Divine Acts: Unveiling God's Purpose in Our Lives

God's Activities Before Creation

Introduction

Our human minds struggle to comprehend the existence of God before the creation of the universe. However, the Bible provides some insight into what God was doing during this time. It reveals that before time began, God existed in three Persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. In this article, we will explore what God was doing before creation and how this information impacts our understanding of Him.

1. The Trinity in Eternity Past

Before the universe came into existence, God existed in perfect harmony and flawlessness as the Trinity. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit were together in fellowship with one another from all eternity. They loved each other deeply and experienced complete joy. Just as David stated in Psalms 16:11, being in the presence of God carries an overwhelming sense of joy, fulfillment, and pleasure. Therefore, God dwelt joyfully alone in eternity as the Trinity.

Why This Matters: Understanding that God exists eternally as a loving relationship between three distinct Persons helps us grasp the depth of His love and fellowship. It highlights His self-sufficiency and fulfillment within Himself and encourages us to seek a similar relationship with Him.

Think About It: Reflect on the idea that God did not create us out of necessity but out of overflow from His own joy and love. How does this impact your understanding of His desire for relationship with you?

2. The Preincarnate Christ

John 1:1 tells us that Jesus also existed before creation: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” The preincarnate Christ was intimately united with the Father and partook of His glory. In John 17:5, Jesus Himself explains that He had glory with the Father before the world existed.

Why This Matters: Recognizing that Jesus, as the preincarnate Christ, existed alongside the Father before creation emphasizes His eternal nature and His role in the plan of redemption. It deepens our understanding of His sacrifice on the cross and strengthens our faith in Him.

Think About It: Consider the profound love and humility displayed by Jesus in willingly leaving His glory behind to become human and offer Himself as a sacrifice for our sins. How does this inspire you to live out your faith?

3. The Holy Spirit's Presence

The Holy Spirit was present before the creation of the universe. Genesis 1:2 describes the Spirit as "hovering over the face" of the dark and formless earth. This presence indicates that the Holy Spirit played a role in the work of creation, bringing order out of chaos.

Why This Matters: Understanding that the Holy Spirit was present from the beginning emphasizes His active involvement in the work of God. It reminds us of His ongoing work in our lives today, empowering and guiding us as believers.

Think About It: Consider how the presence of the Holy Spirit in your life brings order, peace, and guidance. How can you rely more on His power and leading?

4. God's Complete Joy and Fulfillment

Before creating the universe, God experienced absolute satisfaction in Himself. As a loving Trinity, God found complete joy and fulfillment in beholding and communing with Himself. He possessed perfect knowledge of Himself and dwelt in eternal, complete joy.

Why This Matters: Recognizing God's self-sufficiency challenges our tendency to seek fulfillment in worldly pursuits or relationships. It encourages us to find our ultimate satisfaction in Him rather than relying on external circumstances.

Think About It: Reflect on times when you have sought fulfillment outside of your relationship with God. How can you shift your focus back to finding true joy and fulfillment in Him alone?

5. Mystery Surrounding God's Activities

While the Bible provides some insight into what God was doing before creation, much remains a mystery. We know that at some point, the Trinity discussed the redemption of mankind. However, the specific details and timing of these discussions are not revealed to us.

Why This Matters: Embracing the mystery surrounding God's activities before creation humbles us, reminding us that our finite minds cannot fully comprehend the infinite God. It encourages us to trust in His wisdom and sovereignty even when we don't have all the answers.

Think About It: Consider how your faith can grow when you trust in God's wisdom and embrace the mysteries of His ways. How can you cultivate a deeper sense of awe and wonder in your relationship with Him?

Conclusion

Before the universe was created, God existed eternally as the Trinity. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit experienced perfect joy and fulfillment within their loving relationship. Jesus, as the preincarnate Christ, shared in this glory and existed alongside the Father from eternity past. The Holy Spirit played an active role in creation. While much about God's activities before creation remains a mystery, embracing this mystery deepens our faith and encourages us to find our ultimate satisfaction in Him alone.

As we contemplate what God was doing before creation, may we be filled with awe and wonder at His eternal nature and perfect love. May we seek to know Him more deeply and find our true joy and fulfillment in Him.