Topical Encyclopedia The MomentIn the biblical context, "the moment" often refers to a specific point in time that holds significant spiritual or prophetic importance. Scripture frequently emphasizes the importance of being prepared for pivotal moments, as they can have eternal consequences. 1. Divine Timing: The Bible underscores the importance of God's perfect timing. Ecclesiastes 3:1 states, "To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven." This verse highlights that every moment is orchestrated by God, and believers are called to trust in His timing. 2. The Moment of Salvation: The New Testament speaks of the moment of salvation as a critical point in a believer's life. In 2 Corinthians 6:2 , Paul writes, "For He says: 'In the time of favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.' Behold, now is the time of favor; now is the day of salvation!" This emphasizes the urgency and importance of responding to God's call without delay. 3. The Moment of Christ's Return: The return of Jesus Christ is described as an unexpected moment. Matthew 24:44 warns, "For this reason, you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour you do not expect." Believers are encouraged to live in a state of readiness, as the exact moment of His return is unknown. 4. Transformation in a Moment: The Apostle Paul describes the transformation of believers at the resurrection as occurring "in a moment." In 1 Corinthians 15:52 , he writes, "in an instant, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed." This moment signifies the culmination of God's redemptive plan for His people. Everlasting The concept of "everlasting" in the Bible refers to the eternal nature of God, His promises, and the life He offers to believers. It is a term that conveys the infinite and unchanging character of divine realities. 1. God's Everlasting Nature: The Bible affirms that God is eternal and unchanging. 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 verse emphasizes God's existence beyond time and His sovereignty over creation. 2. Everlasting Covenant: God's promises are described as everlasting. In Genesis 17:7 , God establishes an everlasting covenant with Abraham, saying, "I will establish My covenant as an everlasting covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you for the generations to come, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you." This covenant underscores God's faithfulness and commitment to His people. 3. Everlasting Life: The New Testament frequently speaks of the gift of everlasting life through faith in Jesus Christ. John 3:16 proclaims, "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." This promise of everlasting life is central to the Christian faith and offers hope beyond the temporal world. 4. Everlasting Kingdom: The Bible describes God's kingdom as everlasting. In Daniel 7:14 , it is written, "And to Him was given dominion, glory, and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and His kingdom is one that will never be destroyed." This prophecy points to the eternal reign of Christ and the ultimate fulfillment of God's plan. In summary, "the moment" and "everlasting" are interconnected themes in Scripture, highlighting the transient nature of human life and the eternal realities of God's kingdom. Believers are called to live with an awareness of both the significance of each moment and the promise of everlasting life through Jesus Christ. |