CR News

Is There Time in Heaven?

A reader submitted the question, "Is there time in heaven?" along with the cry of the mighty angel in Revelation 10:6 that "there should be time no longer." "Heaven" here refers to what we call the intermediate state (the third heavens, where believers go at death until Christ’s return) and the eternal state (the new heavens and the new earth inherited by the elect after the final judgment).

Here are three reasons why there is and will be time in heaven. 1) Heaven has a history. Created on the first day (Gen. 1:1), it was the scene for the first fall: Satan’s proud rebellion taking some third of the angels with him (Rev. 12:3-4). Its first human inhabitant was the first martyr, Abel, who has now been joined by millions of saints. The ascended Christ assumed the throne of heaven almost 2,000 years ago, whereupon Satan and his host were cast out (7-10). This intermediate state will end at the last day when it will be swallowed up in the new heavens and the new earth. 2) God will be glorified, Christ will rule and we will abide and reign with Him forever and ever—and these blessed activities require time (I John 2:17Rev. 5:11-14; 22:5). 3) Most basically, as creatures we can only exist, whether in heaven or on earth, in time, even when we will be glorified in the new world.

Thus the difference between the world in which we now live and the intermediate or eternal states is not that the latter are without time, but rather that in heaven time is always filled with complete joy and peace. In this fallen world, our time is often marred with boredom or futile labour (Ecc. 1:2-3), for we are unable to love and obey God as we ought. Time in this world is marked by suffering, crying, sin, guilt and death. But the new heavenly order is characterized by perfect blessedness forever, for we and the creation will be renewed and filled with the glory of God. We will be supremely happy as God’s children and image-bearers and our time will always be rich and satisfying in our sinless service.

What then of the oath that "there should be time no longer" (Rev. 10:6)? Here, in the interlude after the sixth trumpet, the strong angel declares that there will be no more time or delay for the mystery of God is about to be finished (7). Thus the angel stands astride sea and land, clothed with a cloud and a rainbow upon His head (1-2), for the world in its present form will end. God will keep His covenant with creation and transform it. The afflicted and persecuted church is comforted by this word that the end of her sufferings is approaching and that the crucified and victorious Lord is coming quickly.

Rate this item
(0 votes)

Additional Info

  • Volume: 11
  • Issue: 4
Stewart, Angus

Rev. Angust Stewart (Wife: Mary)

Ordained - 2001

Pastorates: Covenant Protestant Reformed Church of Ballymena, Northern Ireland - 2001

Website: www.cprf.co.uk/

Contact Details

  • Address
    7 Lislunnan Road
  • City
    Ballymena
  • State or Province
    Co.Antrim
  • Zip Code
    BT42 3NR
  • Country
    Ireland
  • Telephone
    (01144) 28 25 891851

Leave a comment

back to top

Contact Details

Denomination

  • This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • Reading Sermon Library
  • Taped Sermon Library

Synodical Officers

  • This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (Interim)
  • This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Synodical Committees

  • This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 
  • This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Contact/Missions

  • This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Classical Officers

Classis East
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Classis West
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.