Time And Eternity

by Mark D. Rasche, B.S.

"For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen" (Matthew 6:13).

In the crescendo of what is often referred to as the "Lord's Prayer," Jesus speaks of a concept, that no matter how much we attempt to understand, is virtually impossible to fathom-eternity. In our pragmatic world of clocks, calendars, appointments, and deadlines, we are quite accustomed to working with and around parameters of time. We are familiar with being on time, running out of time, working ahead of time, biding time, and even wasting time. So how do we wrap our finite minds around the idea of timeless eternity?

To never have an end to something may be unimaginable, yet the Bible talks about eternity as comfortably as we discuss time. The blessed promise of perpetuity can be found throughout the Scriptures.

1. The Scriptures promise that the Father is forever: "Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever" (Philippians 4:20).

2. The Scriptures promise that the Son is forever: "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever" (Hebrews 13:8).

3. The Scriptures promise that the Holy Spirit will indwell believers forever: ". . . He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you for ever" (John 14:16).

4. The Scriptures promise that God's Word will last forever: "But the word of the Lord endureth for ever" (1 Peter 1:25).

5. Finally, the Scriptures promise that we will live forever: "He that believeth on me hath everlasting life" (John 6:47).

Apprehending eternal promises is more important than comprehending them, but may we never forget "By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God" (Romans 5:2). MDR