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The Fountain of Life: Contemplating the Aseity of God
An Invitation to Contemplate the Nature of God's Divine Aseity
"In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." The very first words of Scripture reveal a reality that should fill us with awe. God, acting independently, spoke creation into existence. He made everything from nothing, and the entirety of creation depends on him for all of eternity. But sometimes we can become so focused on what is practical or plausible that we lose the childlike wonder to behold the living God.
These foundational truths demonstrate God's aseity—his self-existence, complete independence, and eternal nature. As part of the Contemplating God series, this book offers an accessible and engaging exploration of divine aseity. Blending theological depth, understandability, and literary creativity, Samuel G. Parkison welcomes listeners into the riches of the classical Christian tradition, inviting them to marvel at the wondrous mysteries of God.
Explores Divine Reflects on God's independent and eternal nature, and invites believers to consider how we participate in his eternal life Part of the Contemplating God Each book offers an accessible gateway into a specific topic of classical theology, helping laypeople embrace truths from the historic church Written for A non-intimidating and thoroughly enjoyable introduction that informs the mind while providing awe, wonder, and wisdom Inspired by writers like C. S. Lewis and G. K. Chesterton, this essay speaks to the listener through the beauty of language
"In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." The very first words of Scripture reveal a reality that should fill us with awe. God, acting independently, spoke creation into existence. He made everything from nothing, and the entirety of creation depends on him for all of eternity. But sometimes we can become so focused on what is practical or plausible that we lose the childlike wonder to behold the living God.
These foundational truths demonstrate God's aseity—his self-existence, complete independence, and eternal nature. As part of the Contemplating God series, this book offers an accessible and engaging exploration of divine aseity. Blending theological depth, understandability, and literary creativity, Samuel G. Parkison welcomes listeners into the riches of the classical Christian tradition, inviting them to marvel at the wondrous mysteries of God.
Explores Divine Reflects on God's independent and eternal nature, and invites believers to consider how we participate in his eternal life Part of the Contemplating God Each book offers an accessible gateway into a specific topic of classical theology, helping laypeople embrace truths from the historic church Written for A non-intimidating and thoroughly enjoyable introduction that informs the mind while providing awe, wonder, and wisdom Inspired by writers like C. S. Lewis and G. K. Chesterton, this essay speaks to the listener through the beauty of language
96 pages, Paperback
Published January 13, 2026
About the author
Samuel G. Parkison
8 books230 followersSamuel G. Parkison (PhD) is Associate Professor of Theological Studies at the Gulf Theological Seminary in the UAE. He is also the Director of Publishing at Credo Magazine. He is the author of several books, including To Gaze Upon God (IVP Academic, 2024) and The Unvarnished Jesus (Christian Focus, 2025).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
February 7, 2026
I don’t think it is an exaggeration to say that this is one of the best devotionals I have ever read. I use that word “devotional” on purpose. This short book is a study of God’s divine aseity (defined by the author as “God’s life is from himself.”) Though this book uses heavy theological and philosophical language, Samuel G. Parkinson reminds us that contemplating the depths of who God is not only satisfies our minds but also the longings of our hearts. The deepest and most sought after desire in man is God, and yet many do not know, nor take the time, to "gaze upon the beauty of the Lord” (Psalm 27:4). As Parkinson says, "…taking time to be dumbstruck by the majesty and wonder of God’s aseity is not a distraction from practical living but, rather, material to the very purpose God made you for! To contemplate God is not a break from the real world; it is an exercise in reality.” What a delight to know that the God of the universe, who made the sun, tastebuds, humor, and beauty, invites us to contemplate Him and participate in leading others to drink from the eternal well of Himself.
May 22, 2026
This is why the Puritan Pastor John Owen says,
“What is an angel more than a worm? A worm as a creature, and an angel is no more; he has made the one to creep in the earth-made also the other to dwell in heaven. There is stilla proportion between these, they agree in something; but what are all the nothings of the world to the God infinitely blessed for evermore?”
In other words, as lofty a creature as an angel is, it is still infinitely closer to a worm than to God because it is a creature. Compared to God, worms and angels are "nothings" They are part of the "fullness" of the earth that belongs to God (Ps. 24:10). Think about this word "fullness." It is an exhaustive word. Every bit of wisdom ever discovered in human history is the Lord's. Every bit of wealth ever accrued is the Lord's. Every bit of joy ever experienced is the Lord's. Every bit of food consumed, music heard, or equation solved exists within the parameters of this "fullness" that does not belong to itself—it is the Lord's. Does this not whet the appetite for discovery? Are you not thirsty to seek and find the treasures of the earth that belong to the Lord? When the earth... and the fullness thereof" belong not to the impersonal domain of chance but, rather, to Yahweh-the Lord—our search for truth and beauty is given a profound justification. We look out into the world with questions expecting to find answers. We look for reason and find it. We look for order and, behold, it's there!
Preach!
“What is an angel more than a worm? A worm as a creature, and an angel is no more; he has made the one to creep in the earth-made also the other to dwell in heaven. There is stilla proportion between these, they agree in something; but what are all the nothings of the world to the God infinitely blessed for evermore?”
In other words, as lofty a creature as an angel is, it is still infinitely closer to a worm than to God because it is a creature. Compared to God, worms and angels are "nothings" They are part of the "fullness" of the earth that belongs to God (Ps. 24:10). Think about this word "fullness." It is an exhaustive word. Every bit of wisdom ever discovered in human history is the Lord's. Every bit of wealth ever accrued is the Lord's. Every bit of joy ever experienced is the Lord's. Every bit of food consumed, music heard, or equation solved exists within the parameters of this "fullness" that does not belong to itself—it is the Lord's. Does this not whet the appetite for discovery? Are you not thirsty to seek and find the treasures of the earth that belong to the Lord? When the earth... and the fullness thereof" belong not to the impersonal domain of chance but, rather, to Yahweh-the Lord—our search for truth and beauty is given a profound justification. We look out into the world with questions expecting to find answers. We look for reason and find it. We look for order and, behold, it's there!
Preach!
March 2, 2026
Just a beautiful introduction to one of the most glorious and fountainhead doctrines of theology proper. I think the highest commendation I can offer is that the simplicity and elegance of Parkison's treatment inspires worship in the heart of the attentive reader.
May 13, 2026
This short book on God’s aseity is excellent. Sam Parkison is easily one of my favorite theologians. He knows how to distill the deep things of God and serve them up in a digestible way.
“God’s life gives without emptying, enriches without impoverishing, and spills over without decreasing” (pg. 69).
“God’s life gives without emptying, enriches without impoverishing, and spills over without decreasing” (pg. 69).
February 27, 2026
Really enjoyed not only the topic, but the author’s writing style!
April 24, 2026
An excellent little book; concise, accessible, and beautiful.
Refreshing to read something that is both theological and devotional.
Refreshing to read something that is both theological and devotional.
December 27, 2025
A biblical, pastoral, and worshipful presentation of the doctrine of divine aseity. If you’re looking to be introduced to this heart captivating truth or desirous for something to excite your affections for the Triune God, take up and read.
February 22, 2026
Exceptional little book! Dr. Parkinson writes in a way that any person can understand, about a truth that every person should be aware of! His main goal is to draw our sight to the glories of the a se God, the God who has life from himself and is dependant on nothing. He was successful in this goal! This book even transformed my understanding of obedience since the reality is that we obey not to please God or to give him something he does not have, because he lacks nothing, but exactly for this reason, his abundance of life and joy that overflows to us, this is the reason we desire to obey. We love for he has first loved us with his abundance. His fullness now fills us bringing us to perfect job and satisfaction. I highly recommend this short encouraging book to all!
March 7, 2026
2026 reads: 14
Rating: 3.5 stars
In this brief and vivid account of God's "aseity" (his self-existence/being), Parkison condenses and simplifies a complex notion, making it feasible for consumption, contemplation, and inspiration. It was still, as to be expected, too captive to Greek philosophy and patristic thought from the 4th century for my liking; it is no surprise that most of the reflections stem from the Gospel of John. Maybe some thoughts on what this means for us in the every day (beyond 'we get to contemplate God') would have been beneficial--although apparently such a question veers into domesticating God. In this sense, the abstractions needed to come back down to earth. All these minor critques aside, Parkison is easy to read and digest and this a decent introduction to how Christians have conceived and developed the idea of God's being.
Rating: 3.5 stars
In this brief and vivid account of God's "aseity" (his self-existence/being), Parkison condenses and simplifies a complex notion, making it feasible for consumption, contemplation, and inspiration. It was still, as to be expected, too captive to Greek philosophy and patristic thought from the 4th century for my liking; it is no surprise that most of the reflections stem from the Gospel of John. Maybe some thoughts on what this means for us in the every day (beyond 'we get to contemplate God') would have been beneficial--although apparently such a question veers into domesticating God. In this sense, the abstractions needed to come back down to earth. All these minor critques aside, Parkison is easy to read and digest and this a decent introduction to how Christians have conceived and developed the idea of God's being.
March 11, 2026
One of the best and most worshipful books I’ve ever read. I truly believe every believer in the church should read this.
February 3, 2026
The Fountain of Life is an accessible and digestible “brain-teaser” of sorts on God’s completeness, self-sufficiency and fullness of being as Creator and Originator of all (or, if we’re using the technical term used in this book, the “aseity” of God).
This topic is both philosophical and theological in nature, but this book maybe leans more philosophical than I anticipated. One thing I appreciated about Mr. Parkison’s book is that though dense it’s short, which makes it feel doable for the average reader.
I do think that if the audience is supposed to be a layman on this topic, the writing does feel a little bit lofty. I haven’t read or thought on this subject beyond what I’ve read in Scripture itself, but I do read a lot of theology books and found the logical patterns to be accessible in some parts but sometimes confusing in other parts.
Overall, I really appreciated the way Parkison’s book made me think more deeply about God, especially the portion on the Trinity. I learned a lot and will be thinking about this topic for a while! This was a great read if you’re desiring to be challenged to mediate on the nature of God (which I think should be all followers of Jesus Christ). I really loved this quote in the intro of the book:
“There is nothing more practical than contemplating God, since this is the very thing we were created for as human beings… To contemplate God is not a break from the real world; it is an exercise in reality.”
Thank you to NetGalley and Crossway for an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
This topic is both philosophical and theological in nature, but this book maybe leans more philosophical than I anticipated. One thing I appreciated about Mr. Parkison’s book is that though dense it’s short, which makes it feel doable for the average reader.
I do think that if the audience is supposed to be a layman on this topic, the writing does feel a little bit lofty. I haven’t read or thought on this subject beyond what I’ve read in Scripture itself, but I do read a lot of theology books and found the logical patterns to be accessible in some parts but sometimes confusing in other parts.
Overall, I really appreciated the way Parkison’s book made me think more deeply about God, especially the portion on the Trinity. I learned a lot and will be thinking about this topic for a while! This was a great read if you’re desiring to be challenged to mediate on the nature of God (which I think should be all followers of Jesus Christ). I really loved this quote in the intro of the book:
“There is nothing more practical than contemplating God, since this is the very thing we were created for as human beings… To contemplate God is not a break from the real world; it is an exercise in reality.”
Thank you to NetGalley and Crossway for an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
February 22, 2026
A brief and enlivening read on the self-existence, independence and originality of God. It covers how God’s aseity flows throughout the Trinity and how while Christ’s work brings us into the very presence of God and we share by grace in His glory and likeness, we remain creatures and He remains God, full and overflowingly existent.
The beautiful cover also accentuates the beautiful contemplation of the Lord and giver of life.
The beautiful cover also accentuates the beautiful contemplation of the Lord and giver of life.
December 18, 2025
How does one understand the aseity of God? The clear distinction between the Creator and creation is reflected through this book in a manner simple and clear to the reader. A must read for all who are searching to understand the true meaning of God’s aseity and how this proven through the concept of Trinity and the Nicene Creed.
February 5, 2026
A nice short work on the aseity (self existence) of God. RC Sproul on the word here: https://youtu.be/s3VgaRdY5dQ?si=Wy5Tl...
April 8, 2026
Hopeful for more small theological studies in this little series, of this caliber.
May 15, 2026
I really enjoyed the way this book constantly reminded the reader that the purpose of theology is to focus our minds on the awe of God.
Great short read
Great short read
May 26, 2026
I enjoyed this as a devotional supplement, especially as I’ve been reading through the Gospel of John. Rich and accessible—a great little book!
June 1, 2026
Get it.
March 5, 2026
Dit boekje is een eerste in een reeks die uitgaat van Credo. Ik vind het iets minder. Het thema is helder, maar de behandeling vond ik minder sterk. Parkinson behandelt Gods zelfgenoegzaamheid vanuit Exodus en Johannes, waarbij de leer van de Drie-eenheid en de Christologie behoorlijk aandacht krijgen. Ik mistte ook cruciale teksten uit de Bijbel, zoals Hand. 17, 25.
March 8, 2026
Put this in ya ears and clean your house until it’s over. Now you’ve got a clean house and you’ve contemplated an attribute of God. Wins all around.
January 28, 2026
This was a delightful little work of theology. I was reminded of several important vocabulary terms from this area of study. The book was engaging and thoroughly Scriptural, and it felt to me as though it overflowed with a true delight in God. A genuine pleasure to read.
May 29, 2026
A soul-strengthening look at the aseity of God. This is one of those books I will return to again for a fresh drink.
January 21, 2026
Aseity is probably one of my favorite attributes of God to meditate on. This doctrine has significantly shaped my understanding of God and his purposes. This book is an introductory primer to the topic. Its uniqueness isn't simply in focusing on the negative framework of aseity, which is his independence, but also in emphasizing the positive framework of considering the eternal fullness of life that exists within the triune God. I can't stop thinking about how amazing and unlike us God is and how he has condescended to allow us to experience him as the eternal fountain of life through Jesus by the Spirit.
Review of advance copy
Solid book - not sure it needs to exist! Lots on aseity out there, but this addition is beautiful and very accessible.
30 - “Now, this may be a shock to those of us who are accustomed to flattering ourselves with certain contemporary praise songs or ill-considered children's Bibles, some of which can give the impression that God cannot be happy until heaven is populated by us. But this is simply not true. We don't make up for any deficiency in God. We don't fill an emotional hole in his heart. Our praise, although glorifying him and pleasing him in a sense, does not enrich him in his infinite joy. How could it? All the praise we offer—all the good we render to him—originates from him (cf. 1 Chron. 29:14; 1 Cor. 4:7). "For from him," says Paul, "and through him and to him are all things" (Rom. 11:36). He who is infinite in his perfection is, therefore, infinite in his blessedness and, therefore, cannot be enriched by another in any way.”
30 - “Now, this may be a shock to those of us who are accustomed to flattering ourselves with certain contemporary praise songs or ill-considered children's Bibles, some of which can give the impression that God cannot be happy until heaven is populated by us. But this is simply not true. We don't make up for any deficiency in God. We don't fill an emotional hole in his heart. Our praise, although glorifying him and pleasing him in a sense, does not enrich him in his infinite joy. How could it? All the praise we offer—all the good we render to him—originates from him (cf. 1 Chron. 29:14; 1 Cor. 4:7). "For from him," says Paul, "and through him and to him are all things" (Rom. 11:36). He who is infinite in his perfection is, therefore, infinite in his blessedness and, therefore, cannot be enriched by another in any way.”
February 21, 2026
How can we even begin to open our mouths, and try to describe he whose life is pure act, utterly independent and overflowing with indescribable beatitude and love?
In this short book, Samuel Parkison aims to aid the regular Christian in lifting his gaze heavenward, to do that most blessed of all things: contemplate God. His subject is God's aseity, his method is Scripture and the Great Tradition, and his ability to make deep theology accessible feels like a welcome throwback to RC Sproul.
This would be an absolutely excellent book to read with a fellow church member for one-on-one discipleship, or to use in a small group setting, or just to read for your own edification. Preachers will benefit strongly from its influence on the tone and goal of their sermons. Highly recommended! And, I'm looking forward to further volumes in this series.
In this short book, Samuel Parkison aims to aid the regular Christian in lifting his gaze heavenward, to do that most blessed of all things: contemplate God. His subject is God's aseity, his method is Scripture and the Great Tradition, and his ability to make deep theology accessible feels like a welcome throwback to RC Sproul.
This would be an absolutely excellent book to read with a fellow church member for one-on-one discipleship, or to use in a small group setting, or just to read for your own edification. Preachers will benefit strongly from its influence on the tone and goal of their sermons. Highly recommended! And, I'm looking forward to further volumes in this series.
November 25, 2025
I think this book accomplishes everything it was intended to do. It makes a good case for the classical doctrine of aseity at an introductory level. Evidently Crossway has begun a new series with this goal regarding several aspects of classical theology proper, with the excellent Matthew Barrett editing.
I'm very grateful to hear this! It could do the evangelical world a ton of good, and perhaps atone a bit for the garbage by Bruce Ware that Crossway has previously published.
I would have preferred a longer book, but I can't complain. I would have enjoyed reading more about how the Son likewise has aseity, but again--in fulfilling the series' goals (not mine), the book has done ably.
I'm very grateful to hear this! It could do the evangelical world a ton of good, and perhaps atone a bit for the garbage by Bruce Ware that Crossway has previously published.
I would have preferred a longer book, but I can't complain. I would have enjoyed reading more about how the Son likewise has aseity, but again--in fulfilling the series' goals (not mine), the book has done ably.
December 2, 2025
The aseity of God does not make it in to many popular level writings. The best writing on the nature of God is typically buried in a massive systematic theology or a scholarly article. The brilliance of this little book (and the series it launches) is that it makes rich truths about the nature of God accessible through brief works of spiritual contemplation on.
Parkison writes here with his typical clarity and zeal, writing not just to inform but to delight. If all theology should lead to doxology, Parkison knows how to do theology properly.
Parkison writes here with his typical clarity and zeal, writing not just to inform but to delight. If all theology should lead to doxology, Parkison knows how to do theology properly.
June 23, 2026
“In truth, there is nothing more practical than contemplating God, since this is the very thing we were created for as human beings. “Man’s chief end [or purpose],” says the Westminster Shorter Catechism, “is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.” If this is true, then taking time to be dumbstruck by the majesty and wonder of God’s aseity is not a distraction from practical living but, rather, material to the very purpose God made you for! To contemplate God is not a break from the real world; it is an exercise in reality.”
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Trying to understand the Aseity of God is no small task. Samuel G. Parkison really packed a lot of weight in this small book. Parkison gives us plenty of fantastic questions, ones I have personally thought of, and plenty that I didn't even consider, as he dives in to really hone in on the self sufficiency of God. Pwerful and awe inspiring. Thank you for this gem! Highly recommend!
*I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. This review is my own opinion*
*I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. This review is my own opinion*
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews