Topical Bible: Time: All Events of, Predetermined by God

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The concept of time and the predetermined nature of all events by God is a profound theme woven throughout the biblical narrative. This doctrine underscores the sovereignty of God over the universe and His ultimate authority over the unfolding of history. The Bible presents God as eternal, existing outside the constraints of time, and orchestrating the events of the world according to His divine will and purpose.

God's Sovereignty Over Time

The Bible affirms that God is the Creator of time and exists beyond its limitations. In Genesis 1:1, the opening verse of Scripture, it is declared, "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." This foundational statement establishes God as the initiator of time and history. Furthermore, Psalm 90:2 proclaims, "Before the mountains were born or You brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting You are God." This verse highlights God's eternal nature, emphasizing His existence before the creation of time.

Predestination and Divine Foreknowledge

The doctrine of predestination is central to understanding God's control over time and events. Ephesians 1:11 states, "In Him we were also chosen as God’s own, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything by the counsel of His will." This passage reveals that God has a predetermined plan for all things, and His will is executed flawlessly throughout history.

The concept of divine foreknowledge is closely related to predestination. Romans 8:29-30 explains, "For those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son... And those He predestined, He also called; those He called, He also justified; those He justified, He also glorified." This sequence illustrates God's intimate knowledge of future events and His active role in bringing about His purposes.

God's Control Over Historical Events

Scripture provides numerous examples of God's intervention in historical events, demonstrating His control over time. In the book of Daniel, God reveals to King Nebuchadnezzar through a dream that He is the one who "changes times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes them" (Daniel 2:21). This passage underscores God's authority over political and historical developments.

The account of Joseph in Genesis also exemplifies God's sovereign orchestration of events. Despite being sold into slavery by his brothers, Joseph later recognizes God's hand in his journey, saying, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives" (Genesis 50:20). This acknowledgment of divine purpose in human affairs highlights God's ability to use even adverse circumstances to fulfill His plans.

The Fulfillment of Prophecy

The fulfillment of prophecy is another testament to God's predetermined plan for time. Throughout the Old Testament, numerous prophecies point to the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. In Galatians 4:4, Paul writes, "But when the time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law." This verse indicates that the timing of Christ's incarnation was divinely appointed, fulfilling the prophecies and promises made by God.

Human Responsibility and Divine Sovereignty

While the Bible affirms God's sovereignty over time and events, it also upholds human responsibility. The tension between divine predestination and human free will is a mystery that Scripture acknowledges but does not fully explain. Proverbs 16:9 states, "A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps." This verse captures the balance between human agency and divine control, suggesting that while individuals make plans, it is ultimately God who directs the outcome.

Eternal Perspective

Believers are encouraged to adopt an eternal perspective, recognizing that God's timing is perfect and His purposes are beyond human comprehension. Ecclesiastes 3:11 declares, "He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end." This verse invites believers to trust in God's timing and His overarching plan for creation.

In summary, the Bible presents a view of time that is intricately linked to God's sovereignty and predetermined plan. From creation to the fulfillment of prophecy, Scripture reveals a God who is actively involved in the unfolding of history, guiding events according to His divine will and purpose.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 17:26
And has made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Use to be Made of the Doctrine of Providence.
... 4. As regards future events, Solomon easily reconciles human ... to provide for ourselves,
and arrange all our affairs. ... our life, has at the same time entrusted us ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 17 use to be.htm

"This Thing is from Me"
... and power have been conspicuous from the time when this ... also, dear friends, that
God is in events which are ... to believe without hesitation, God was in it all. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 42 1896/this thing is from me.htm

The Resurrection of Christ; his Last Interview with his Disciples ...
... again the kingdom to Israel?" Is the time now come ... were predetermined by God, as
they are all brought to ... he only knows the order and series of events; and that ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture i the resurrection of.htm

Book Eleven the Eternal Creator and the Creation in Time. ...
... Future events, therefore, are not yet. ... therefore, he is said "never to have made"
something"what is this but to say that it was made in no time at all? ...
/.../augustine/confessions and enchiridion/book eleven the eternal creator.htm

Allegation 3 "The Predestination of the Stoics, and the Fatalism ...
... which can not be resisted, and that events do not ... The latter, in all their desires,
sought for, and frequently ... will God already foresaw, at the time when He ...
/.../the works of james arminius vol 3/allegation 3 the predestination of.htm

Letter clxvi. (AD 415. )
... that he appoints to the succession of events in time ... in beauty and perfect in the
arrangement of all its parts ... man's life on earth continues for a time, which is ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter clxvi a d 415.htm

Absurdity of the Doctrine of the Transmigration of Souls.
... souls remember nothing whatever of the events which took ... she stayed during so long
a time, even throughout ... drunk, can obliterate the memory of all the deeds ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xxxiii absurdity of the doctrine.htm

Acts III
... commentators generally, that the last two events are contemplated ... extend its application
to those of all nations who should, at any period of time, turn from ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts iii.htm

The Doom of the Antichrist
... the earth will witness the most awful events ever chronicled ... her: yet a little while,
and the time of her ... The Antichrist is but the Lord's instrument after all. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/the doom of the antichrist.htm

Preface to the First Edition.
... give a full record of even the outward events in that ... the Jews, to Palestine, and
to that time, but - of which history has given the evidence - to all men and ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/preface to the first edition.htm