What are some Bible verses about time?
God is Eternal and Timeless
One of the fundamental truths about God that the Bible teaches is that He is eternal and timeless (Psalm 90:2). He exists outside of time and is not limited by it like we are. He created time itself and is sovereign over it. Though we mark days and years, to God a thousand years is like a day and a day like a thousand years (2 Peter 3:8). His eternal nature is contrasted with the fleeting lifespan of man (Psalm 102:25-27). As humans, we cannot fully comprehend what it means for God to be without beginning or end, unbounded by time. But we can trust that the eternal God is faithful through all generations (Psalm 100:5).
God Knows the Future
Not only is God eternal, but He also fully knows the future and declares the end from the beginning (Isaiah 46:10). God does not have to wait for time to unfold to know what will happen. He inhabits eternity and sees the past, present and future simultaneously in a way we cannot grasp. Scripture affirms over and over that only God knows the future for certain (Isaiah 41:22-23; Isaiah 42:9). His ability to predict the future sets Him apart from false gods and proves that He is the one true God (Isaiah 44:7). As humans, we make plans and predictions, but only the Lord knows for certain what tomorrow will bring (Proverbs 27:1; James 4:13-15). We can take comfort in the fact that God holds the future and our lives firmly in His hands.
The Importance of Redeeming the Time
If our lives on earth are so fleeting compared to God’s eternal nature, what should we do with the limited time we’ve been given? Ephesians 5:15-16 urges us to walk wisely and make the most of our time. We are to use our time on earth for God’s glory by serving Him and storing up treasure in heaven that will last for eternity (Matthew 6:19-21; 1 Corinthians 7:29-31). Since we don’t know how much time we have left, we need to make the most of each day (Psalm 90:12). We should be careful not to waste time but to buy it back and use it for the Lord (Colossians 4:5). The time is short and the Lord’s coming is near, so we must redeem the time while we can (1 Peter 4:2-3).
Jesus Came at the Right Time
Galatians 4:4-5 tells us that in the fullness of time, God sent His Son to redeem us from sin and death. Jesus came at precisely the right moment in history which God had foreordained. The timing of Christ’s coming shows God is sovereign over human history. Though we don’t always understand the timing of God’s plans, we can trust His timing is perfect. He works all things together for the good of those who love Him and have been called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).
The Day of Salvation is Today
There is urgency to respond to the gospel today because we are not guaranteed tomorrow. Hebrews 3:13 warns us not to harden our hearts but to exhort one another daily while it is called “today.” None of us knows if we will wake up tomorrow, so it is foolish to put off salvation thinking we have plenty of time. Scripture warns us clearly that life is a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes (James 4:14). No one knows the day or hour when Christ will return (Matthew 24:36). So we must not boast about tomorrow or make plans as though our lives were fully under our control (James 4:13-17). Today is the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2). We must respond to God’s offer of salvation now and not harden our hearts, lest we drift away and miss His grace (Hebrews 2:1-3).
God’s Timing is Perfect
Though waiting on God’s perfect timing can be difficult, Scripture urges us to trust Him (Proverbs 3:5-6). God is always working to accomplish His good plans, even when we can’t yet see the purpose (Jeremiah 29:11; Romans 8:28). God acts when the time is precisely right, not a moment too soon or too late. We see this in the life of Joseph, who had to wait many years for God’s plan to exalt him to unfold (Genesis 50:20). And we see it in Jesus, who came at just the right time to bring salvation (Romans 5:6). Though His ways are higher than ours, we can trust in His perfect timing (Isaiah 55:8-9).
The Appointed Time of Death
Hebrews 9:27 tells us it is appointed for man to die once and face judgment. Our lives have a limit which God has ordained and we cannot prolong. When our time on earth is over, we will stand before God and give account for how we lived (2 Corinthians 5:10). Death is certain for all and can come unexpectedly (Luke 12:19-20). So we must be ready at all times and live wisely in light of eternity. Though we naturally desire long life, the length of our lives is in God’s hands. Moses prayed for God to teach us to number our days so we may gain a heart of wisdom (Psalm 90:12). We should ask God for wisdom in redeeming the time He gives us.
There is a Time for Everything
Ecclesiastes 3:1 declares there is a time for everything under heaven. God has appointed seasons in our lives and purposes for each one. There are appointed times of planting and uprooting, weeping and laughing, mourning and dancing (Ecclesiastes 3:2-4). God orders the changing seasons for sowing, reaping, and fallow ground. There are times of building up and breaking down of relationships and life structures. God reigns over every season, determining its length and purpose. If we walk closely with Him, we can discern His purpose for the present season and understand what He desires from us in it. Though seasons change, He remains constant.
Look Forward to Eternity
Our time on this earth is brief, but eternity awaits all who put their faith in Christ. Our citizenship is in heaven, not earth (Philippians 3:20). So we can endure hardship and keep an eternal perspective (2 Corinthians 4:17-18; Romans 8:18). Our trials are light and momentary compared to the eternal glory to come. And we don’t need to worry about tomorrow because our eternity with Christ is secure (Matthew 6:34; John 10:27-29). We can base our sense of purpose and value on the unchanging promises of God, not our shifting earthly circumstances (2 Corinthians 4:16-18). We can look forward to the day when time will be no more and we will dwell in God’s presence forever and ever. What an amazing hope we have to carry us through the fleeting days of this life!
God is Outside of Time
The Bible tells us that God is eternal and transcends time. He created time along with the heavens and the earth and exists completely outside of its boundaries (Genesis 1:1). For us as humans, bound by time, this is an extremely difficult concept to fully comprehend. But Scripture gives us glimpses of the timeless nature of God. 2 Peter 3:8 says that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. God does not experience the limitations of time – all of eternity exists for Him simultaneously in the present moment. He can see the end from the beginning because He inhabits eternity (Isaiah 57:15). What seems slow or fast to us means nothing to God. Psalm 90 contrasts God’s eternal nature with man’s fleeting life. Our lives come and go quickly in relation to God’s eternity. Time cannot contain or define our infinite, eternal God. He is the same yesterday, today and forevermore (Hebrews 13:8). He is absolutely faithful through every generation. What comfort it brings to know that the eternal God is in control over our moments and days!
Jesus Is the Same Yesterday, Today and Forever
Jesus Christ is fully God, and so He shares the eternal nature of God. Hebrews 13:8 tells us specifically that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. He existed before time began as the eternal Word of God (John 1:1). When Jesus entered human history as a man, He did not cease to be eternal. Jesus remains constant forever, and He is the perfect representation of the unchanging God to us (Hebrews 1:12). Though the world around us is in flux, Jesus Christ remains the firm foundation on which we can anchor our lives (Hebrews 6:19). No matter what happens from day to day, we can trust that Jesus is perpetually trustworthy. He is the solid rock on which we can stand amidst the shifting sands of culture. Because He lives forever, He has the power to save forever those who draw near to God through Him (Hebrews 7:24-25). And He will remain with us always, to the very end of the age (Matthew 28:20). What beautiful assurance it brings to know the Jesus we worship today is the very same Jesus the disciples walked with over 2,000 years ago. He will never leave us or forsake us but remains constant for all eternity.
The Eternal Kingdom of God
Daniel 2:44 prophesies that God will set up an eternal kingdom that will never be destroyed. While human kingdoms come and go, the kingdom of God is everlasting. This kingdom was inaugurated when Jesus came to earth, died and rose again to defeat sin and death once and for all. While we wait for the kingdom of God to come in fullness when Jesus returns, we can experience it in part by following King Jesus today. His kingdom is not a political or geographic entity, but the reign and rule of God in the hearts of His people through faith in Christ. When we submit our lives to Jesus, we become citizens of the eternal kingdom that cannot be shaken, though the earth gives way (Hebrews 12:28). The things of this world will pass away, but God’s kingdom remains forever and will culminate in the new heavens and new earth where there will be no more sin, suffering or death for those in Christ (Revelation 21:1-4). What an amazing hope we have to be part of His unshakable, everlasting kingdom! It transforms how we see this temporal world.
The Word of God Stands Forever
In contrast to the fleeting nature of human life and culture, God’s word stands firm forever. Isaiah 40:8 tells us the grass withers and the flowers fade, but the word of our God endures forever. While seasons come and go, God’s truth remains constant from one generation to the next. Jesus affirmed that heaven and earth may pass away but God’s word never will (Matthew 24:35). God’s word stood true at creation and will remain the infallible standard of truth forever. Unlike shifting human philosophies, the eternal word of God is “living and active” and perfectly accomplishes God’s purposes (Hebrews 4:12). It has the power to save souls, transform hearts and renew minds to align with heaven’s wisdom. We can trust Scripture because we know the unchanging God who inspired it reigns forever. So we should not be swayed by new interpretations that seek to evade the plain meaning of the text. God’s word remains eternally relevant. It provides wisdom to guide us through every age or circumstance of life. What confidence it brings to build our lives on the sure foundation of God’s unchanging word!
The Eternal Destiny of the Lost and Saved
For those who refuse to submit their lives to Jesus, Revelation 20:10 warns of eternity in the lake of fire. But for those whose names are written in the book of life, Revelation 21 promises the blessedness of eternity in the new heavens and new earth. Jesus urged us to live in light of eternity. Our choices on earth determine our eternal state before God. Those who reject Christ as Savior and King will perish eternally. But those who turn from sin and trust in Jesus will dwell with Him forever in the glory of the new creation. The redeemed will see God face to face and be made like Christ in holiness (1 John 3:2-3). There will be no more sin, suffering, death or tears – only the unending joy of eternal life in right relationship with God (Revelation 21:4). This old world is passing away, but those born again through Christ have an imperishable inheritance kept in heaven for them (1 Peter 1:3-5). Knowing the reality of eternity should change how we prioritize each day. Living for Christ and storing up eternal treasure matter more than the temporary things of this life.
God Will Wipe Away Every Tear
Revelation 21:4 promises the amazing hope that in eternity with Christ, God will wipe away every tear from our eyes. On this sin-cursed earth we all know deep pain, grief, fear, heartache and loss. But all the suffering of this life will be fully healed and reversed for those who know Christ. Our eternal God tenderly comforts us even now in our struggles, promising to one day utterly destroy evil, sin and death so that no sorrow can remain in His presence. What a blessed hope for those enduring hardship. The eternal God sees our tears and keeps them in His bottle (Psalm 56:8). He promises to make all things new for His children and transform even our pain into everlasting joy. The day is coming when His glory will be revealed and we will enter the eternal joy for which He created us. What patience and encouragement this brings as we walk with Christ in a fallen world!
Press on Toward the Prize of Eternity
Knowing what awaits all in Christ, Paul says in Philippians 3:13-14 that he forgets what lies behind and strains forward to what lies ahead. We all have regrets from the past, but eternity with Christ awaits! So like the apostle Paul, we can discipline ourselves to stay focused on pursuing the upward call of God until that Day. Life on earth is filled with distractions that can divert us from living with eternity in mind. But if we walk closely with Christ, He will continually reorient us toward the joy set before us in heaven. Our eternal destination gives us motivation to continue running the race of faith even through pain, disappointment, delay or persecution in this life. We can keep an eternal perspective because we know this world is not our home. We look forward to the city designed and built by God (Hebrews 11:10). May this hope propel us to live each day with eternity in mind!
The Day of Christ’s Return
Titus 2:13 calls us to wait eagerly for our blessed hope – the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ. All who have put their faith in Christ look forward to His promised return. On that day, we will see our Savior face to face and dwell with Him forever. Our perishable earthly bodies will be transformed into imperishable, immortal resurrection bodies (1 Corinthians 15:52-53). Death will be swallowed up in victory! What an incredible day that will be for those who eagerly await Christ’s return. It transforms how we live in the present. John tells us in 1 John 3:3 that those with the hope of seeing Jesus purify themselves as He is pure. Keeping our eyes fixed on eternity helps free us from sin that entangles us here on earth. As we wait eagerly for eternity with Christ, may we steer clear of worldly passions and live self-controlled, upright lives (Titus 2:12). Maranatha – come Lord Jesus!
The New Heavens and New Earth
Though this present earth will pass away, 2 Peter 3:13 promises that according to God’s promise, we await new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. All who are in Christ will dwell forever with Him in the new creation where there is no more curse of sin, only unending blessing (Revelation 22:3). What an incredible hope for all who follow Jesus! As Paul says in 2 Corinthians 4:16-18, the troubles of this life are light and momentary compared to the eternal glory that awaits us. Here on earth as Christians we groan inwardly, waiting eagerly for the redemption of our bodies and the fulfillment of our adoption as God’s children (Romans 8:23). Revelation 21:1-4 gives us a breathtaking preview of eternity in the new heavens and earth. We will live face-to-face with God, free from sin, suffering and death. May this unshakable hope move us to live holy and godly lives as we await the return of Christ (2 Peter 3:14). Our eternal destiny transforms our perspective on the hardships we face today.
We Have Eternal Life through Christ
The most fundamental truth the Bible teaches about eternity is that eternal life comes only through Jesus Christ. Jesus said in John 17:3 that eternal life is knowing the Father, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom He sent. No one comes to the Father except through the Son (John 14:6). It is only those who place their faith in Christ and experience spiritual rebirth who have eternal life dwelling in them even now (John 3:15-16, 36). The eternal life He gives is not something we earn, but rather it is the free gift of God’s grace received when we repent and believe (Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9). Jesus gives us living water that springs up to eternal life so we will never thirst again (John 4:14). Only He can satisfy the deep longing of our souls for purpose beyond this passing world. So we must build our lives on Christ, the only foundation that will remain beyond time. He holds eternity in His hands and He alone can secure our eternal destiny. Make the most of today by coming to the eternal Son of God in whom we have life without end!