yes, matter and energy exist as two entities that are in direct opposite of each other but are one in the same. they have totally different properties, similar to the wave/partilce duality of photons. also, the universe to my knowledge is a closed system, so no energy is being inputed, thus energy can neither be created or destroyed, however, in a closed system energy is not inputed. see the contradiction. dont get it twisted i dont have all the answers, no man does, it will take a leap of faith for atheism, theism. monism, pantheism etc. something outside the laws, operating seperately from time, matter and energy would have to create all that is. it doesnt make sense any other way. to say matter is all there is and abide by physics all along, expect during creation is bad science. so go with science, matter can not be created, thus we shouldnt be here unless something operates above this principle. matter is not eternal, hence had a singularity were it did not exist. but NOTHING could not have existed, something has always existed and too me, the radical creation, complexity, purposive structures such as reproduction and even dna, laws, and many anthropomorphic arguments point to a god. there are alot more reasons.
so your left with two possiblities really, the universe is eternal
or something else is, this would be my choice based on my current knowledge. i was once an atheist. i think intuition is the best evidence of god.