We are creatures of time. It affects every moment of our lives. Yet when we study the Bible, our focus tends to be on principles and personalities rather than on how the events of redemptive history were perfectly timed by God. Since my own study of the Bible's timeline opened my eyes to some of God's biggest truths, my goal is to introduce as many people as possible to the rich experience of studying Scripture with a focus on God's timing.
Second Peter 3:8 states, "But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day" (NKJV). How accurate a statement it is isn't the question at the moment. What's important is this passage suggests that a day of time is much different for God than it is for us. The Creator's day is not equal to the creature's day. It is hard for me to comprehend how a day is like a thousand years and a thousand years are like a day, but that is how it appears to God.
The Almighty stands outside of time. He created time and operates within it when He chooses. God can move in and out of time as He desires. Wayne Grudem rightfully states, "It is evident throughout Scripture that God acts within time and acts differently at different points in time." (1)
The Bible records what God has done in the past and what He plans to do in the future to bring us to salvation. If we study Scripture well, we will discover a number of important things about how God operates. From the very beginning of human history, man has needed a Savior (see Genesis 3:15). Jesus Christ came the first time nearly 2,000 years ago, and we are waiting for Him to return to finish what He started.
The worldwide church needs to be awake when Jesus Christ returns. Believers dare not be like the disciples who fell asleep in the garden of Gethsemane, failing to pray and keep watch with Jesus (Matthew 26:36-46). If we are spiritually asleep when Jesus returns, we will miss one of the greatest moments in the history of the world. We must keep our lamps trimmed and burning.
It's crucial for us to pay attention to the Bible's timeline. The purpose of this book is to give you (the reader) important keys to help you better understand God's plan and His character, through studying the time frame of Scripture. It begins by putting a date on I Kings 6:1 and then methodically walking through the Word of God. The book of Revelation instructs us that an end to the time of grace and salvation will come, and that time is approaching quickly. We must use the precious time we have to reach the lost-those who have yet to receive Jesus Christ, the Son of God, as their personal Savior. He is the true Savior of the world.
Through my countless hours of study into God's timing I have become a different person. I fully know and trust that God will act when He is ready according to His timetable. He has taught me to be patient and endure difficult circumstances with a sense of hope and expectancy. I hope this book will do the same for you. May God open your eyes to the wonders of His perfect timing as you read on.