Introduction

The concept of God's control over time is a fundamental theme throughout the Bible, reflecting His sovereignty, omniscience, and omnipotence. Scripture consistently portrays God as the Creator and Sustainer of time, orchestrating the events of history according to His divine will and purpose. This entry explores the biblical basis for understanding God's control over time, highlighting key passages and theological insights.

Creation and the Beginning of Time

The Bible begins with the assertion of God's creation of time: "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth" (Genesis 1:1). This verse establishes God as the originator of time, marking the commencement of the temporal order. The creation narrative in Genesis 1 further emphasizes God's authority over time through the establishment of days and seasons, as He declares, "Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark seasons and days and years" (Genesis 1:14).

God's Eternal Nature

God's control over time is rooted in His eternal nature. Unlike His creation, God exists outside the constraints of time. Psalm 90:2 declares, "Before the mountains were born or You brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting You are God" . This eternal nature is further affirmed in Revelation 1:8, where God proclaims, "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End" . These passages underscore that God transcends time, having neither beginning nor end, and thus exercises sovereign control over it.

Providence and Sovereignty

God's control over time is intricately linked to His providence and sovereignty. The Bible teaches that God orchestrates the events of history according to His divine plan. Ecclesiastes 3:1 states, "To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven" . This verse highlights the ordered nature of God's governance over time, as He appoints specific times for every event and purpose.

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul affirms God's sovereign control over time in Acts 17:26, saying, "From one man He made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and He determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their lands" . This passage illustrates God's active role in determining the times and places of nations, further emphasizing His comprehensive control over temporal affairs.

Fulfillment of Prophecy

The fulfillment of prophecy is a testament to God's control over time. Throughout the Bible, God reveals future events with precision, demonstrating His authority over history. Isaiah 46:10 declares, "I declare the end from the beginning, and ancient times from what is still to come. I say, 'My purpose will stand, and all My good pleasure I will accomplish'" . This prophetic insight reveals God's ability to declare and bring about future events, underscoring His mastery over time.

The coming of Jesus Christ is a pivotal example of fulfilled prophecy, as Galatians 4:4 states, "But when the time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law" . This verse highlights the precise timing of Christ's incarnation, orchestrated by God according to His redemptive plan.

Eschatology and the End of Time

The Bible also addresses God's control over the end of time, as He brings history to its consummation. In Matthew 24:36, Jesus teaches, "But about that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father" . This statement affirms that the timing of the end is known only to God, reinforcing His sovereign control over the culmination of history.

The book of Revelation provides a vivid depiction of God's ultimate victory over time and history, as He establishes a new heaven and a new earth. Revelation 21:6 declares, "It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End" , reiterating God's eternal sovereignty and control over the entirety of time.

Conclusion

The biblical portrayal of God's control over time is a profound testament to His sovereignty, wisdom, and eternal nature. From creation to the fulfillment of prophecy and the ultimate consummation of history, Scripture affirms that God is the supreme ruler over time, orchestrating all events according to His divine purpose.