This study outlines the times of Jesus (as far as we know them) from eternity to eternity. First note John 21:25, "If all the things that Jesus did were written in detail, I suppose that the world could not contain the books which were written".

1. He was Before All Things

Jhn 1:1-2,14 Heb 1:8, cf Psa 45:6, 93:2
Jesus was God and was with God
Time: Infinite -- 'from everlasting'

The Son of God existed before he became flesh. He was not created like the angels, but has always existed like God.

2. The Week of Creation

Gen 1&2, Jhn 1:3, Col 1:15-17
Through Jesus the whole cosmos exists
Time: 7 days -- date of Creation is unknown

Jesus created everything that has ever been created. He did this along with his Father and the Holy Spirit.

3. The Times of the Prophets

Dan 9:9-10, 1Pe 1:10-11, 3:18-20
The Spirit of Christ was in the prophets
Time: Thousands of years -- Creation to Christ

Jesus preached to mankind through the prophets. For example, "He went and made proclamation ...during the construction of the ark", preaching through Noah to a world imprisoned in sin.

4. Born Into the World

Jhn 1:14, Heb 5:7-9, Php 2:6-8
Jesus lived as real flesh and blood
Time: 35 years -- Manger to the Cross, 5BC-AD30

The Son of God became "incarnate" (a flesh-and-blood human being) and "dwelt for awhile among us". He came to give the world light and life, and to die for the sins of the world.

5. In the World of the Dead

Acts 2:27, Eph 4:9
For a little while Jesus was in Hades
Time: 3 days -- April 7th, 8th, 9th, AD30

Jesus, after he had suffered and died on a cross, was buried. His soul went into hades. He remained in this state during three days.

6. Resurrected and Seen by Many

Acts 1:3, 1Co 15:6
Jesus arose and appeared to many
Time: 40 days Apr 9th to May 18th AD30

Jesus was resurrected from the dead, and remained in this world nearly six weeks. During this time Jesus continued to work miracles and to teach his disciples.

7. At the Right Hand of God

Acts 2:30-33, Heb 9:11,24
Jesus was taken up into heaven
Time: nearly 2000 years -- AD30 till now and continuing

Jesus ascended into heaven to the right hand of God, where he is the head of his church. He holds office as both our High Priest and King.

8. The Day of His Second Coming

Jhn 14:1-3, 1Th 4:16-17, 2Pe 3:8-12
Jesus will return to gather his disciples
Time: A future day -- End of world, date unknown

We await the second "advent" of Christ. On that Day, he will bring this world to an end and judge all mankind.

Eternity

2Pe 1:10-11, 3:13, Mtt 25:34, Rev 21 & 22
Christ's glorious kingdom in heaven
Time: Infinite -- 'to everlasting'

On the day that he comes, Jesus will gather up his faithful and escort them into the eternal heavenly kingdom he has prepared. They will remain there with him forever.


NOTE Regarding Times: The dates and times given in this chart are approximate. They are not very far wrong, but there is some uncertainty. There are three main calendars involved:

Because a year is not an exact whole number of days, man-made calendars and clocks do not keep in step with the natural times and seasons unless adjustments are made now and again.

In our days, scientists keep our calanders and clocks in step very accurately, adjusting our clocks by a mere second when necessary, and using the "leap year" (an extra day in February) to keep our calendar from ever getting more than a day out of kilter. This was not always true, however.

At some periods down through the centuries, the calendar got so out of alignment with the seasons that things like seedtime and harvest were seriously affected. When adjustments were made, they were sometimes gross, confused, and parochial.

The lack of uniformity in calendars used, and in the adjustments made to them, creates difficulties in establishing dates more accurately than a close approximation.

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