God’s Eternally Self-Existent Nature: A Framework for Life
Isaac Megbolugbe
February 14, 2026
Introduction
God’s existence is eternal and self-existent, preceding the creation of the heavens and the earth. In creating the universe, He shared His existence and, with it, the order, structure, and principles by which He lives.
God’s Laws and Rules in Scripture
The Bible contains laws and rules that govern both our existence and our lives. In the Old Testament, God exemplified these laws through His interactions with Israel, teaching them how to live in relationship with Him and each other.
In the New Testament, Jesus Christ embodied God’s laws and principles, demonstrating the perfect application of God’s Word in human life. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus showed us how to live according to God’s design.
The Role of the Holy Spirit
God sent the Holy Spirit to dwell in believers, institutionalizing God’s laws, rules, and principles within us. The Holy Spirit’s presence enables us to live like Jesus, not by mastering a set of rules, but by surrendering to His transformative work.
When we cooperate with the Holy Spirit, He:
– Sanctifies us, setting us apart for God’s purposes
– Transforms us into Christ-likeness
– Enables us to live according to God’s principles without relying on literal adherence to laws
Living in God’s Design
By surrendering to the Holy Spirit, we allow God to live His life through us, embodying Jesus’ example. This isn’t about following rules; it’s about being inhabited by God’s presence and allowing Him to shape us into the image of Christ.
In this way, God’s self-existent nature becomes the foundation for our lives, guiding us through His Word, the Holy Spirit’s work, and the example of Jesus Christ.
God’s Creation: Reflecting His Eternal Nature
In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. His existence, eternal and self-existent, preceded all else. In bringing the universe into being, He shared His nature, imprinting His order, structure, and principles upon creation.
Echoes of God’s Character
God’s creation reflects aspects of His eternal nature:
– Order: The universe operates according to laws and patterns He established (Genesis 1:14-19, Psalm 19:1-6).
– Structure: Creation reveals a design and purpose (Psalm 104:24, Romans 1:20).
– Principles: God’s principles govern both the physical world and human relationships (Psalm 119:89-91, Proverbs 3:19-20).
Creation’s Purpose
God’s intent in creation was to reveal Himself and invite humanity into relationship with Him (Genesis 1:26-27, Psalm 8:3-6). Through Jesus Christ, God restored the brokenness of creation, offering redemption and new life (John 3:16-17, Romans 8:19-21).
Responding to God’s Creation
As part of God’s creation, we can:
– Acknowledge God’s sovereignty and wisdom (Psalm 148:1-6).
– Reflect God’s character in our relationships and stewardship of the earth (Genesis 2:15, Matthew 5:16).
– Trust God’s principles for life and purpose (Proverbs 3:5-6, 2 Peter 1:3-4).
In God’s creation, we see a glimpse of His eternal nature and an invitation to know Him.
God’s Laws and Rules in Scripture: A Guide for Life
The Bible reveals God’s laws and rules, guiding our existence and relationships. In the Old Testament, God taught Israel how to live with Him and each other through laws like the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17) and principles in Proverbs (e.g., Proverbs 3:5-6).
Old Testament: Laws for Relationship and Life
God gave laws to Israel:
– Moral laws: e.g., “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Leviticus 19:18).
– Ceremonial laws: e.g., sacrifices and feasts (Leviticus 1-7).
– Civil laws: e.g., justice and community rules (Exodus 21-23).
These laws pointed to God’s holiness and showed Israel how to live in covenant with Him.
New Testament: Jesus Embodies God’s Law
Jesus fulfilled the law (Matthew 5:17) and embodied God’s principles:
– Love God and neighbor: Jesus summarized the law (Matthew 22:37-40).
– Grace and truth: Jesus showed God’s character (John 1:14, 14:6).
– New commandment: “Love one another as I have loved you” (John 13:34).
Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus showed us how to live according to God’s design.
Application Today
For believers, God’s laws and principles:
– Reveal God’s character: e.g., justice, mercy, love (Psalm 119:137, Micah 6:8).
– Guide relationships and life: e.g., love, forgiveness, self-control (Galatians 5:22-23, Ephesians 4:32).
– Point to Jesus: He’s the fulfillment and example (John 14:15, 1 John 2:3-6).
God’s laws aren’t burdensome rules but pathways to life with Him (Psalm 119:105, 1 John 5:3).
The Role of the Holy Spirit: Transforming Believers into Christlikeness
God sent the Holy Spirit to dwell in believers, making God’s laws, rules, and principles a living reality within us. The Holy Spirit’s presence enables us to live like Jesus, not by following a set of rules, but by surrendering to His transformative work.
The Holy Spirit’s Work in Believers
When we cooperate with the Holy Spirit, He:
– Sanctifies us: Sets us apart for God’s purposes (1 Thessalonians 5:23, John 17:17).
– Transforms us into Christlikeness: Enables us to reflect Jesus’ character (2 Corinthians 3:18, Romans 8:29).
– Enables godly living: Empowers us to live according to God’s principles without relying on literal adherence to laws (Galatians 5:16-18, Romans 8:13).
How the Holy Spirit Helps Us
The Holy Spirit:
– Teaches and guides: Reminds us of God’s Word and leads us into truth (John 14:26, 16:13).
– Empowers obedience: Gives us strength to live for God (Acts 1:8, Romans 8:13).
– Produces fruit: Cultivates love, joy, peace, and other Christ-like qualities (Galatians 5:22-23).
Surrendering to the Holy Spirit
To live like Jesus, we:
– Yield to the Spirit: Allow Him to lead and transform us (Ezekiel 36:26-27, Romans 8:13).
– Walk in the Spirit: Rely on His power, not our own efforts (Galatians 5:16-18).
– Trust His work: Let the Spirit shape us into Christ’s image (2 Corinthians 3:18).
With the Holy Spirit, God’s laws become a living reality within us, enabling us to live for His glory.
Living in God’s Design: Reflecting Christ Through Surrender
Surrendering to the Holy Spirit allows God to live His life through us, embodying Jesus’ example. This isn’t about following a set of rules; it’s about being inhabited by God’s presence and allowing Him to shape us into the image of Christ.
The Process of Transformation
When we surrender, God works through us:
– God’s presence dwells in us: The Holy Spirit makes God’s life real in us (John 14:23, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
– Jesus’ example guides us: We reflect Christ’s character and love (1 John 2:6, Ephesians 5:1-2).
– God’s Word shapes us: Scripture teaches and equips us for God’s design (2 Timothy 3:16-17, Psalm 119:105).
Living God’s Design
This surrender leads to:
– Christ-like relationships: Loving others as Jesus loved us (John 13:34, 1 John 3:16).
– God’s purposes fulfilled: Living for His glory in all we do (1 Corinthians 10:31, Ephesians 2:10).
– Inner transformation: Becoming more like Jesus daily (2 Corinthians 3:18, Romans 12:2).
Foundation for Life
God’s self-existent nature becomes our foundation, guiding us through:
– The Holy Spirit’s work: Empowering us to live for God (Romans 8:13, Galatians 5:16).
– Jesus’ example: Showing us how to live (1 Peter 2:21, John 13:15).
– God’s Word: Teaching and directing us (Psalm 119:9-11, Hebrews 4:12).
In God’s design, surrender isn’t restrictive; it’s the path to living fully as He intended – reflecting Christ.
Concluding Remarks: Living in God’s Eternal Design
As we’ve explored God’s eternally self-existent nature, we’ve seen that His existence isn’t just a foundation for theology – it’s the framework for living fully as He intended. By surrendering to the Holy Spirit, we allow God to live His life through us, embodying Jesus’ example and reflecting Christ to the world.
Key Truths for Living
– God’s laws and principles: Guide us into relationship with Him and others (Psalm 119:105, John 13:34).
– The Holy Spirit’s work: Transforms us into Christ-likeness and empowers godly living (2 Corinthians 3:18, Galatians 5:16-18).
– Living in God’s design: Means surrendering to God’s presence, letting Him shape us into Christ’s image (Romans 8:29, 2 Corinthians 3:18).
Invitation to Surrender
God’s self-existent nature invites us to trust Him fully:
– Yield to the Holy Spirit’s transforming work.
– Reflect Jesus’ character in relationships and life.
– Trust God’s Word to guide and equip you.
In God’s design, surrender isn’t restrictive – it’s the path to living fully as He intended, reflecting Christ. May you walk in this surrender, living for God’s glory.
Isaac Megbolugbe, Director of GIVA Ministries International is focused on empowering believers to embrace a grace-driven life of holiness and obedience, passionately pursuing a deeper relationship with God within the boundaries of His sovereignty, and reflecting Christ’s character in their daily lives. He is retired professor at Johns Hopkins University, member of 2024 Marquis Organization’s Class of Top Executives in the United States of America and a Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. He is resident in the United States of America.
