God Is Eternal

God’s

Incommunicable

Attributes

PART FIVE

We don't often think of the meaning of the word Eternal as a personal attribute. Rather we think of the word in relationship to the concept of time because time is something all of us experience.

We are familiar with talking about things as being in the past, present or future, which are the components of time. This is why time is often expressed as a parenthesis in eternity, having a point of beginning and a point of ending.

However, there is a mind shift we have to make when we are speaking of Eternal as one of the incommunicable attributes of God. This is why we usually default to the simple explanation that He is the One Who has no beginning and no ending. This is true, but it is also much more than an ever-extending existence.

Eternal is this quality of being which expresses an absolute perfection, meaning it is free from imperfection. It is perfect of both quality and quantity. It is perfect in duration and character. Nothing that has been created can be truly eternal.

The Old Testament use of the word eternal is very limited. Here is the first scripture where eternal is applied to God:

The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.

— Deuteronomy 33:27a NKJV

There is another word used which is similar and therefore often used interchangeably with the word eternal, it is the word everlasting.

While the Hebrew word for eternal (qedem - H6924) and everlasting (‘owlam - H5769) mean about the same to us, they are different. They can both convey the concept of forever, always, continuous existence, perpetual, unending and eternal. But when the word everlasting and forever are applied to man, it has one important difference. The first occurrence of the word ‘owlam is in Genesis 3:22 and is translated as forever. As we read the context it is evident that this word is connected to time:

And the LORD God said, “Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live forever.”

It is interesting to note that this is said by God after man has sinned and died according to the previous decree of God. Therefore, when this word is applied to man it points to a specific point in time; it has a point of origin and beginning.

However, this same word is used and applied to God to point to God’s faithfulness as man comes into covenant with God Himself. This is why you will find this word translated as everlasting. We read this in Genesis 21:33:

Abraham planted a grove in Beersheba, and called there on the name of the LORD, the everlasting (H5769) God.

The psalmist picks up on this particular attribute as being unique to the God of Israel:

Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting! Amen and Amen.

— Psalm 41:13

Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.

— Psalm 90:2

Your throne is established from of old, you are from everlasting.

— Psalm 93:2 NKJV

But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him, and His righteousness to children's children.

— Psalm 103:17 ESV

The most frequent use of the word everlasting is used in connection to God’s covenants with His people. We find everlasting and covenant used together fifteen times in the Old Testament.

The first reference is in Genesis 9:16. This covenant was spoken as a promise to Noah after the flood:

And the bow shall be in the cloud; and I will look upon it, that I may remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is upon the earth.

The second time these two words are used together is when God speaks to Abraham in Geneses 17:7:

And I will establish my covenant between me and you and your offspring after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you.

Using the word everlasting in connection to a covenant God made with man, represents something that has a beginning point but then goes on forever without ending. The only reason this is possible is because this covenant is made by—

—the Eternal One.