Do we exist and act through Him?

Do We Exist and Act through Him?

I. Introduction to the Question

The question “Do we exist and act through Him?” arises from an understanding that the Creator both forms our being and sustains our every action. Numerous passages speak directly to the notion that our lives, actions, and very existence are bound up in the ongoing work and presence of a divine source.

II. Scriptural Foundations

One of the clearest statements in Scripture is found in Acts 17:28: “For in Him we live and move and have our being.” This passage serves as a cornerstone for understanding how fundamentally dependent we are on Him for life itself. Paul, addressing listeners in Athens, points beyond mere philosophical speculation to the sustaining power of the One who made all.

Elsewhere, Colossians 1:16–17 affirms: “All things were created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.” When referencing “all things,” there is no limitation—this includes not only the vast cosmos of stars and galaxies but also the intricate details of our bodies and minds.

Similarly, John 1:3–4 states: “Through Him all things were made, and without Him nothing was made that has been made. In Him was life, and that life was the light of men.” This suggests that from the beginning of creation, His power and creative authority have caused everything to exist.

III. Core Aspects of Our Dependent Existence

1. Life Itself Originates from Him

Genesis 2:7 records that humanity was formed from the dust of the ground and given life by His breath. This points to a direct impartation of life that sets humanity apart from all other forms of created life.

2. Sustaining Power

The idea of ongoing sustenance implies that the same Creator who established the universe continues to maintain it. Scientific concepts of fine-tuning in the universe (e.g., the precise constants in physics that allow life to flourish) echo that our existence is not accidental. Many who study cosmology acknowledge the improbable conditions needed for life, and Scripture resonates with this, stressing that everything from the cosmic scale down to microscopic processes is continually upheld.

3. Purpose in Action

Beyond merely existing, Scripture teaches that genuine meaning and direction come from fulfilling His design. This design includes living for His glory, a theme encompassed by passages like 1 Corinthians 10:31: “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God.”

IV. Historical and Archaeological Corroboration

Throughout history, various discoveries have confirmed or aided our understanding of the Scriptural message. For example:

• Dead Sea Scrolls (discovered in 1947): These scrolls preserved Old Testament texts correlating with our modern Bibles, affirming the consistent transmission of Scripture over the centuries.

• Tel Dan Stela (dated to the 9th century BC): This inscription references the “House of David,” confirming an early biblical monarchy and underscoring that biblical narratives reflect real historical figures and events.

• Evidence of Early Christian Confessions: Ancient creeds, such as the one found in 1 Corinthians 15:3–7, offer historically grounded attestations of core beliefs, including the resurrection. This resurrection event also underscores that the same sustaining power who grants us physical life offers spiritual renewal in Christ.

V. Philosophical and Behavioral Perspectives

Philosophically, dependence on a Creator aligns well with observations about consciousness, moral awareness, and purpose. From a behavioral perspective, individuals often experience the profound need for explanation of their deepest motivations, moral values, and existential concerns. The Scriptural teaching that we “live and move and have our being” in Him directly addresses this need for grounding and purpose.

VI. The Role of the Risen Christ

A foundational claim is that existence and action are not purely mechanical or accidental but derive from a personal and living source. The resurrection of Christ—documented in Scripture and supported by early testimonies in writings such as those of Josephus and the apostolic fathers—provides evidence of His power over life itself. In 1 Corinthians 15:20, it is declared: “But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.” If Christ was raised, it confirms that the One through whom we exist is also the One who holds authority over death.

VII. Young Earth Perspectives and Intelligent Design

Additionally, many interpret the biblical genealogies (e.g., Genesis 5 and 11) as establishing a relatively young earth. Geological observations—such as the rapid formation of certain rock layers observed during catastrophic events—are presented by some scientists to show that changes can occur more quickly than previously assumed. These data points are used to defend the notion that an intelligent, purposeful Creator set the world in place.

VIII. Practical Implications for Living

• Dependence on Him: Recognizing that we exist through Him shapes our dependence, trust, and humility.

• Action Motivated by Purpose: If He is the source of life, then every act, from the mundane to the profound, should be aligned with His design and intentions.

• Hope and Assurance: Knowing the Creator who grants us existence also offers eternal life, instilling hope that physical life is only part of the journey.

IX. Summary and Conclusion

Scripture declares unequivocally that we exist and act through the sustaining, life-giving power of One who created everything. From Acts 17:28 to Colossians 1:16–17, the message is consistent: we owe our entire being—including the continuation of our every breath—to Him.

Outside evidence from archaeology, textual criticism, and scientific inquiry can complement believers’ confidence in these truths. The philosophical and behavioral dimensions align with this core understanding, further demonstrating that such dependence is not restrictive, but rather illuminates life with meaning and purpose.

In answering “Do we exist and act through Him?” the Scriptures stand firmly on affirmation. We are creatures fashioned by, sustained by, and ultimately accountable to the One who formed us in His image.