The Bible provides limited information regarding what God did before the creation of the universe. One thing is clear: God existed in perfect community as Father, Son, and Spirit from eternity past.
The Bible begins with the words, "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth" (Genesis 1:1). Clearly, God the Father existed long before the universe's creation, holding the power and wisdom to create and design all things.
The Holy Spirit also existed from eternity past. Genesis 1:2 is the first mention of the Spirit: "the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters." In Acts 5:3-4, Peter referred to the Holy Spirit as God: "Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land? While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to man but to God." As God, the Holy Spirit is clearly eternal, existing from before the time of the universe's creation as well as from eternity past.
Jesus Christ also existed from eternity past as the second Person of the Triune God. John 1:1-3 teaches, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made." Colossians 1:16-17 affirms, "For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together."
Philosophically, some have argued that before the creation of the universe, space and time did not exist as we know it. Therefore, it is impossible to discuss what happened "when" there was no universe as time did not exist as we understand it.
However, the Bible does offer some insights regarding God's activities before the creation of the universe. In John 17:24 Jesus said, "Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world." Love existed before creation between God the Father and God the Son. They existed along with the Holy Spirit in perfect glory and unity.
In addition, Ephesians 1:4 notes, "even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him." God chose those who would believe in Him before the creation of the world. It is amazing to think that God thought of us by name, individually, before anything existed in our universe.
Titus 1:2 (NIV) also shares, "in the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time." Eternal life was planned before time began. God knew the end even before the beginning of creation.
While little is known about God's work before creation, it is clear God was active, all-knowing, and perfect in community, love, and glory as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
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