The aseity of God refers to the self-existence, independence and self-sufficiency of God. This doctrine teaches that God’s existence depends on nothing else, but everything else depends on Him. God is eternal, uncreated, and exists necessarily by virtue of His own nature. He does not derive existence from anything outside of Himself.
The word “aseity” comes from the Latin term “a se” which means “from or by oneself.” It refers to the property of a being that exists in and of itself, from itself, and relies on nothing else for its existence. The aseity of God is a vitally important doctrine in Christian theology because it establishes God as the independent and self-sustaining source of all reality. He is the uncreated Creator who relies on nothing outside of Himself.
Biblical Basis for God’s Aseity
The Bible clearly teaches that God is self-existent and relies on nothing else for His being. Some key verses include:
- 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.””
- John 5:26 – “For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself.”
- Acts 17:24-25 – “The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything.”
- Isaiah 40:13-14 – “Who has measured the Spirit of the LORD, or what man shows him his counsel? Whom did he consult, and who made him understand? Who taught him the path of justice, and taught him knowledge, and showed him the way of understanding?”
These passages demonstrate that God is completely independent and self-sustaining. He eternally exists of and by Himself. Unlike the creation, He does not derive existence from anything outside of Himself.
God Has Life In and Of Himself
A key aspect of God’s aseity is that He has life in and of Himself (John 5:26). He is self-existent and self-sustaining. God’s life and being are inherent to His divine nature. There was never a time when God did not exist; He is eternal. God’s self-existent nature guarantees that He will never cease to exist. He has immortality in and of Himself (1 Timothy 6:16).
In contrast, all of creation derives existence from God. He created the universe ex nihilo – from nothing (Genesis 1:1). Creatures do not have the power of being in themselves; we rely completely on God’s providential sustenance (Acts 17:25; Colossians 1:17; Hebrews 1:3). The eternal Creator alone possesses aseity.
God is Independent and Self-Sufficient
Since God eternally exists from Himself, He is completely independent. His being and purposes rely on nothing outside of Himself. God has no needs and depends on nothing for life, perfection, completeness or existence. As Creator of everything, God depends on no one (Acts 17:24-25).
God’s independence also means He is totally self-sufficient. He has life in Himself and needs nothing to sustain His existence. God is complete and sufficient in and of Himself. Unlike fallen humanity, God has no deficiencies or lacks that need to be fulfilled by anything outside of Himself (Psalm 50:12; Acts 17:25).
The self-sufficiency of God is closely tied to His immutability. Since He relies on nothing outside Himself, God cannot change. He has no potential that needs to be actualized. No additions or improvements can be made to God’s perfections. He eternally remains the same (Malachi 3:6; James 1:17).
Implications of God’s Aseity
The doctrine of divine aseity carries several important implications:
- Independence – As the source of all being, God is free from all external limitation or control.
- Eternality – God has always existed and will continue to exist forever. He has no beginning or end.
- Immutability – Since God exists from Himself, His character does not change based on external factors.
- Self-sufficiency – God has no needs and cannot be improved upon. He requires nothing to sustain His perfect existence.
- Sovereignty – God’s purposes are determined by His own perfect wisdom and sovereign will alone.
- Worship – God alone is worthy of worship since all creation derives existence from Him.
The doctrine of divine aseity distinguishes the Christian understanding of God from all other systems of belief. God does not depend on or derive existence from anything outside of Himself. Rather, He eternally exists as the independent source of all reality.
Distinction Between God the Father and Jesus Christ
While God the Father possesses aseity in and of Himself, Jesus Christ derives His existence from the Father. Christ has the divine nature eternally bestowed on Him by the Father (John 5:26). This distinction preserves monotheism while allowing for the divinity of Christ.
The fact that Jesus receives His divine nature from the Father in no way diminishes His deity. He is of the same essence as the Father and fully possesses the attributes of God (John 10:30; Colossians 2:9). However, Christ eternally exists in total dependence upon God the Father. It is the Father who imparts divine life to the Son.
This helps explain Jesus’ statement that “the Father is greater than I” (John 14:28). While ontologically equal, the Son submits Himself to the authority of the greater divine Person who eternally gives Him life.
The Holy Spirit Also Derives Existence From the Father
Like the Son, the Holy Spirit also derives His existence eternally from the Father. The Spirit proceeds from the Father and is sent into the world by Him (John 15:26). The Holy Spirit has the attributes of deity, yet He subsists in dependence on the Father.
Together the economic distinctions between the Persons of the Trinity demonstrate that aseity in the absolute sense belongs to the Father alone. This preserves monotheism while allowing for real distinctions to exist within the Godhead and for the full divinity of the three Persons.
Objections to Divine Aseity
The aseity of God has been challenged by philosophers and theologians. Some key objections include:
- Circularity – Saying God exists from Himself is circular reasoning, an invalid argument.
- Origins – Asking “where did God come from?” Some claim the existence of God Himself requires explanation.
- Necessity of Creation – Some argue God necessarily required creation in order to fully actualize His nature.
- Relationships – Interpersonal relationships require dependence, yet the Trinity features interdependence.
In response, defenders of divine aseity note:
- God’s self-existence is not circular reasoning but an assertion of His metaphysical uniqueness as eternal Creator.
- It is incoherent to speak of God “coming from” anywhere. He is eternal and uncreated.
- God has no unmet potential or needs requiring creation. He freely chose to create.
- The persons of the Trinity enjoy interpersonal communion consistent with their roles and the Father’s aseity.
Therefore, these objections do not present insurmountable challenges to the doctrine of God’s aseity. They fail to demonstrate any deficiency or incoherence in this vitally important doctrine.
The Aseity of God in Christianity
The aseity of God is a central tenet of the Christian faith. It distinguishes Yahweh as eternally self-existent and independent. Other belief systems conceive of gods who are contingent, dependent, or created. But the God of the Bible alone possesses aseity.
God’s self-existence and self-sufficiency are key to His sovereignty and providence over creation. Since He derives existence from nothing else, nothing can thwart His sovereign purposes. God works all things according to the counsel of His will (Ephesians 1:11).
Divine aseity also guarantees God will victoriously accomplish His redemptive plans. There is no higher power to prevent Christ from accomplishing the salvation of His people. The plans of an omnipotent and self-existent God cannot be frustrated.
Because God eternally exists from Himself alone, Christians can have confidence their faith rests on the supreme, independent foundation of reality. The eternal God who reveals Himself in Scripture has absolute power to fulfill His promises.
Theological Challenges Posed by Divine Aseity
While aseity is a comforting doctrine regarding God’s sovereign self-sufficiency, it can raise some theological challenges:
- If God has no needs or deficiencies, why did He create the world?
- How can humans have a personal relationship with a wholly self-sufficient God?
- How do God’s immutability and impassibility square with passages about Him “changing His mind” or having emotions?
Possible responses include:
- God freely chose to create out of His self-sufficient fullness, not need.
- God graciously condescends to interact personally with creatures despite not needing them.
- Anthropomorphic language should be read in light of God’s impassibility and immutability.
So while divine aseity raises some questions, thoughtful theologians can offer plausible explanations that maintain this vital doctrine.
Practical Implications of God’s Aseity
The aseity of God impacts Christian worship, ministry, prayer, and other practical areas:
- Worship – We worship God for His intrinsic glory, not what He provides. His aseity displays His supreme majesty.
- Evangelism – Our mission efforts rely on God’s sovereign power to save sinners, not our own strategies.
- Prayer – We make requests of God, not to supply needs He lacks, but so He may graciously allow us participation in His wise plans.
- Gratitude – Thanking God for earthly blessings is good, but we should supremely thank Him for the eternal gift of Himself in Christ.
- Humility – Recognizing our complete dependence on God fosters humility before Him.
The aseity of God reminds believers He requires nothing from us. We worship and serve Him because He first freely gave Himself for us in Christ. His self-sufficient fullness overflows in gracious gifts.
Conclusion
The doctrine of God’s aseity teaches He exists eternally from Himself alone and relies on nothing outside of Himself. This vital truth sets the Christian God apart as the independent source of all reality on whom everyone depends. Rightly understanding divine aseity fosters worship of God for His supreme majesty. It also stimulates faith in His sovereign power to accomplish the salvation of sinners.