Theology Terms Explained: “Aseity”
In this series on the blog, we’re providing sound doctrine for everyday people by providing you with clear and simple definitions that will strengthen your theological foundation. Each article covers 4 categories including:
The Term – We lay out how it’s pronounced.
The Definition – We provide the Merriam-Webster definition and an everyday version.
The Biblical Connection – We show you where the term connects with Scripture.
Used in an Everyday Conversation – We use it in a basic conversation.
Here we go!
The Term
“Aseity”
ase·i·ty
The Definition
Merriam Webster: The quality or state of being self-derived or self-originate. The absolute self-sufficiency, independence, and autonomy of God.
FTG’s Expanded Explanation: The Latin phrase “a se” translates “from self” which is where the term “aseity” finds its roots. God’s aseity is one of the most unknown and underappreciated of His attributes. This attribute marks the difference between the Creator and His creation. It is linked to eternality in that He is an eternal being, and that before all things He was. God was not created by anything and is not dependent on anything. He is wholly and completely “other” and unlike anything else in the known or unknown universe. He is autonomous, operates with complete control, and is infinite in all of His power, ability, and knowledge. When we say that “no one is like our God,” we are saying that nothing in heaven or on earth is on His level, can lay claim to power over Him, or was before Him. He is the origin of all life and creation, and before anything was, He was. This means that God exists outside of time as we know it and that He cannot be contained in any way, shape, or form.
The Biblical Connection
From the Old Testament to the New Testament, God’s aseity is on display. Beginning in Genesis we see that God is the “possessor of heaven and earth” and Abraham and all who follow would see that He is the LORD. Here are several key verses to write down or memorize that can help you better understand and relish in this glorious truth:
Psalm 24:1 — “The earth is the Lord’s, and all it contains, the world, and those who live in it.”
God owns everything in the entire universe. He created it, sustains it, and can do as He pleases in it and through it to accomplish His purposes (Psalm 115:3).
Job 41:11 — “Who has been first to give to Me, that I should repay him? Whatever is under the entire heaven is Mine.”
Job came to understand firsthand that God is not on trial and man is not the prosecutor who demands answers. No one has given God counsel, He does not seek out wisdom or need wisdom from anyone or anything. He is supreme, sufficient, and everything is His.
Further Study: Genesis 1-2; Psalm 50; Acts 17:24-30; Romans 11.
Used in Everyday Conversation
“The aseity of God blows the human mind. We are so used to being controlled by time, dependent on other people, and in need of so many things to survive. God is outside of all of that. He is completely different than us and that is just one of many reasons to worship Him.”
“God’s aseity is the attribute that brings us to our knees in humility. We do not command Him, He commands humanity. We do not control Him, He controls humanity. We do not ‘figure Him out,’ He is the originator of every molecule in the universe. Think of that the next time you think He is just like you.”
