“Time is eternity begun.” — James Montgomery This quote by James Montgomery captures a profound philosophical idea about the nature of time and its connection to eternity. Montgomery suggests that time is not a separate entity from eternity but rather the beginning of it. It implies that our experiences in time—measured moments, hours, and years—are part of a larger, infinite continuum. From this perspective, eternity isn’t something that starts after time ends; it’s already in motion, with time being its earliest expression. If eternity is already in motion, then it has always existed like God himself. The quote can also be viewed through a spiritual lens, where the choices and actions we take in the finite framework of time ripple into the infinite realm of eternity. It emphasizes the unity between the temporal and the eternal, inviting us to reflect on the lasting significance of what we do within the constraints of time. Our studies of the Word of God should always be grounded in the Word of God. As in, “thus saith the Lord,” and not humanistic ideas alone. The Word of God should be the standard, if not the very foundation, through which we reason and think. James Montgomery was a Scottish-born poet, hymn writer, and editor with strong ties to the Moravian Church. Born in Irvine, Scotland, he was raised in the Moravian community after his parents, who were missionaries, passed away during their mission in the West Indies. Montgomery’s upbringing deeply influenced his humanitarian values, which are reflected in his writings. He became the editor of the Sheffield Iris, a newspaper that often supported radical causes, leading to his imprisonment twice for his outspoken views. Despite these challenges, Montgomery’s literary career flourished. He published numerous poems and hymns, many of which are still cherished today, such as “Angels from the Realms of Glory” and “Go to Dark Gethsemane.” His works often addressed social issues like the abolition of slavery and the plight of child laborers.
Time is Eternity Begun
Moravian missionaries were pioneers in global evangelism, beginning their work in 1732. They were part of the Moravian Church, which worked to spread Christianity to remote and underserved regions. These missionaries traveled extensively, reaching places like the Caribbean, Africa, and the Americas. Their efforts were marked by a commitment to living among the communities they served.
The Moravians were also known for their focus on education and translating texts into local languages. While some of their doctrinal positions are not supported by the Word of God, they have had a major impact on global missions, how missions are performed, and the spreading of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
The Webster’s 1828 Dictionary defines the concept of eternity quite well: ‘Duration or continuance without beginning or end.”
Brother Webster was quoted as saying: “We speak of eternal duration preceding the present time. God has existed from eternity. We also speak of endless or everlasting duration in future, and dating from present time or the present state of things. Some men doubt the eternity of future punishment, though they have less difficulty in admitting the eternity of future rewards.”
In our passages of Scripture, we will see that these verses capture the interplay of time and eternity beautifully:
- Ecclesiastes 3:11: “He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.”
This verse points to God’s divine, omnipresent, and pre-existent nature, as well as God being the all-powerful creator. The Scripture states that creation is His and no one can fully understand its majesty, start to finish, but Him.
- 2 Corinthians 4:18: “While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.”
Here we see the contrast between the temporary physical world and the eternal reality of the unseen one. Paul encourages a focus not on the temporary pleasures of the physical world that pass away, but on the nature of salvation and eternal life as promises of God that endure forever.
- Psalms 90:2: “Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.”
This Psalm points to the eternal nature and power of God. He is the I AM that I AM. He was, is, and will be the Almighty God.
- James 4:14: “Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.”
As one can see, we don’t know what tomorrow brings, our life is brief in comparison to God, and God knows all things, because God created all things. This should point the believer to a position of humility.
- Isaiah 57:15: “For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.”
God woos all people. He is with them of a broken heart, who humble themselves, He revives them and brings new life. This verse is a prophecy pointing to the Gospel itself, to the divinity and saving nature of Jesus Christ.
- Revelation 22:13: “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.”
Here we see Christ’s statement that He is God, that all things are in his hands, and that all power is His.
- Psalms 39:4-5: “LORD, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is; that I may know how frail I am. Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth; and mine age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity. Selah.”
God told us it is appointed that everyone will die, that our days are short, and that we are fragile creatures. He says this to tell us that our nature and status are nothing in comparison to God himself.
Our application to this quote and the Biblical wisdom that created it came to me in a recent social media post about a young boy named Nolan who had cancer.
“After hearing from her oncologist that the cancer was no longer treatable because he had become resistant to all the treatment options they had tried and that the plan would be to ‘keep him comfortable while he deteriorated rapidly, Ruth went to the room with him.
Nolan was sitting and watching YouTube videos on his tablet. I sat down with him and put my head against his and had the following conversation:
Me: It hurts to breathe, doesn’t it?
Nolan: Buuuuueno…Yes
Me: Are you in a lot of pain?
Nolan: (Looking down) Yes.
Me: This cancer issue sucks. You don’t have to fight anymore.
Nolan: I don’t have to fight harder (With happiness)? But I will do it for you, Mom!
Me: No! Is that what you’re doing? Do you fight for mom?
Nolan: Well…Yes.
Me: Nolan, what’s Mom’s job?
Nolan: Keep me safe (With a big smile)!
Me: Honey…I can’t do that here anymore. The only way I can keep you safe is in heaven (My heart shattered).
Nolan: So, I will go to heaven and play until you arrive! You’ll be coming, right?
Me: Absolutely! You can’t get rid of mom so easily!
Nolan: Thank you Mom! I will go play while you arrive!”
It was Ruth and Nolan’s last conversation. The hours following his death Ruth did not separate from him. They played, they watched more videos, they shot the bad men with toy guns, they smiled as many times as they could. Even an hour before he died they lay on the bed together and he told his mother how he wanted to be remembered…”of course as a policeman.”
At one point, Ruth went to the bathroom, when Nolan’s system returned it had collapsed, he had entered a deep sleep, but still, Nolan caught his breath for an instant to dedicate the last words to his mother: He opened his eyes, smiled, and said, ‘I love you mom.’ Then he turned his head, closed his eyes, and passed away while Ruth sang in his ear.
Nolan Scully died at the age of four in his mother’s arms, after a lengthy battle with cancer.”
On social media, a man above my comment said he had no words. I do as a father of three young kids. I do a born-again man. Life is short, while time with family is obviously important, where you go when your time is up is more important.
“Time begun” is your life, and once it’s over it determines your eternity. “Time begun” requires us to make choices. While scoffers point to the tragic death of children as an example of an unjust God, I say that men brought sin into the world, God sent His Son to die for it, to pay everyone’s debt. A Holy and Just God gave us reconciliation through the Blood of Jesus Christ. One merely needs to repent (change their mind from their own way to His way), ask for forgiveness, believing in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus to be saved.
Scoffers would say kids can’t do that. Read 2 Samuel 12:23, Isaiah 7:16, and Deuteronomy 1:39:
- 2 Samuel 12:23: “But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.”
- Isaiah 7:16: “For before the child shall know to refuse the evil, and choose the good, the land that thou abhorrest shall be forsaken of both her kings.”
- Deuteronomy 1:39: “Moreover your little ones, which ye said should be a prey, and your children, which in that day had no knowledge between good and evil, they shall go in thither, and unto them will I give it, and they shall possess it.”
They don’t have to; they are covered by divine grace, and theirs is the kingdom of heaven. It is apparent that children are not held accountable in the same manner as adults. Once a child is no longer a child and can discern good from evil, a choice must be made.
In this, we see that Jesus has it all covered, and every breath is a gift. Make sure you know where you are going to spend eternity. The burden of sin can be lifted from you, it can go from torturing you to giving you assurance. Assurance of salvation, of peace, and eternal life.
If time is eternity begun, where will you or those you love spend it?
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- Time is Eternity Begun: Why What You Do Matters Forever - April 21, 2025
- On Grace and Obedience: Obedience in the Shadow of Grace - February 8, 2025
- On Resisting God’s Grace with Key Bible Scriptures & Commentary - October 5, 2024
