35 Important Bible Verses About Pre Existence (With Commentary)

Jamie Wilson

The concept of pre-existence is fascinating and often debated among Christians. It refers to the idea that our souls existed before we were born on Earth. Many believers find comfort and meaning in understanding that God has a plan for everyone, even before they enter this world. The Bible contains several verses that touch on this topic, offering insights into God’s eternal nature and the existence of our souls.

Today, we will look at some key Bible verses about pre-existence. These scriptures can help us understand how God sees us and the purpose He has for our lives. Whether you are curious about your own existence or want to learn more about God’s plans, these verses will encourage your faith and deepen your understanding.

Bible Verses About Pre Existence

The Eternal Nature of God

We understand that God exists beyond time and space. His nature is eternal, and He holds knowledge of all things, including our existence before birth. This principle leads us to reflect on how God knew us intimately before we came into being. By recognizing the eternal nature of God, we can find peace knowing that our lives are part of His grand design, unfolding since the very beginning.

Jeremiah 1:5

“Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you, before you were born, I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” – Jeremiah 1:5

This verse illustrates God’s foreknowledge and intentionality in our creation. Not only did God create us, but He had a purpose for each of us even before we were in the womb. Recognizing our purpose brings us peace and encourages us to live in faith.

Ephesians 1:4

“For He chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight. In love.” – Ephesians 1:4

In this verse, we are reminded that our selection as followers of Christ was made before the foundations of our world were laid. God’s love for us predates our earthly existence, affirming our identity in Him and how we should live in response to that love.

Romans 8:29

“For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.” – Romans 8:29

Here, we see God’s foreknowledge actively shaping our destinies. He knew which of us would respond to His call before we were even born. This understanding can motivate us to strive to reflect Christ in our lives, knowing we were chosen and called to be like Him.

Psalm 139:16

“Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” – Psalm 139:16

In this passage, we learn that God is aware of each detail of our lives even before we come into existence. Every day of our lives is known by Him. This can bring confidence that our lives have purpose and that God is with us in every moment.

John 1:1-3

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through Him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made.” – John 1:1-3

This powerful scripture speaks to Christ’s eternal nature alongside God. Everything we see was made through Him, implying His relationship with creation exists long before we arrived. This truth encourages us to recognize the significance of our existence within the grand plan of creation.

The Purpose of Our Existence

As we journey through life, we may constantly wonder about our purpose. The notion of pre-existence assures us that God has a specific plan for us. This purpose is not just random but woven into the very fabric of our being. Recognizing this can motivate us to live intentionally and seek God’s will regarding our paths.

Isaiah 49:1

“Listen to me, you islands; hear this, you distant nations: Before I was born, the LORD called me; from my mother’s womb, He has spoken my name.” – Isaiah 49:1

This verse reminds us that God called each of us before birth. This assurance can encourage us to seek and fulfill our calling, knowing that we are valuable in His eyes and have a role to play in His kingdom.

Philippians 1:6

“Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 1:6

Our existence and purpose align with the good work that God started in us. This gives us hope that the plans God has for us will be refined and completed as we walk in faith and follow His guidance throughout our lives.

2 Timothy 1:9

“He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of His own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time.” – 2 Timothy 1:9

This verse teaches us that our calling is a gift from God, given through His grace before we existed. Understanding this gift can inspire us to live a holy life in gratitude, fully embracing the purpose He has bestowed upon us.

Ecclesiastes 3:11

“He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.” – Ecclesiastes 3:11

God has placed within us a yearning for eternity, suggesting that our purpose extends beyond our earthly existence. Acknowledging this desire can lead us to pursue God and His will, shaping our lives to fulfill His plans.

Colossians 1:16

“For in Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through Him and for Him.” – Colossians 1:16

Recognizing that everything, including our very lives, is made for Christ reminds us of our central purpose in glorifying Him. This knowledge can encourage us to align our lives with His will, making sure we are living for the one who created us.

The Intimacy of God’s Knowledge

Understanding pre-existence includes realizing how deeply God knows us. This relationship is incredibly intimate and meaningful. God, in His omniscience, understands our thoughts, struggles, and joys, which assures us that we are never alone and that our lives matter to Him.

Matthew 10:30

“And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” – Matthew 10:30

This verse speaks to the detail God invests in knowing us. His care for every aspect of our lives emphasizes that we are valuable and cherished. We can take comfort in knowing that our existence matters greatly in His eyes.

Psalm 145:18

“The LORD is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth.” – Psalm 145:18

God’s nearness to us signifies a loving relationship that facilitates communication. He is always available when we seek Him, affirming our existence and helping us feel connected to Him, even if we struggle sometimes to see that connection.

Hebrews 4:13

“Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.” – Hebrews 4:13

Here, we are reminded of God’s complete awareness of our individuality. Nothing can be hidden from Him, and He knows our hearts and intentions. This truth encourages us to live authentically, knowing that we are always seen by the one who loves us.

Jeremiah 29:11

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11

This verse reassures us that God has good plans for our lives. He knows each of us, and understanding this can inspire hope for our current and future existence. We can rest knowing our paths are guided by Him.

Luke 12:7

“Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” – Luke 12:7

Similar to Matthew 10:30, this verse reiterates God’s loving watchfulness over our lives. Our worth is immeasurable, and He knows us intricately. Grasping this can help us recognize our significance to God and find comfort even in difficult times.

The Assurance of God’s Sovereignty

God’s sovereignty confirms that He is in control of all creation, including our existence. This truth allows us to trust His plans and provides comfort as we navigate life’s unpredictable nature. When we recognize that He orchestrates all things, we can rest assured in His guidance and protection.

Isaiah 46:10

“I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.'” – Isaiah 46:10

God’s ability to declare the end shows that He is not bound by time as we are. He has a master plan that includes our lives, allowing us to trust in His purpose. This knowledge reassures us that we can rely on His wisdom.

Proverbs 16:9

“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps.” – Proverbs 16:9

Here we see a partnership between our intentions and God’s direction. While we may aspire to certain paths, it’s God’s authority that ultimately steers us in the right direction. This can strengthen our trust in His plans, even when things seem unclear.

Psalm 37:23

“The LORD makes firm the steps of the one who delights in Him.” – Psalm 37:23

This scripture highlights God’s commitment to guiding those who seek to honor Him. Knowing He upholds our paths encourages us to continue pursuing righteousness as we trust in His consistent provision over our lives.

Romans 11:36

“For from Him and through Him and for Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever! Amen.” – Romans 11:36

In this passage, we understand that everything originates from God and ultimately belongs to Him. Acknowledging this reality can cultivate gratitude and humility, reminding us that our existence is a reflection of His greatness.

Psalm 115:3

“Our God is in heaven; He does whatever pleases Him.” – Psalm 115:3

Our understanding of God’s sovereignty allows us to accept that His ways are perfect. Trusting that He does what pleases Him helps us embrace our existence as an integral part of His divine purpose, knowing He is always working for our good.

The Gift of Eternal Life

Christ offers us the gift of eternal life, which ties into the idea of pre-existence. This gift means our existence continues beyond our earthly lives. Embracing this promise gives us hope and transforms how we perceive our lives and our ultimate destinies.

John 3:16

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” – John 3:16

Here, we see the connection between God’s immense love and the promise of eternal life. Accepting Christ allows us to live with assurance that our existence extends into eternity, which can inspire us to share this love with others.

1 John 5:13

“I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.” – 1 John 5:13

This verse offers us the confidence that we possess eternal life through faith in Jesus. Knowing this truth can encourage us to live boldly and share this hope, helping others find the same assurance.

Revelation 21:4

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” – Revelation 21:4

This beautiful promise assures us that our eternal existence will be free from pain and sorrow. This hope can motivate us to endure challenges, knowing that our loved ones and we will one day experience true joy in God’s presence.

2 Corinthians 5:1

“For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.” – 2 Corinthians 5:1

In this passage, we learn that our earthly existence is temporary, yet God promises us eternal life after death. Recognizing this reality can give us encouragement to focus on spiritual matters, knowing our true home awaits us.

John 5:24

“Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes Him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.” – John 5:24

Salvation through Jesus signifies that, even before we were born, God had a design for our eternal welfare. This assurance allows us to live joyfully, understanding that our fate is secure in the hands of the loving Savior.

Final Thoughts

As we reflect on the concept of pre-existence, we are reminded of God’s eternal nature and the unique purpose He has for each of us. God’s intimate knowledge of us brings peace, guiding us through life as we seek to understand our significance in His grand plan. Through His sovereignty, we find assurance that He is always at work in our lives, even when we may not see it.

Thinking about our eternal lives helps us to appreciate the hope and joy we have as believers. The Bible reassures us of God’s amazing love and the promise of life beyond this world. We can trust His guidance, knowing He loves us beyond measure.

Let us encourage each other to live fully in Christ’s grace, remembering that our existence has deep purpose in Him. We are capable of impacting the world positively when we recognize our worth and strive to reflect His love in our lives. If you want to explore more topics that relate to your faith, find insight in our Bible Verses About Marriage With a Non-Believer or discover wisdom in Bible Verses About Pre-existing Conditions.