Clarke's Argument for the Universe's Necessary Existence

In response to traditional cosmological arguments for God's existence, I developed this argument on how it makes more sense to consider the universe itself as necessary, rather than arguing God created it as an un-caused cause or that it came from nothing.

The Universe itself cannot not have existed, though the states of matter and energy within the system are indeed in constant flux and "contingent." While it is therefore true that all "things" within it are contingent (that is, could not have existed), the universe itself is necessary.

Clarke's Argument for the Universe's Necessary Existence (Syllogistic form):

Premise 0: Any explanation must be consistent with our senses, observations, and logic if it is valid.

Premise 1: Anything that exists does so necessarily by the fact of its existence or as a derivative from some necessary existence.

Premise 2: The universe exists.

Premise 3: The universe has always existed.

Conclusion: Therefore the universe necessarily exists.

Thanks for your time and consideration. I welcome constructive criticism, of course, as ultimately we are all searching for the truth of things, but will not hesitate to remove irrelevant or abusive comments immediately and without warning. Cheers.