If God Made the Universe, Who Made God?

The Philosophical Misconception: Bertrand Russell’s Challenge

Atheist philosopher Bertrand Russell once pondered, “If everything must have a cause, then God must have a cause.” This question, though seemingly profound, is based on a misunderstanding of both philosophical reasoning and the nature of God as revealed in Scripture.

Scientific Support for a Beginning

Modern science supports the notion that the universe had a definitive beginning. The Big Bang theory, which posits that the universe expanded from a singularity, aligns remarkably well with the biblical assertion in Genesis 1:1: "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." The second law of thermodynamics, which states that the total entropy of an isolated system can never decrease over time, also implies a beginning, as energy tends to spread out and dissipate. The notion that something can arise from nothing is scientifically implausible, as even skeptic philosopher David Hume acknowledged, calling it an “absurd” idea.

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Differentiating Causality

Believers assert not that “everything that exists has a cause,” but rather, “whatever begins to exist has a cause.” This distinction is crucial. If everything needed a cause, including an uncaused God, it would lead to an infinite regress, which is logically untenable. By definition, an uncaused cause, such as God, exists outside the realm of created entities. The claim that God must have a cause assumes a framework that is applicable only to things within the universe, not to the Creator Himself.

The Logical Coherence of an Uncaused Entity

The concept of an uncaused entity is not illogical or unintelligible. Historically, many believed the universe itself was uncaused and eternal. However, contemporary cosmology points to the universe having a beginning and thus necessitating an external cause. Skeptics who once held the universe to be uncaused now argue that everything must have a cause, a reversal driven more by philosophical discomfort than by scientific evidence.

Examples of Uncaused Entities

There are numerous examples of uncaused entities in philosophical discourse. Logical laws, such as the law of identity (X = X), are foundational to coherent thought and exist independently of human minds. Moral values like love and justice also do not begin to exist; they are considered eternal and uncaused, rooted in the very nature of God. These concepts are intrinsic to the fabric of reality and reflect the mind of God.

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The Category Fallacy

The question, “Who made God?” commits a category fallacy by applying the rules of created things to the Creator. It is akin to asking, “How does the color green taste?” It is incoherent to demand a cause for an entity defined as uncaused and self-existent. When the question is reframed to, “What caused the self-existent, uncaused Cause, who is by definition unmade, to exist?” the answer is self-evident.

Scriptural Affirmations of God’s Eternality

The Bible provides a clear answer to the question of God’s origin. In Psalm 90:1-2, Moses writes, “Jehovah, you have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.” This passage underscores the eternal nature of Jehovah, existing before all creation.

Isaiah 40:28 similarly proclaims, “Have you not known? Have you not heard? Jehovah is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.” These scriptures affirm that God is eternal, existing without a beginning or an end. The letter of Jude also refers to God as existing “for all past eternity” (Jude 25).

God as the King of Eternity

The apostle Paul describes God as “the King of eternity” in 1 Timothy 1:17. This means that God has always existed, no matter how far back we look in time, and will always exist in the future (Revelation 1:8). This eternal existence is a fundamental attribute of Jehovah, the Almighty.

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Human Perception of Eternity

Our difficulty in comprehending an eternal God stems from our limited life span and temporal perspective. To Jehovah, “a thousand years are like a day” (2 Peter 3:8). This comparison illustrates the vast difference between God’s concept of time and our own. Isaiah 40:22 and 55:8-9 further emphasize that God’s ways and thoughts are higher than ours, making it understandable that aspects of His nature elude full human understanding.

The Logical Necessity of an Eternal Creator

The logic behind an eternal Creator is compelling. If someone had created God, that entity would then be the Creator. However, the Bible explicitly states that Jehovah is the one who “created all things” (Revelation 4:11). The universe, having a definitive beginning, required a pre-existing Creator. Before there were any other intelligent beings, including His only-begotten Son and the angels (Job 38:4, 7; Colossians 1:15), Jehovah existed alone.

The Evidence of Creation

The existence of the universe and all within it testifies to an eternal God. Job 33:4 declares, “The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life.” This verse points to Jehovah as the source of all life. The intricate design and order of the universe reflect a Creator who is both eternal and omnipotent.

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Addressing Common Objections

Some might argue that an eternal God is beyond comprehension and thus an unsatisfactory explanation. However, this objection overlooks the nature of God as revealed in Scripture. The Bible portrays Jehovah as transcendent, existing outside the bounds of time and space. This transcendence is essential for God to be the Creator and Sustainer of the universe.

Philosophical Reflections on God’s Eternity

Philosophers throughout history have grappled with the concept of an eternal being. Thomas Aquinas, for instance, argued that God is the “unmoved mover” or the “first cause,” a necessary being that set all other beings into motion. This line of reasoning aligns with the biblical portrayal of Jehovah as the eternal Creator.

The Practical Implications of God’s Eternity

Understanding God’s eternal nature has profound implications for believers. It assures us of His unchanging nature and His everlasting faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23 reminds us, “The steadfast love of Jehovah never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” This assurance provides comfort and stability in a constantly changing world.

Conclusion: Embracing the Eternal God

The question “If God made the universe, who made God?” reflects a misunderstanding of the nature of causality and the attributes of Jehovah as revealed in Scripture. The Bible consistently portrays God as eternal, self-existent, and uncaused. This portrayal is both logically coherent and theologically profound. By understanding and embracing the eternal nature of God, believers can find assurance in His unchanging character and everlasting faithfulness.

About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).