The Incommunicable Attributes of God: Eternity

Definition of God's Eternity: God has no beginning, end, or succession of moments in his own being, and he sees all time equally vividly, yet God sees events in time and acts in time.

Also known as the doctrine of God's infinity with respect to time.

Basically, time has no hold on God. It does not affect him and it does not bind him. He is outside of time. Somehow, all existence is present to God. This is difficult for us to understand because it is a different state of existence than humans experience.
  • Verses that Affirm God's Timelessness: Psalm 90:2, Revelation 1:8, John 8:58, Exodus 3:14
In addition, God is able to stand outside of time and view all time as present in his being. This includes the past, present, and future.
  • Verses that Affirm God's Ability to See All Time Equally Vividly: Psalm 90:4, 2 Peter 3:8, Isaiah 45:21, Isaiah 46:9-10
However, we must remember that God does see events in time and acts in time. This can be seen in numerous biblical events, most pointedly in the person and work of His Son. It is God who created time, and he is the one who rules over it, not vice versa. When we remember this, it helps orient our mind to be able to wrap around the concept of God's timelessness.
  • Verses that Affirm God Sees Events in Time & Acts in Time: Galatians 4:4-5, Acts 17:30-31
Lastly, it is also important to know that we, as humans, will always exist in time, even in heaven. In heaven, we will still experience a succession of moments like we do on earth. However, those moments will never end, rendering us to live eternally with our Creator. Oh how glorious that will be!

Other Posts in this Series:
  1. The Incommunicable Attributes of God: God's Independence
  2. The Incommunicable Attributes of God: God's Unchangeableness

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