‘Time’ is a finite dimension that will appear for a fleeting moment between eternity past, and eternity future.
The Bible reveals that there were numerous events done from the foundation of the world. In fact, God’s plan for mankind was devised in explicit detail long before Adam and Eve.
‘From the foundation of the world’ means ‘before time began.’
“… He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world…”
Ephesians 1:4
“…according to the power of God, who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began.”
2 Timothy 1:9
The solar system was created just before Adam.
“Then God said, ‘Let there be lights in the firmament of the heavens to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs and seasons, and for days and years…’” Genesis 1:14
The Hebrew for ‘seasons’ means ‘appointment’ which, among other things, would signal the timing of the future Jewish feast days to be revealed in God’s time.
‘Years’ in the present context means an ‘evolution of time,’ or ‘to return,’ and/or ‘repeat.’ Such describes the earth’s annual journey around the sun, which is the basis of the time dimension.
The dimension of time also helps explain many prophecies which are expressed in terms of time.
After God’s plan runs its course to fulfill His purpose for mankind on the earth as we know it, there will be no more need for the sun, or the time dimension.
“There shall be no night there (New Jerusalem): They need no lamp nor light of the sun, for the Lord God gives them light…” Revelation 22:5
So many times in the Bible God tells how He planned things before He prepared the earth for man. Not only did He plan man’s time on earth before time began, He told His people what He was going to do before He did it.
“I have declared the former things from the beginning; they went forth from My mouth…suddenly I did them, and they came to pass…Even from the beginning I have declared it to you; before it came to pass I proclaimed it to you…” Isaiah 48:3, 5
The New Testament confirms that God’s plan is eternal and immutable.
“Known to God from eternity are all His works.” Acts 15:18
Adam was created approximately 6,000 years ago. The Bible reveals that there will be at least 1,007 more years before New Jerusalem. The Bible doesn’t reveal how many years will be before the great tribulation; but we do know that ‘time’ is infinitesimal compared to eternity.
During the course of time there will be increments ranging from half an hour to millennia. The exactness of God’s plan and timing of events is unfathomable.
For example, during the great tribulation, four appointed angels will open the bottomless pit at the exact appointed time.
“‘…Release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates.’ So the four angels, who had been prepared for the hour and day and month and year, were released to kill a third of mankind.” Revelation 9:14-15
The Greek word for ‘hour’ is ‘hora’ and is defined as a definite division of time, or more specifically, one of twelve equal parts of the day or night.
There will be two hundred million demons released from the bottomless pit at that time.
And then consider the following:
“When He (Christ) opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour.” Revelation 8:1
The suspense of half an hour of silence awaiting the following events is breathtaking.
These events take place during the 7 year tribulation period, followed by the return of Christ to defeat His enemies and establish His kingdom centered in Jerusalem for one thousand years.
It is amazing to consider the magnitude of events waiting to unfold according to God’s plan in accordance with His perfect timing established before the foundation of the world.
Exciting times lie ahead. Be prepared for the unspeakable events to take place after ‘time’ has run its course!