I Am Who I Am

 

Introduction 

I AM WHO I AM: The Eterlnal and Unchanging Nature of God

In the book of Exodus, chapter 3, verse 14, we encounter one of the most profound revelations in the history of faith. When Moses stood before the burning bush, uncertain and hesitant about his divine assignment, he asked God what name he should use when addressing the Israelites. God replied, “I AM WHO I AM.” He further instructed Moses to tell the people, “I AM has sent me to you.” This declaration was not merely an introduction; it was a divine unveiling of the eternal, self-existent nature of God — the One who depends on no one for His being and whose existence defines all of creation.

The Meaning of “I AM WHO I AM”

The phrase “I AM WHO I AM” (translated from the Hebrew Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh) expresses the absolute self-sufficiency of God. Unlike human beings who are subject to time, change, and external influence, God’s essence is eternal and unaltered. He is not defined by circumstance, creation, or temporal limits. This statement reveals that God is self-existent, self-determining, and independent of everything else.

In this divine name, we find the foundation of God’s unchanging character. The words “I AM” point to His presence in every moment — past, present, and future. He was, He is, and He always will be. The statement also reminds us that God’s reality is not confined to human understanding. His identity is not contingent on what we call Him or how we perceive Him; rather, He simply is — infinite, eternal, and beyond all limitation.

The Connection to Jesus Christ

The New Testament reveals that this same eternal God manifested Himself through Jesus Christ. In Hebrews 13:8 (AMP), we read, “Jesus Christ is [eternally changeless, always] the same yesterday and today and forever.” The writer of Hebrews draws a direct parallel between the God of the Old Testament who declared “I AM WHO I AM” and the Christ of the New Testament who embodies that same divine constancy.

Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus made several “I Am” declarations — “I am the bread of life,” “I am the light of the world,” “I am the good shepherd,” and “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” Each of these statements is a reflection of His divine identity, echoing the eternal “I AM” of Exodus. When Jesus said in John 8:58, “Before Abraham was born, I am,” He wasn’t merely referencing existence before Abraham — He was affirming His eternal divinity, identifying Himself as the very God who spoke to Moses at the burning bush.

This connection reinforces the Christian belief that Jesus is not simply a prophet or a teacher, but the eternal and unchanging God in human form. Through Him, the invisible God becomes visible, the incomprehensible becomes approachable, and the eternal Word becomes flesh.

The Unchanging Nature of God

Human life is defined by change — seasons shift, generations come and go, and even our emotions and convictions fluctuate with time. Yet amid all this change, God remains constant. His promises are unwavering, His truth is timeless, and His power endures forever. This is what makes His statement “I AM WHO I AM” so comforting to believers today. It means that the God who guided Abraham, Moses, David, and Paul is the same God who leads us now. He has not grown weary or indifferent; He continues to reign with the same authority, compassion, and justice that He always has.

This unchanging nature also implies reliability. We live in a world where uncertainty dominates, and human institutions often fail to uphold their promises. Yet, when we anchor our lives in the “I AM,” we build on a foundation that cannot be shaken. God’s immutability — His inability to change — assures us that His love, grace, and mercy remain constant, even when our circumstances do not.

God’s Sovereignty and Authority

To declare “I AM WHO I AM” is also to proclaim sovereignty. God alone holds supreme authority over heaven and earth. He is the Creator, Sustainer, and Ruler of all existence. No rival can challenge His throne, and no power can overthrow His dominion. This truth underlines the idea that God is not subject to the limitations of His creation. He stands above time, space, and matter, commanding all things by the power of His word.

This authority is not oppressive but purposeful. It is the authority of a loving Creator who governs with wisdom and justice. Recognizing God’s sovereignty helps us find peace in life’s uncertainties. When we cannot understand why certain events unfold, we can trust that the “I AM” is still in control, working all things together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).

The Creator Revealed Through His Creation

Psalm 19:1–4 (AMP) beautifully captures the majesty of God’s creative power:

“The heavens are telling of the glory of God; and the expanse [of heaven] is declaring the work of His hands. Day after day pours forth speech, and night after night reveals knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there [spoken] words [from the stars]; their voice is not heard. Yet their voice [in evidence] has gone out through all the earth, their words to the end of the world.”

Through creation itself, God’s existence and power are revealed. Every sunrise, every star, every natural wonder speaks silently of His glory. Even without words, the universe testifies to the reality of the “I AM.” This silent testimony leaves humanity without excuse, as Romans 1:20 reminds us that God’s invisible attributes — His eternal power and divine nature — have been clearly seen through what has been made.

Humanity’s Response to the “I AM”

Acknowledging God as the “I AM” calls for more than intellectual agreement — it demands a response. Many people seek God’s blessings, miracles, and healing but neglect to seek God Himself. They long for the gifts but overlook the Giver. To truly know the “I AM” is to surrender our self-reliance and acknowledge our dependence on Him. He alone can rectify wrongs, restore brokenness, and bring order out of chaos.

Recognizing God’s sovereignty also changes how we approach life’s struggles. When faced with rejection, failure, or emotional turmoil, we remember that the “I AM” who spoke the world into being is also the One who holds our lives in His hands. His power is not limited by our weakness. Instead, His strength is made perfect in our vulnerability (2 Corinthians 12:9). When we turn to Him, we find peace that surpasses understanding and hope that transcends despair.

God’s Redemptive Plan Through Christ

The story of the “I AM” culminates in the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. In John 3:16–17 (AMP), we read:

“For God so [greatly] loved and dearly prized the world, that He [even] gave His [One and] only begotten Son, so that whoever believes and trusts in Him [as Savior] shall not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge and condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.”

This passage reveals the heart of the eternal God — a heart overflowing with love and compassion. The “I AM” who declared His self-existence in Exodus chose to enter human history in the person of Christ to redeem humanity. He became flesh to bridge the gap between the Creator and His creation. Through the cross, the eternal God demonstrated His ultimate power: the power to save, forgive, and restore.

No matter what challenges we face — whether lack, sickness, disappointment, or spiritual backsliding — the invitation remains the same: come to the “I AM.” When we lay our burdens at the foot of the cross, we encounter grace, forgiveness, and renewal. The key to eternal life is not found in human achievement or religious ritual, but in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, the everlasting manifestation of the “I AM.”

Living in the Light of the “I AM”

To live in awareness of the “I AM” is to live with confidence, humility, and purpose. Confidence, because we know that the One who governs the universe is the same One who walks beside us daily. Humility, because we recognize that all we are and have come from Him. Purpose, because our lives are meant to reflect His glory on earth.

This awareness transforms our worldview. It calls us to live righteously, to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with our God (Micah 6:8). It also compels us to share the message of salvation with others. When we understand who the “I AM” is, we cannot remain silent — we become bearers of His light in a world clouded by confusion and despair.

Conclusion

“I AM WHO I AM” is not merely an ancient declaration; it is a timeless revelation. It reveals the essence of God — His eternal nature, His unchanging character, and His sovereign authority. Through Jesus Christ, the “I AM” stepped into human history to bring salvation and restore humanity’s relationship with God.

Today, as we face the uncertainties of life, this truth offers assurance: God is not distant, indifferent, or inconsistent. He remains steadfast, faithful, and present. The same God who spoke to Moses continues to speak to us through His Word and Spirit. When we call upon His name — the name of Jesus — we encounter the eternal “I AM,” who saves, sustains, and transforms all who believe.

So, let us remember daily that we serve an unchanging God in an ever-changing world. He was, He is, and He always will be — the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. Truly, He is “I AM WHO I AM.”