What was God doing before He created the universe?
What Was God Doing Before He Created the Universe?
The question of what God was doing before He created the universe invites us to reflect on the nature of God, His eternal existence, and His relationship with creation. While our finite minds may struggle to comprehend eternity, Scripture offers profound insights into God’s pre-creation existence and activity. From a Baptist theological perspective, these truths reveal God’s self-sufficiency, joy, and purpose.
God’s Eternal Existence
Before the universe existed, God was eternally self-existent. He is the uncaused Cause, independent of time, space, or creation.
John 1:1 affirms, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (NKJV). This passage reveals that Jesus, the Word, existed before creation and shared an eternal relationship with the Father.
Psalm 90:2 declares, “Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever You had formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God” (NKJV).
God’s existence is not bound by time. He exists in the eternal present, fully complete in Himself. His self-existence (aseity) means that He depends on nothing outside Himself for His being or fulfillment.
The Trinity in Perfect Fellowship
Before creation, God existed eternally as the Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The three Persons of the Godhead shared perfect harmony, love, and fellowship.
John 17:5 records Jesus’ prayer: “And now, O Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was” (NKJV). This verse reveals the eternal communion and shared glory between the Father and the Son.
John 17:24 further reveals, “Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world” (NKJV). The love within the Trinity existed before creation and was perfect and complete.
The Holy Spirit was also present before creation. Genesis 1:2 describes, “The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters” (NKJV). The Spirit's presence affirms His eternal nature and role in the creative work of God.
Within the Trinity, there was no lack, need, or deficiency. God was entirely self-sufficient, experiencing infinite joy, love, and fulfillment in Himself. As Psalm 16:11 declares, “You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (NKJV). This eternal joy and satisfaction were inherent in God’s triune nature.
God’s Pre-Creation Purpose
Though God was complete and self-sufficient, Scripture reveals that before creation, He had a purpose and plan.
The Plan of Redemption
God’s plan to redeem humanity through Christ was established before the foundation of the world:Ephesians 1:4–5 states, “Just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will” (NKJV).
2 Timothy 1:9 says, “Who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began” (NKJV).
This eternal plan reflects God’s sovereign purpose and His desire to display His glory through the salvation of His people.
God’s Glory as the Ultimate Goal
Before creation, God’s ultimate goal was to glorify Himself. The created universe, humanity, and the plan of redemption all serve to magnify His infinite greatness.Isaiah 43:7 declares, “Everyone who is called by My name, whom I have created for My glory; I have formed him, yes, I have made him” (NKJV).
Romans 11:36 proclaims, “For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen” (NKJV).
The Mystery of God’s Pre-Creation Activity
While Scripture provides glimpses into God’s eternal existence and purposes, much about His pre-creation activity remains a mystery. Deuteronomy 29:29 reminds us, “The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but those things which are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law” (NKJV).
We know that God existed in perfect joy, love, and fellowship. He was neither idle nor in need. His infinite knowledge, power, and presence assure us that His plans were eternally wise and good.
Practical Implications for Believers
God’s Self-Sufficiency Encourages Trust
God’s infinite and self-sufficient nature assures us that He needs nothing from us. Our worship, obedience, and service are not about meeting a deficiency in God but about glorifying Him and participating in His eternal purposes.God’s Eternal Love Provides Assurance
The love within the Trinity reminds us that God’s love for His people is not based on necessity but is freely given. As He loved the Son before creation, He loves those who are in Christ with the same eternal love.God’s Eternal Purpose Inspires Confidence
Knowing that God’s plan of redemption was established before creation assures believers that their salvation is secure in Him. His purposes cannot be thwarted (Job 42:2).God’s Glory as Our Goal
Since God’s ultimate purpose is His glory, our highest calling is to live for His glory in all we do (1 Corinthians 10:31). This includes worship, evangelism, and daily obedience.
Conclusion
Before He created the universe, God existed eternally as the triune God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—in perfect joy, love, and fellowship. He was self-sufficient, lacking nothing, and fully satisfied in Himself. Yet, in His infinite wisdom and grace, He purposed to create, redeem, and glorify Himself through His works. Although the full scope of God’s pre-creation activity remains a mystery, what He has revealed assures us of His sovereignty, love, and faithfulness. As Romans 11:33 declares, “Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!” (NKJV).
God’s Eternal Knowledge and Wisdom
Before creation, God possessed infinite knowledge and wisdom. His eternal mind comprehended every aspect of creation, redemption, and history. God’s knowledge is not progressive or reactive; He knew everything that would come to pass from eternity.
Isaiah 46:9–10 reveals, “For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will do all My pleasure’” (NKJV).
Proverbs 8:22–23 poetically personifies wisdom as present before creation: “The LORD possessed me at the beginning of His way, before His works of old. I have been established from everlasting, from the beginning, before there was ever an earth” (NKJV).
This eternal wisdom assures us that God’s actions are purposeful and perfectly aligned with His plan for creation and redemption.
God’s Sovereign Decree
God’s eternal decree encompasses all that happens in time and space. His decree is unchangeable and reflects His sovereign will.
Ephesians 1:11 declares, “In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will” (NKJV).
Psalm 33:11 affirms, “The counsel of the LORD stands forever, the plans of His heart to all generations” (NKJV).
Before creation, God decreed every detail of history, including the fall of man, the incarnation of Christ, and the salvation of His people. This decree highlights God’s sovereignty and ensures that nothing occurs outside of His purpose.
God’s Delight in His Glory
One significant aspect of God’s pre-creation existence is His delight in His own glory. Unlike humans, whose self-exaltation is sinful, God’s delight in His glory is the highest good because He is the ultimate source of all that is true, good, and beautiful.
Isaiah 42:8 states, “I am the LORD, that is My name; and My glory I will not give to another, nor My praise to carved images” (NKJV).
Revelation 4:11 ascribes all creation to God’s glory: “You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created” (NKJV).
Before creation, God found infinite delight in His own perfections, and creation exists as an overflow of that glory, inviting all creatures to join in the worship of the Creator.
The Eternal Love of the Trinity
The love within the Trinity is not only foundational but also eternal. The Father’s love for the Son, the Son’s love for the Father, and the Spirit’s love for both existed in perfect harmony. This eternal love is the source of all genuine love within creation.
1 John 4:8 teaches, “He who does not love does not know God, for God is love” (NKJV). God’s love is not a created attribute; it is intrinsic to His eternal nature.
John 17:26 records Jesus saying, “And I have declared to them Your name, and will declare it, that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them” (NKJV).
This eternal love within the Trinity is reflected in God’s plan to create humanity in His image, capable of loving Him and others. It also underscores the relational nature of salvation, in which believers are brought into fellowship with the triune God.
The Role of Creation in God’s Eternal Plan
While God was fully sufficient in Himself before creation, His decision to create the universe was not arbitrary. Creation serves as a stage for displaying His attributes—His power, wisdom, love, justice, and mercy.
Psalm 19:1 declares, “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork” (NKJV).
Colossians 1:16 teaches, “For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him” (NKJV).
Creation exists for God’s glory and as a means of fulfilling His eternal purpose, including the redemption of humanity through Christ.
Mystery and Reverence
While Scripture provides many insights into God’s pre-creation existence, it also reminds us of the mystery of His eternal being. God’s ways are beyond full human comprehension, and this mystery should lead to reverence and humility.
Job 11:7–8 asks, “Can you search out the deep things of God? Can you find out the limits of the Almighty? They are higher than heaven—what can you do? Deeper than Sheol—what can you know?” (NKJV).
Romans 11:33–34 exclaims, “Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out! For who has known the mind of the LORD? Or who has become His counselor?” (NKJV).
This mystery invites us to worship God for who He is, trusting that He has revealed all that is necessary for our faith and obedience.
Practical Implications
Rest in God’s Sovereignty: Knowing that God existed in perfect harmony and joy before creation assures us that He is in control of all things. We can trust His eternal plan, even when we face uncertainty.
Seek God’s Glory: Since God’s glory is the ultimate purpose of all creation, our lives should be oriented toward glorifying Him in everything we do (1 Corinthians 10:31).
Embrace the Love of God: God’s eternal love within the Trinity is extended to us in Christ. This love is the foundation of our salvation and our calling to love others (John 13:34–35).
Marvel at God’s Majesty: The infinite nature of God and the mystery of His pre-creation existence should inspire awe and a deeper desire to know Him through His Word.
Conclusion
Before creation, God existed eternally as the triune God, perfectly sufficient in Himself and lacking nothing. His infinite knowledge, love, and purpose defined His eternal existence, and creation flowed from His desire to display His glory and share His love. While much of God’s pre-creation activity remains a mystery, what has been revealed in Scripture invites us to worship Him with awe and trust Him fully in all things. As Isaiah 40:28 proclaims, “Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable” (NKJV).
