The current working theory for how the Big Bang happened was that our universe is a 'zero point' universe. As in, the total amount of energy and matter in our universe is 'zero'.

In order to break apart a particle, you need to 'spend' energy. Atomic physics give the illusion that energy is gained through this method, but that's only because the process we use causes a small amount of the mass to be converted to energy during the transition. The fact that you need to 'spend' energy to break matter apart indicates that the atomic force is a 'negative' energy. If you combine the atomic force with outside energy, you get zero energy.

Similarly, matter and anti-matter cancel each other out. They are a sum 'zero'. A 'holding pattern' for energy that collapses if they come into contact with each other.

I don't mean to start a religious debate or whatnot, but physics is fascinating.