God’s relationship to time is a complex theological issue that the Bible addresses in various ways. At the highest level, God exists outside of time as we know it. He is eternal, having no beginning or end. Yet God also interacts with human history and relates to time in meaningful ways. Some key biblical principles help frame an understanding of God and time.
God Created Time
The Bible teaches that God created time itself. Genesis 1:1 states, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” The act of creation marked the starting point for our experience of time. God brought the universe into existence, along with the dimensions of time and space that frame our reality (Genesis 1:1-5). As Creator, God stands outside the constraints of the time He made.
God’s eternal nature is described in 2 Peter 3:8 – “But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, 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 as we do. He can compress or expand time according to His purposes. The domain of time belongs to God as part of His creation.
God Enters Human History
Though God transcends time, He actively enters human history and relates to time. Much of the biblical narrative describes how God engages with people within time and space. For example, Genesis 3 depicts God walking in the Garden of Eden and interacting with Adam and Eve after their disobedience. In Exodus 3, God spoke to Moses from the burning bush to call him into service. In the Gospels, God became incarnate in Jesus Christ to dwell among us (John 1:14). These are all examples of God moving into our temporal world to accomplish His purposes.
The Bible presents God working out His sovereign plans progressively through history. Ephesians 1:10 speaks of God’s plan “for the fullness of time, to unite all things in [Christ].” God directed history towards this culmination in Christ. He relates to human timeframes even though He transcends them.
God Has Perfect Knowledge of Time
Though God exists outside of time, He has full knowledge of all events within time. Psalm 139:16 declares of God, “Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.” God sees and knows every moment of history – past, present, and future. Isaiah 46:10 says God can “declare the end from the beginning.”
God’s foreknowledge of the future is linked to His sovereignty over history. He works all things according to His purposes (Ephesians 1:11). From God’s eternal vantage point, He oversees the trajectory of time while allowing human freedom within it. We experience time sequentially while God sees it completely.
God Will End Time
Just as God created time, the Bible indicates He will bring it to an end. Christ will return to usher in “a new heaven and a new earth” which transcends time (Revelation 21:1). Eternity and timelessness will characterize the future state. God’s people will participate fully in the eternal life of God (1 John 5:11-12).
2 Peter 3:8 declares that with God, “a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.” Temporal measures lose meaning in view of eternity. God’s eternity and our future eternity in Christ will supersede the constraints of time.
God Works In and Through Time
The Incarnation is the supreme example of how God works in and through time. Christ entered human history for our redemption (Galatians 4:4-5). Jesus lived within the boundaries of time and space to accomplish our salvation. The Son of God limited Himself to time in order to save us.
God also works through time by hearing and answering prayer. We pray to God in time, and He responds and acts within history (James 5:16). God also fulfills His promises progressively in time. What He has assured us He will do, He works out step-by-step in history.
Time Is Valuable to God
Because God relates to time and works through it, time has meaning to Him. Ephesians 5:16 charges us to “make the best use of the time, because the days are evil.” Time is a resource God intends for us to use for His glory.
God cares deeply about how we spend our time. Our days on earth are an opportunity to know Him (Psalm 90:12) and carry out good works in His name (Ephesians 2:10). The time we have should motivate us to live wisely and diligently for God’s purposes.
God Gives Us Time
James 1:17 describes God as one who gives “every good gift and every perfect gift.” Time is among the good gifts He bestows. The hours, days, and years we have are an endowment from God. Moses prays in Psalm 90:12, “Teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.” Our time should lead us to wisdom in relating to God.
Because time comes from God, we must use it according to His priorities. Ephesians 5:15-16 exhorts believers to live wisely by “making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.” God expects us to maximize time for His glory and kingdom.
Time Is Limited
A key biblical theme is the limited nature of time. Our days on earth are transient (Psalm 144:4). James 4:14 depicts life as a “mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.” Time is a finite resource God grants to each person.
The limitation of time is meant to reshape our priorities towards eternity. Since time is not limitless, we must use it well in light of eternity (Psalm 90:10, 12). The constraint of time should turn our hearts towards God and His eternal purposes.
Time Will End
The Bible indicates a point is coming when time itself will end. Christ will return to initiate the end of the current world order (2 Peter 3:10). Eternity will supersede our earthly experience of time. God’s people will enter the new creation unbound from time’s constraints.
The end of time should motivate urgency in life. With time running out, we must prioritize pursuing God (1 Corinthians 7:29-31). The expiration date of history makes our current choices highly significant. How we spend time now has ongoing ramifications.
Conclusion
God’s relationship to time is complex and multifaceted. He transcends time as the eternal Creator while intersecting deeply with human history. Ultimately, God directs all things according to His sovereign purposes. Our limited time on earth is meant to draw us to Him. How we live today in light of eternity matters greatly.
