Both Scripture and science assert the beginning of the universe. The timeless mystery before the world’s creation is often described using the term eternity past. Speaking of “eternity past” is particularly common in theological contexts as a way to portray the eternal existence of God.

The expression eternity past is not explicitly found in Scripture, but closely related terms convey the same idea. For example, Paul proclaimed that God “chose us in him before the foundations of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him” (Ephesians 1:4, ESV). Peter also speaks of Jesus being “foreknown before the foundation of the world” (1 Peter 1:20, ESV). The “time” “before the foundation of the world” speaks of an eternity past.

What occurred in eternity past? We have few details, but certain passages offer clues. The eternal, Triune God existed in loving community of Father, Son, and Spirit (John 17:24). God’s complex plans and purpose were established before creation, likely accounting for all “risks” and possibilities (Isaiah 46:9–10; Psalm 33:11). Included in His plan was the sacrifice of the Lamb (Revelation 13:8). In eternity past, the sovereign God chose us in Christ while still allowing for free choices, including our decision to believe in Christ (see Romans 8:29–30). God also predestined in eternity past that everyone who believes in Christ will become like Jesus (Romans 8:29) and be rich in good works (Ephesians 2:10). Further, God’s kingdom was prepared in eternity past (Matthew 25:34).

Our finite, time-bound knowledge cannot fully grasp the relationship between an eternal existence and temporal living. For that reason, it is impossible to understand how the free choices we make in time fall within God’s sovereign plan in eternity past. However, in contemplating God’s preexistence in eternity past, we gain both humility and confidence in God’s sovereignty. There is no boasting in our achievements or identity in Christ because we know that salvation points back to God. He gets the glory for everything. Pride dies a natural death as we weigh the fact of God’s control over everything. Our confidence stems from the assurance that we will be conformed to Christ’s image and God will complete what He started. As Paul stated, “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6).

It’s also worth emphasizing that our Lord Jesus was present in eternity past. In the beginning, the Word was already there (John 1:1), a fact that affirms His deity. Contrary to what some sects and religions claim, the Son was not created. Instead, creation, redemption, and the restoration of all things are fulfilled through Him. No one who hopes in Christ will be put to shame.

Physical life here on earth ceases, but God has revealed a never-ending human existence beyond physical death. The term eternity future refers to life beyond the present world and the continuation of an infinitely long timeline.

God’s plans and purposes existed before creation, for He is eternal (see 1 Corinthians 2:7; Ephesians 3:11; 2 Timothy 1:9). The biblical worldview sees time transitioning into eternity. This long-range perspective challenges secular paradigms and forces a re-evaluation of personal values. There is more to existence than the here and now. In fact, our time spent in this world is infinitesimal compared to eternity future.

The concept of eternity future fits with God’s nature, as there is no eternity without an eternal Being. Several passages in Scripture reveal God to be eternal, such as Psalm 90:2: “Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.” Throughout eternity past and eternity future, God remains unchanged (Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13:8). The prophet Isaiah also extols God as “the everlasting God” (Isaiah 40:28). He is the eternal I AM (Exodus 3:14). God describes Himself as “the Alpha and the Omega . . . who is, and who was, and who is to come” (Revelation 1:8). In contemporary terms, God is a necessary, self-existent Being; He is the uncaused Cause.

Scripture promises that perfect goodness will prevail for God’s children in eternity future. The new earth will be ruled with ultimate justice; evil will be forever gone. “No longer will there be any curse” (Revelation 22:3). In eternity future, “‘there will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away” (Revelation 21:4).

Those whom the Lord has saved await an eternity future with joy: “The redeemed of the Lord will return And come to Zion with joyful shouting, And everlasting joy will be on their heads. They will obtain gladness and joy, And sorrow and sighing will flee away” (Isaiah 51:11, NASB). The hope of the redeemed robs death of its victory (1 Corinthians 15:55). The resurrection of Jesus Christ has shattered the fearful grip of death, ushering us into a new creation. In eternity future, our salvation will be complete. We will have new bodies free from all infirmities and removed from the presence of sin.

The blessings of eternity future are promised to those who are in Christ—those who, by faith in His death and resurrection have received forgiveness of sin and the gift of eternal life (John 1:12). For those who die without Christ, eternity future will look very different: “When the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels[,] he will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord” (2 Thessalonians 1:7–9).

Jesus taught the reality of eternity future and of two eternal destinies. At the end of the age, “the Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will weed out of his kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil. They will throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears, let them hear” (Matthew 13:41–43).