Eternity in Christian Thought: A Philosophical and Biblical Reflection

The Ladder of Divine Ascent is an important icon kept and exhibited at Saint Catherine's Monastery, Sinai, situated at the base of Mount Sinai in Egypt. The gold ground is typical of icons such as this, which was manufactured in the 12th century after a manuscript written by the 6th century monk John Climacus who based it on the biblical description of Jacob's ladder. It depicts the ascent to Heaven by monks, some of whom fall and are dragged away by black demons.

The concept of eternity (or eternality) stands as one of the most foundational ideas in both philosophy and Christian theology. It deals with the nature of existence beyond time—existence without beginning or end. In Christian doctrine, eternity is an essential attribute of God, revealing His transcendence, independence, and unchanging nature.

From ancient philosophical inquiries to profound biblical declarations, the eternal nature of God—and, in Christian belief, the eternal nature of Christ—is central to how the divine is understood. This article explores the idea of eternity in both philosophy and Scripture, with a focus on its significance within the Gospel of John.

Eternity in Philosophy

In classical philosophy, eternity refers to that which exists beyond time and space—something that is uncaused, unchanging, and independent of temporal conditions. Eternal beings are not subject to decay, transformation, or limitation. Philosophers such as Plato and Aristotle pondered eternal forms or causes, while later thinkers identified eternity as a defining characteristic of the divine.

Eternity is often contrasted with temporality: while created beings come into existence and eventually perish, the eternal exists timelessly—without beginning, without end, and without dependency.

Eternity in the Bible

In Christian theology, eternity is a key attribute of God. The Bible consistently presents God as existing outside of time, self-sufficient and unchanging. One of the earliest and most striking affirmations comes from the Old Testament, when God reveals Himself to Moses:

"I AM WHO I AM." — Exodus 3:14

This statement emphasizes God’s absolute being—He is not defined by time or created order. He simply is.

In the New Testament, particularly in the Gospel of John, the idea of eternity takes on even deeper dimensions. It is not only applied to the Father but also to the Word (Logos), understood by Christians to be Jesus Christ.

Eternity of the Word in John’s Gospel

The opening verses of John are among the most theologically rich in the entire Bible. They affirm the pre-existence and divinity of the Word:

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made..." — John 1:1–3

This passage asserts that the Word (Logos) was not created, but was already present in the beginning—a clear reference to eternity. Furthermore, the Word is not merely with God but is God. Christian theology interprets this as referring to Jesus Christ in His pre-incarnate, eternal state.

Jesus' Own Claims to Eternality

The Gospel of John continues to affirm Jesus’ eternal nature through His own words:

🔹 John 17:5

"And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began."Here, Jesus explicitly claims to have existed—and shared divine glory—with the Father before creation, emphasizing His eternal nature.

🔹 John 8:58

"Before Abraham was born, I AM."This is perhaps one of Jesus’ most provocative statements. By saying “I AM” (echoing Exodus 3:14), He not only predates Abraham—who lived centuries earlier—but identifies Himself with the eternal name of God.

🔹 John 10:30

"I and the Father are one."This statement emphasizes Jesus’ unity of essence with God. If the Father is eternal, and the Son is one with the Father, then the Son must likewise be eternal.

Theological Implications

The eternality of Christ is not a peripheral issue—it is central to Christian theology. If Jesus were not eternal, He could not be truly divine. And if He were not divine, the Christian understanding of salvation, incarnation, and resurrection would collapse.

Moreover, the eternal nature of Christ reveals that:

• He is not a created being.

• He transcends time, just as the Father does.

• His role in creation (John 1:3) affirms His existence before all things.

  
  

Conclusion

The idea of eternity bridges philosophy and theology, offering profound insight into the nature of God and of reality itself. In Christian belief, God is eternal—uncaused, unchanging, and beyond time. The Gospel of John not only affirms the eternity of God but boldly proclaims the eternity of Christ, presenting Him as the eternal Word made flesh.

By declaring “I AM,” Jesus echoes the voice of the eternal God of Exodus. By asking to be glorified with the glory He had before the world existed, He reveals His divine, pre-existent nature.

Thus, the doctrine of eternality is not merely a philosophical abstraction—it is a cornerstone of Christian faith, reminding believers that their God is not bound by time but is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end, the One who was, is, and is to come.

Written by Parsa Sajedi, a student of theology and seeker of truth