Am Because He Is: Exploring the Concept and Its Significance in the New Testament

In the intricate tapestry of Christian theology, the concept of "Am Because He Is" stands as a pivotal cornerstone, deeply embedded in the foundations of the New Testament. This profound declaration, enigmatic yet transformative, encapsulates a multifaceted truth that has shaped the faith and understanding of countless believers throughout history.

I AM BECAUSE HE IS

by Zavonda Vinson Parrish

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Theological Underpinnings: God's Absolute Being and Our Contingent Existence

At its core, the concept of "Am Because He Is" is rooted in the foundational truth of God's aseity, or absolute being. In contrast to the finite and contingent nature of all creation, including ourselves, God alone possesses an existence independent of any external cause or condition. He is the uncreated Creator, the eternal One who eternally exists, "the same yesterday, today, and forever" (Hebrews 13:8).

Our existence, on the other hand, is contingent upon God's creative act. We are creatures brought forth from nothingness at His sovereign will, our being dependent on His sustaining grace. This fundamental difference between God's absolute being and our contingent existence highlights the profound dependence of our own being on the very existence of God.

Biblical Exegesis: Exploring Scriptural Foundations

The concept of "Am Because He Is" finds its explicit expression in several passages of the New Testament. In John 8:58, Jesus declares, "Before Abraham was, I AM." This bold proclamation, identified with the divine name, "I AM," affirms His pre-existence and eternal deity. In a similar vein, in Exodus 3:14, God reveals Himself to Moses as "I AMWHO I AM," emphasizing His self-existent and immutable nature.

These biblical texts underscore the absolute and eternal being of God in contrast to the temporal and contingent nature of human existence. By declaring "I AM," God affirms His absolute self-sufficiency and the fundamental source of all being.

Practical Implications: Faith, Reason, and Worship

The concept of "Am Because He Is" carries significant practical implications for our Christian faith and daily living.

Foundation of Faith

Recognizing God as the source of our being provides a solid foundation for our faith. When our existence is rooted in the eternal and absolute God, our belief is not built on shifting sands but on the unshakable truth that we are because He is.

Harmony of Faith and Reason

The concept of "Am Because He Is" does not negate the use of reason or the pursuit of knowledge. Instead, it invites us to align our understanding of existence with the ultimate reality of God's self-existent being. Faith and reason are not incompatible but complementary, with reason providing a pathway to appreciate the grandeur and depth of God's revelation.

Inspiration for Worship

The recognition of God as the source of our being evokes a profound sense of awe and gratitude. As we grasp the dependence of our existence on His gracious will, our hearts are filled with adoration and worship. We find ourselves compelled to glorify the One who has bestowed upon us the gift of life and being.

: The Significance of "Am Because He Is"

The concept of "Am Because He Is" is not merely a theological abstraction but an essential revelation that shapes our understanding of God, ourselves, and the world around us. It teaches us the fundamental truth of our contingent existence in relation to the absolute being of God, providing a solid foundation for our faith and inspiring us to worship the source of all life and being.

In this intricate symphony of existence, we find our identity and purpose not in ourselves but in the One who eternally proclaims "I AM." As we acknowledge our dependence on God and align our lives with His purpose, we discover the profound meaning and fulfillment that comes from knowing and worshiping the God who is the source of our being.

May this exploration of the concept of "Am Because He Is" deepen our appreciation for the eternal and immutable God and lead us to a life of unwavering faith, humble adoration, and unwavering dependence on the One who is and who is to come.

I AM BECAUSE HE IS

by Zavonda Vinson Parrish

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2915 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	34 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE