Of GOD’s ETERNITY

1. What is the difference betwixt time and eternity?

Time hath a continual succession, the former time passeth away, and another succeeds; but eternity is an infinite immutable duration.

2. What is it for God to be [eternal]?

It is that perfection of his nature, whereby he continually exists, without all beginning, end, or succession of time.

3. How do you prove that God is without beginning?

From Psal. xc. 2. “Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting thou art God:” Psalm 90:2 that is, since thou didst exist before the mountains were brought forth, or before the beginning of time, thou art absolutely eternal.

4. How do you prove that God is without end?

From Psal. cii. 12, 27. “Thou, O Lord, shalt endure for ever,—and thy years shall have no end:” Psalm 102:12, 27 for that which had no beginning of duration, can never have an end of it, but must always necessarily exist.

5. How do you prove that he is without succession of time?

From Psal. xc. 4. “A thousand years are in thy sight but as yesterday, when it is past;” Psalm 90:4 and, 2 Pet. iii. 8. “One day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.” 2 Peter 3:8 He doth not only always remain in being, but is always the same in that being. Psalm 102:27

6. What is the difference betwixt God’s eternity, and the eternity of angels, and the souls of men?

God’s eternity is essential, absolute, and independent, without beginning, as well as without end; but the eternity of angels, and the souls of men, is quite of another nature; for, as they had a beginning, so their duration admits of a succession, as long as time lasts; and though they shall never have an end, yet this eternity of theirs, is not necessary and essential to their nature, but flows from the will and power of God; who, if he pleased, could bring them to an end, as well as he gave them a beginning.

7. What use should the wicked make of God’s eternity?

It should be matter of the greatest terror to them, while they continue in their wickedness; for, in this case, God will be their eternal foe, and will punish them with everlasting destruction.

8. What use should the godly, or believers in Christ, make of it?

They should improve it as matter of unspeakable comfort; because their God, being the eternal God, he will therefore be the strength of their heart, and their portion for ever.