The Present

In the biblical context, the present is often seen as a time of decision, action, and faithfulness. Scripture emphasizes the importance of living righteously in the present moment, as it is the only time we truly possess. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, exhorts believers to "make the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil" (Ephesians 5:16). This highlights the urgency and significance of living wisely and purposefully in the present age.

The present is also a time of God's grace and salvation. In 2 Corinthians 6:2, Paul reminds the Corinthians, "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 underscores the immediacy of responding to God's call and the availability of His grace in the present moment.

Furthermore, the present is a period of spiritual growth and sanctification. Believers are encouraged to "work out your salvation with fear and trembling" (Philippians 2:12), indicating that the present is a time for active participation in the process of becoming more like Christ. The present life is a journey of faith, where believers are called to live in accordance with God's will, bearing the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).

The Future

The future, from a biblical perspective, is characterized by hope and the fulfillment of God's promises. Scripture assures believers of a future that is secure in Christ, filled with the anticipation of His return and the establishment of His eternal kingdom. In Jeremiah 29:11, God declares, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a future and a hope." This promise provides assurance that God's plans for His people are good and purposeful.

The New Testament further elaborates on the future hope of believers. In 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, Paul describes the return of Christ: "For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a loud command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will be the first to rise. After that, we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will always be with the Lord." This passage offers a vivid depiction of the future resurrection and the eternal union of believers with Christ.

The future also involves the final judgment and the restoration of all things. Revelation 21:1-4 paints a picture of the new heaven and new earth, where God will dwell with His people, and "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away." This vision of the future provides hope and encouragement for believers, assuring them of the ultimate victory over sin and death.

In light of the future, believers are called to live with an eternal perspective, setting their minds on things above (Colossians 3:2) and eagerly awaiting the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ (Titus 2:13). The future promises of God motivate believers to persevere in faith and to live lives that reflect the reality of the coming kingdom.