Unlike the present and the past, both of which are set and we can know much about them, the future is uncertain and unknown. Indeed, there seems to be an infinite number of possible futures, though, certainly, there are far fewer probable futures. While we may have any number of plans for the future, we truly cannot know what will happen ten years from now, next month, or even tomorrow—if we get a tomorrow.
Even so, there are some things about the future that we do know, that are certain. We know that we will die—unless, of course, the Lord returns first—and it has been revealed that after death we will face judgement and go to everlasting happiness in heaven or everlasting suffering in hell. We only know these things because the eternal God has revealed them to us in the Scriptures and through His incarnate Son. Because these are the only future things of which we are certain, the resurrection dominates this fourth part of the “Time” issue.
We begin with a passage from Luke’s Gospel, wherein Christ admonishes us not to worry about the future, what we shall wear or what we shall eat. God holds us in the palm of His hand and cares for us as a father cares for his children. We should, therefore, concern ourselves with the duties of the present, with seeking the Kingdom of God, and He will take care of the rest. Next, we turn to the Imitation of Christ, where the author reflects on the fact that we will all die and so we should endure the trials of this life with an eye to eternity. We turn then to the Second Letter of Peter, which reminds us the Lord will return, though we do not know when, and we must always be prepared. Finally, we hear from Lady Wisdom in the Consolation of Philosophy, who explains what it means that God is eternal and how the human will remains free despite God’s foreknowledge.
In the next section, we turn to the New Jerusalem and the resurrection of the just. We hear from the book of Revelation the vision of John the Apostle, wherein the New Jerusalem descends from heaven as a bride adorned for her husband. We then turn to the commentary of Marius Victorinus, who describes the symbolism of various features of the city. Next, Irenaeus refutes some Gnostic interpretations of Isaiah’s prophecies by showing how they are fulfilled in the New Jerusalem. And, finally, Aphrahat the Persian tells us what it will be like for the just following the resurrection, when all will be well and there will be no more suffering. At that point, we will be at the end of time and the end of this issue.
In September, we will move on to a new topic: the Cross. If you have an idea for an article to be included in our next issue—or any future issue—please send it to me at info@tradmag.org. We are always looking for writers and interesting pieces even remotely related to the topic at hand. And, of course, we always welcome your support of prayers, or by sharing the articles and audios, or by paid subscriptions through our website or Substack.
As a reminder, in late July we will begin providing special recordings for our paid subscribers only; these will include ancient and modern sermons, as well as contemporary lectures. To gain access to these, just head to our website or Substack and sign up!
Now, let’s get back to the future!
Aaron P. Debusschere
Editor
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