If something exists now, then something has always existed.
The question of existence is one of the most profound inquiries in philosophy and theology. At its core, the argument that if something exists now, then something has always existed, challenges us to consider the nature of reality, time, and creation. This article aims to articulate this argument clearly, drawing on logical reasoning and philosophical principles.
The Premise: Existence in the Present
To begin, we must acknowledge the undeniable fact that something exists now. Whether it is the material world around us, our consciousness, or the universe itself, existence is evident. This observation forms the foundation of our argument.
The Logical Possibilities
When considering the origins of existence, we encounter four primary possibilities:
- There was a time when nothing ever existed.
- Something (the material world) has always existed.
- Someone (a divine being or God) has always existed.
- Everything is merely illusory and has no real existence.
Ruling Out Non-Existence
The first possibility, that there was a time when nothing ever existed, can be logically dismissed. According to the law of non-contradiction, something cannot be both “A” and not “A” at the same time and in the same relationship. If there was ever a time when nothing existed, then nothing could exist now, as nothing cannot produce something. Self-creation is impossible because it would require something to exist and not exist simultaneously to cause creation.
The Necessity of Eternal Existence
Given that the first possibility is logically untenable, we are left with the conclusion that something or someone must have always existed. This leads us to consider the second and third possibilities: either the material world or a divine being has always existed.
Material World or Divine Being?
The material world, as we perceive it, is subject to change, decay, and transformation. These characteristics suggest that it may not be eternal in its current form. On the other hand, the concept of a divine being, often referred to as God, is traditionally understood as eternal, unchanging, and self-existent.
The Illusion Hypothesis
The fourth possibility, that everything is an illusion, presents a philosophical challenge. If everything is illusory, then our perceptions and experiences are not grounded in reality. However, this hypothesis does not negate the necessity of an eternal existence; it merely shifts the nature of that existence from material to conceptual.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the argument that if something exists now, then something has always existed, is grounded in logical reasoning and philosophical inquiry. By ruling out the possibility of non-existence and considering the nature of the material world and the concept of a divine being, we arrive at the necessity of eternal existence. Whether this eternal existence is material, divine, or conceptual remains a subject of further exploration and debate.
Discover more about God and our relationship to Him
For a listing of other posts about God’s existence and His nature, go to our Posts Directory web page. These posts are listed by major topic for your convenience.
But, if you’re now ready to know what your relationship is before God, Ask yourself two very important questions. First, are you sure that you’ll go to heaven when you die? Secondly, are you certain why God should let you into heaven? If you don’t know for sure, you can settle that matter today. Visit my post, How to Begin Your Life Over Again and you’ll know where and how you’ll spend eternity.
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