reason demands the existence of such a being, while ontological necessity means it exists by the necessity of its own nature. This understanding is crucial in recognizing the unique nature of God as the ultimate being, who is independent and changeless. The necessity of a self-existent being challenges secular narratives that dismiss the need for a Creator and underscores the coherence of theistic belief. By acknowledging this necessity, we are invited to explore the profound implications of God's existence and His role as the foundation of all reality. [14:10]

Colossians 1:16-17 (ESV): "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."

Reflection: In what ways do you see God's sustaining presence in your daily life? How can you acknowledge and rely on His presence more intentionally today?


Day 4: The Distinction Between Contingent and Self-Existent Beings
Contingent beings, like humans, are dependent, derived, and subject to change, whereas a self-existent being is changeless and independent. This distinction underscores the unique nature of God as the ultimate being, who is not subject to the limitations and changes that characterize contingent beings. By understanding this distinction, we gain a deeper appreciation for the nature of God as the eternal, unchanging presence that underpins all existence. This understanding invites us to reflect on our own dependence and the ways in which we can rely on God's unchanging nature in our lives. [17:19]

James 1:17 (ESV): "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change."

Reflection: Think about a recent change or challenge in your life. How can you find comfort in God's unchanging nature during this time?


Day 5: The Biblical Revelation of God as "I AM"
The biblical name "I AM" reveals God as the eternal, unchanging presence, emphasizing His self-existence and the foundational role He plays in the existence of everything else. This revelation invites us to consider the profound implications of God's self-existence and His role as the ultimate source of all being. By embracing this understanding, we are challenged to deepen our relationship with God and to recognize His presence in every aspect of our lives. The revelation of God as "I AM" serves as a reminder of His eternal nature and His unwavering commitment to His creation. [22:05]

Exodus 3:14 (ESV): "God said to Moses, 'I AM WHO I AM.' And he said, 'Say this to the people of Israel: I AM has sent me to you.'"

Reflection: How does the understanding of God as "I AM" influence your view of His presence in your life? What steps can you take to acknowledge and honor His presence today?

Quotes

"We continue now with our study of apologetics, we recall that what we've been examining in the past lectures are the options -- the alternatives -- to give a sufficient reason to explain reality as we encounter it, and we've looked at the first option -- that it is an illusion -- and we have eliminated that possibility." [00:00:05]

"Then the second one we looked at, in great detail, was that reality is self-created, and when we examined that, we saw, from an analytical perspective, from a logical analysis, this is a self-defeating idea. That is, it is absurd by definition because it is rationally impossible." [00:00:36]

"We've seen that it's logically impossible for something to be self-created; again, because for something to create itself, it would have to exist before it was, and it would therefore have to be and not be at the same time in the same relationship, and so logic eliminates this as a rational possibility." [00:01:58]

"Now when we put together or side-by-side these two ideas: self-creation and self-existence, they seem so similar that some people will respond and say, 'Well if self-creation is rationally impossible, so self-existence must also be rationally impossible.' And, if we're going to account for reality, we're going to have to make a choice here between two rationally impossible or inconceivable ideas." [00:05:00]

"Well here's the difference: There is nothing illogical, whatsoever, about the idea of a self-existent, eternal being -- that is, of a being that is not caused by something else. Remember we said at the beginning that one of the problems we have in the discussion of the existence of God is that some people misunderstand the idea of the law of cause and effect, saying that it means that everything must have a cause." [00:05:37]

"Now just because we can conceive of an uncaused being -- something that exists in and of itself from all eternity that is not caused by something outside of itself -- does not mean that it would indeed have to be, just because we can conceive of it. All I'm saying at this point is that we can conceive of the idea of a self-existent eternal being, without violating rationality." [00:06:36]

"Let me say it again: If there is anything that exists, now the idea of something that is self-existent becomes not merely a rational possibility, but it becomes a rational necessity. And so, let me explore that idea in a little bit more detail by again putting the idea of self-existence -- which in theology we call the attribute of aseity -- that is that something exists in and of itself, it is uncaused, it is uncreated, it differs from everything in the universe that has a cause, that is dependent or derived." [00:08:41]

"And so a self-existent being is, by definition, one that always has been. So, in any case, as we look at this idea of self-existence, we're now saying that it exists not only possibly from a view's point of reason, but also necessarily. Now when St. Thomas Aquinas was arguing for the existence of God in his day, one of his five arguments was an argument for God from the principle of necessary being." [00:10:19]

"That is, if something exists now, reason demands that we come to the conclusion that something has always existed. That something, somewhere has the power of being within itself, or we simply could not account for the existence of anything. Again I remind you, if there was ever a time when there was nothing, absolutely nothing, what could there possibly be now, except nothing?" [00:11:51]

"Now so far we haven't demonstrated that it is God, but we're only arguing at this point that there must be something that has the power of being within itself and has always been there. And because that is a being whose being is necessary logically, it is a logical necessity we postulate such an idea of self-existent being." [00:13:25]

"Reason demands the existence of a self-existent, eternal being. And that's very important for the Christian who is trying to defend their faith because let me just say as an aside, right now, that the guns of criticism against Judeo-Christianity are aimed and focused almost exclusively at the idea of creation, and the idea of a Creator because if you can get rid of creation and get rid of a Creator, then the whole concept of God collapses." [00:14:23]

"This is how God reveals himself with his sacred name to Moses in the Midianite wilderness, when God calls Moses out of the burning bush and sends him on this mission to Pharaoh to liberate the people of Israel. And Moses now, in his amazement, watching this bush that is burning but not being consumed, and hearing this voice speaking to him out of the bush, calling him by name, saying 'Moses, Moses, put off your shoes from off your feet, for the ground whereon you're standing is holy ground.'" [00:20:16]

Chatbot

  • I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Dec 21, 2024. Do you have any questions about it?

Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?