What is the nature of being and existence?

I. Definition and Scope of Being and Existence

Being and existence, in a theological and philosophical context, concern the fundamental nature of reality, identifying what truly “is.” This topic encompasses God’s eternal nature, humanity’s created essence, and the overarching structure of the universe that reflects divine power and purpose. Historically, writings across cultures have wrestled with these questions; however, Scripture provides a cohesive framework by revealing an eternal Creator and His intentional design.

From the earliest testimonies of civilization (e.g., Sumerian, Egyptian), through the writings of Greek philosophers (such as Aristotle’s examination of “being qua being”), questions have been raised about causality, purpose, and the underlying reality that holds everything together. Scripturally, every aspect of existence is grounded in an unchangeable, self-sufficient God who created and sustains all things.

II. Scriptural Foundations of Existence

Scripture explicitly teaches that God alone is the uncaused Being who imparts life to all creation. In Genesis 1:1, we encounter, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (15 characters over the threshold removed). This phrase underscores God’s intentional act of bringing forth everything—matter, time, and space.

The New Testament further affirms that all existence is founded upon the person of Christ: “All things came into being through Him” (John 1:3, excerpt) (28 characters). This theme resonates in passages that connect creation, ongoing sustenance, and ultimate redemption. Such teachings indicate that the nature of existence is not random or arbitrary but reflects a purposeful Divine act.

III. The Uncreated, Eternal God

1. God as Self-Existent

Scripture defines God as “from everlasting to everlasting” (Psalm 90:2) (31 characters). This means God exists outside the boundaries of created time, does not rely on anything else to be, and never changes. Philosophical traditions refer to such a Being as “necessary existence,” but the biblical description goes further by affirming a personal nature—God is both eternal and relational, engaged with creation.

2. Demonstrations From Observations and Reason

Philosophers and scientists have long discussed the necessity of a first cause. Scientific evidence pointing to the universe’s origin—such as the second law of thermodynamics and the observable expansion of the cosmos—aligns with the biblical claim that the universe had a beginning. Geological findings that fit within a young-earth timeline, including rapid fossil formation in catastrophic conditions (e.g., Mount St. Helens’ events in 1980), further support the idea of a purposeful creation rather than an unguided, infinitely old cosmos.

IV. Humanity’s Created Essence

1. Image-Bearers of God

Mankind is distinct from other created beings: “Let Us make man in Our image” (Genesis 1:26, excerpt) (32 characters). This image-bearing status encompasses rationality, morality, creativity, and relational capacity. These traits enable humans to reason about, investigate, and appreciate their existence.

2. Unity of Body and Spirit

The biblical worldview presents humans as both physical and spiritual. Observations in behavioral science confirm that we have immaterial qualities—such as consciousness, moral intuitions, and free will—that cannot be fully reduced to mere biochemical processes. Ancient near-eastern manuscripts and the consistent preservation of the biblical text discuss humankind’s capacity for relationship with God, underscoring a spiritual dimension to our being.

V. Christ as the Source of Life and Existence

1. Eternal Word Made Flesh

According to John 1:14, “The Word became flesh and dwelled among us” (37 characters). Christ, fully divine and fully human, is the incarnate reality of God entering created existence. This event affirms that existence does not merely involve physical matter but also encompasses the divine intersecting with humanity.

2. Resurrection as Proof of Divine Power Over Existence

Historically attested events, such as the empty tomb and the transformation of Christ’s followers, point to the literal, bodily resurrection of Jesus. Multiple accounts—supported by early manuscripts (including fragments that date to the early second century)—document this. As 1 Corinthians 15:20 states, “Christ has been raised from the dead” (31 characters). This resurrection confirms God’s sovereignty and underscores the assurance that life persists beyond physical death for those who believe.

VI. Harmony with Intelligent Design

1. Evidence of Purposeful Complexity

Modern discoveries in molecular biology—such as the information-rich structures of DNA—reveal specified complexity far exceeding what random processes can adequately explain. In geology, young-earth models (Ussher’s timeline, for instance) propose that fossil layers, geological strata, and certain dating methods can be understood within a catastrophic framework (e.g., a global flood) rather than eons of gradual change. These findings—both in biology and geology—strengthen the scriptural theme of a deliberate, ingenious creation.

2. Ongoing Miraculous Intervention

Archaeological discoveries like the Dead Sea Scrolls validate the precise preservation of biblical texts. Anecdotal accounts of modern-day healings, alongside historically documented miracles in Scripture, point to a God who remains active. These instances affirm that existence is not confined to naturalistic processes; instead, it reflects a universe both designed and sustained by a personal Creator who can intervene at will.

VII. Human Purpose and Fulfillment

1. Glorifying God

According to the broader scriptural narrative, humanity’s ultimate purpose is to honor and glorify its Creator. “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31, excerpt) (48 characters). This principle shapes moral conduct, relationships, and vocational pursuits.

2. Eternal Significance

Existence extends beyond temporal boundaries. Scripture consistently testifies to life after death, with Christ’s resurrection offering hope for believers. Behavioral studies on purpose and meaning show that individuals informed by transcendent hope experience greater resilience and well-being. From a biblical standpoint, this transcendent hope is found exclusively in Christ.

VIII. Conclusion

Being and existence, as presented in Scripture, flow from the eternal and self-existent nature of God. This unchanging anchor grounds the universe, guides humanity’s sense of purpose, and offers the prospect of redemption through the resurrected Christ. Scientific investigations that reveal order and complexity, alongside archaeological confirmations of the Bible’s historicity, give practical support to this view. The fullness of life—both now and in eternity—finds its beginning and end in the One who created all things and proved His power over existence itself in Christ’s resurrection.