From Time to Eternity - a spiritual journey!

The final chapter in the book on which I am currently working, is to be on the subject of eternity.  Now I have to agree that 'etenity' is not a word that is specific to the Christian faith (as are most of the words with which I am dealing), but it is certainly a word that applies to it.  I also have to confess that I have neither an academically scientific background, nor any relevant qualifications.  However, I have taken an interest in astronomy since a very early age and, over recent years, have taken an increasing interest in the world of quantum physics.

One to the concepts that fascinates me is the relationship between time and eternity.  This is something on which physicists have been working for years, but I have been looking at it from a Biblical perspective as well!
It is accepted by modern physicists that time, as we know it, has a beginning and an end.  It is, indeed, one of the four physical dimensions that make up the 'time-space continuum' in which we exist, and that is our common experience (the other three are, of course, length, breadth, and height/depth).

What I find to be fascinating is the contention of modern physicists that there are between ten and twelve dimensions in the known universe (and, as I have often pointed out, that adjective is of the utmost importance!), including another time dimension.  That other time dimension, according to Stephen Hawking, may be visualised as being at right angles to the linear time of our experience (past, present, and future), and touches it at all points!  When I first read that, I immediately thought to myself that, in theological terms, he was referring to eternity!

I touched on this a few posts ago (actually, Nov.30th!), with my analogy of a submarine in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.  And it's the closeness of the two dimensions that excites me.  It assures me that the One Who inhabits eternity is, indeed, able to touch my life in time; it encourages me that He hears every prayer (and every other word!) that I utter, and sees every action that I take; it reminds me that, as Paul informed the Athenians, "... He is not far from each one of us," (Acts 17:27; RSV).

Nowadays, as I sit at my personal devotions, I am increasingly conscious that I can reach out my hand, and almost 'touch' that which is, indeed, eternal; I am encouraged that, at the moment of my physical death (if the Rapture is delayed long enough!) it will be, quite literally, a case of "... absent from the body, and ... present with the Lord." (II Cor 5:8; KJV); I rejoice that, in the 'timelessnss' of eternity, I will 'arrive' simultaneously with the saints of every age!

These are mind-blowing thoughts - but I am convinced that, while there is much I do not, and may never, know, I am on the right track.  As I prepare for that chapter in the book, I may well return to the subject in the blog!  (and, don't forget, that the latest day's post(s) are now also on my trial website at http://thepreacherspage.moonfruit.com/).  Anyone who is more knowledgeable is welcome to correct me, or add to my own knowledge, via the comment facility!