The question “How old is God?” touches on profound aspects of theology and philosophy. In the Christian tradition, God is understood as eternal, existing outside the boundaries of time as humans experience it. The Bible provides insights into God’s timeless nature, emphasizing His eternal existence and unchanging character. Let’s explore what the Bible says about the age of God and interpret these verses to understand His eternal nature.
God’s Eternal Nature
- Psalm 90:2
“Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.”
This verse from Psalm 90 highlights God’s eternal existence. The phrase “from everlasting to everlasting” underscores that God exists infinitely in both directions—without beginning or end. This concept is beyond human comprehension, as we are bound by time and experience beginnings and endings in all aspects of life.
- Revelation 1:8
“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.”
In this verse, God declares Himself as the Alpha and Omega, the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. This signifies that God is the beginning and the end of all things. He exists in the past, present, and future simultaneously. This eternal presence reinforces the idea that God is not confined by time.
- Isaiah 40:28
“Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.”
Isaiah emphasizes that God is everlasting, the Creator who does not grow tired or weary. This suggests that God’s existence is not subject to the limitations and changes that affect creation. His everlasting nature means He has always been and will always be, with an unchanging and infinite understanding.
- 1 Timothy 1:17
“Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.”
Paul’s doxology in 1 Timothy acknowledges God’s eternal and immortal nature. The description of God as “King eternal” emphasizes His reign over all time and His immortality, meaning He is not subject to death or decay. This eternal kingship further illustrates God’s timelessness and sovereignty.
Read also: What does God look like?
Interpretation and Understanding
Understanding the age of God requires us to grasp the concept of eternity, which is fundamentally different from our human experience of time. Here are some key points to consider:
- Timelessness
God’s eternal nature means He exists outside of time. Time is a created dimension that began with the creation of the universe. Since God is the Creator of all things, including time, He exists beyond its limits. This timelessness is difficult for humans to comprehend, as we are bound by chronological progression.
- Unchanging Nature
God’s eternal existence also implies His unchanging nature. Malachi 3:6 says, “I the Lord do not change.” Unlike creation, which undergoes constant change and decay, God remains the same forever. This unchanging nature provides stability and assurance for believers, as God’s character and promises remain consistent throughout eternity.
- Eternal Life
In the New Testament, eternal life is a gift offered to believers through Jesus Christ. John 17:3 says, “Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” By believing in Jesus, individuals can enter into a relationship with the eternal God and share in His timeless life. This highlights the connection between God’s eternal nature and the promise of eternal life for believers.
Conclusion
The question “How old is God?” leads us to explore the profound truth of God’s eternal nature. The Bible teaches that God is timeless, existing from everlasting to everlasting, without beginning or end. He is the Creator of time and exists beyond its constraints. This eternal and unchanging nature of God provides a foundation for faith, offering believers stability and the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ. While the concept of eternity may be beyond human comprehension, it invites us to trust in the infinite and unchanging nature of the Almighty.
