What do you think?
Rate this book
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
- GenresTheology
96 pages, Paperback
Published January 13, 2026
2 people are currently reading
68 people want to read
About the author
Samuel G. Parkison
8 books194 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).
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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 - 6 of 6 reviews