THE SELF-EXISTENT GOD

December 13

Bible Reading: Exodus 3:14-15; Isaiah 44:24; Acts 17:24-25; Colossians 1:16-17

God is self-existent and self-sufficient, needing nothing outside Himself for His life and being. The question “Who created God?” is answered with a resounding “No one.” God existed alone, self-contained and self-satisfied, before creation. As Arthur W. Pink writes, “‘In the beginning, God’ (Genesis 1:1), when there was no heaven, earth, or angels—just God, from everlasting.”

There was no heaven, where His glory is now particularly manifested. There was no earth to engage His attention. There were no angels to sing His praises; no universe to be upheld by the word of His power. There was nothing, no one, but God; and that, not for a day, a year, or an age, but “from everlasting.”

Creation, including the universe, angels, and humanity, added nothing to God’s essential nature. God is unchanging (Malachi 3:6), and He had no obligation or necessity to create; He did so solely out of His sovereign will for His glory (Ephesians 1:11).

In contrast, humans are neither self-existent nor self-sufficient. Abraham Maslow’s “Hierarchy of Needs” outlines the basic necessities for human survival and self-actualization, emphasizing our dependence on the Creator. As A. W. Tozer notes, “To stay alive every created thing needs some other created thing, and all things need God. To God alone nothing is necessary.”

Sin, at its core, is rebellion, often manifesting as the belief that we can exist independently of God. In today’s secular world, many live as though the universe revolves around them, only to face frustration when the universe doesn’t comply.

Though God needs nothing from us, He created us in His image and sent His Son to save us from sin (John 3:16; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4). By His grace, He calls us to serve Him, having prepared good works for us to do (Ephesians 2:10). The self-sufficient Creator, who needs nothing, deserves our worship.

“To stay alive every created thing needs some other created thing, and all things need God. To God alone nothing is necessary.”—A. W. Tozer

ALL POWERFUL, SELF-EXISTENT GOD
All-powerful, self-existent God,
Who all creation dost sustain!
Thou wast, and art, and art to come;
And everlasting is Thy reign.

Fix’d and eternal as Thy days,
Each glorious attribute divine,
Thro’ ages infinite, shall still
With undiminish’d lustre shine.

Fountain of being! Source of good!
Immutable dost Thou remain;
Nor can the shadow of a change
Obscure the glories of Thy reign.

Earth may with all her powers dissolve,
If such the great Creator’s will;
But Thou for ever art the same;
“I Am” is Thy memorial still.

Unknown's avatar

Author: looking2jesus13

Jerry L. Conklin was born and raised in Hillsboro, Oregon. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served for six years in the Navy’s Nuclear Power Program. He was assigned to the USS *Omaha* (SSN-692), a nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine, where he served as a reactor-plant electrical operator. His military service took him to ports and locations throughout the world and provided extensive technical training, leadership experience, and an enduring appreciation for those who serve in the Armed Forces. Following his Navy service, Jerry earned a bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Technology from Thomas Edison State University. He worked at the Trojan Nuclear Plant near Rainier, Oregon, first as a reactor operator and later as a training specialist. After sensing God’s call to pastoral ministry, he left the nuclear-power industry and earned a master’s degree in theology from Western Conservative Baptist Seminary in Portland, Oregon. Jerry served for twenty-seven and a half years as senior pastor of Lewis and Clark Bible Church in Astoria, Oregon. During those years, he preached and taught the Scriptures, provided pastoral counseling, performed weddings and memorial services, trained church leaders, and served individuals and families throughout the community. He also served as a fire department chaplain and participated in a variety of community ministries. After retiring from full-time pastoral ministry, Jerry and his wife, Laura, moved to Heppner, Oregon. There he served for approximately four years as a chaplain with Pioneer Memorial Home Health and Hospice, providing spiritual and emotional support to more than 150 patients and their families. In 2023, the Oregon Association for Home Care honored him as its Chaplain of the Year. Jerry also helped establish South Morrow County Seniors Matter, a nonprofit organization created to address the needs of older adults following the COVID-19 pandemic. As chairman, he worked with community leaders and volunteers to develop a weekly senior meal program, a monthly veterans’ lunch, and other activities and services. The organization served hundreds of seniors, mobilized more than 200 volunteers, and received statewide and national recognition. In 2025, Jerry was named Heppner’s Man of the Year, and his community service was later recognized by United States Senator Jeff Merkley. International missions have also been an important part of Jerry’s ministry. He has made ten trips to Uganda, where he has taught at pastors’ conferences, preached in churches, participated in Bible-school graduations, distributed Bibles and Christian materials, and encouraged local pastors and ministry leaders. He developed the discipleship booklet *First Steps with Jesus* to help new believers understand and grow in their faith. Jerry is the author of numerous books, Bible studies, devotionals, and teaching resources, including works centered on prayer, Christian hope, spiritual growth, and the person of Jesus Christ. His decades of preaching and teaching reflect his commitment to presenting biblical truth clearly, practically, and faithfully. Jerry and Laura were married for nearly forty-two years and raised four children. They were also blessed with three grandchildren. Laura passed away in August 2025 following an eight-and-a-half-year battle with cancer. Jerry currently lives in Hillsboro, where he helps care for his elderly father. He continues to preach, teach, write, and serve others through pastoral and community ministry.

Leave a comment