Divine Paradoxes: Resolving Seeming Contradictions in Christian Theology
Category 4: Eternality and Temporality Paradoxes
1. Introduction
The death of Christ on the cross is a historical event fixed in time—around AD 30 under Pontius Pilate. Yet Scripture reveals that Christ, the Lamb, was “slain from the foundation of the world” (Revelation 13:8). This paradox lies at the heart of Christian theology: Christ’s sacrifice is both a historical occurrence and an eternal reality. This tension invites reflection on God’s eternal plan of redemption, the timelessness of divine intention, and the temporal unfolding of salvation history.
2. Scriptural Foundations
2.1 Eternal Perspective
- Revelation 13:8 – “The Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.”
- 1 Peter 1:19–20 – “[Christ] was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you.”
- Ephesians 1:4 – “He hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world.”
2.2 Historical Crucifixion
- John 19:17–30 – Jesus is crucified outside Jerusalem.
- Acts 2:23 – “Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken…”
- Luke 23:33 – “There they crucified him…”
3. Theological Meaning
- The atonement was not an afterthought but eternally purposed,
- The plan of redemption was woven into the fabric of creation before time began,
- Time-bound events are expressions of God’s eternal decree.
4. Paradox Explained
| Eternal Decree | Temporal Fulfilment |
|---|---|
| Christ was slain in the mind and plan of God before time | Christ was crucified historically in the 1st century |
| Redemption predates creation | Salvation unfolds through history |
| God’s grace is rooted in eternity | God’s mercy is enacted in time |
5. Trinitarian Purpose in Eternity
- The Father: Planned redemption before creation,
- The Son: Volunteered to be the atoning sacrifice,
- The Spirit: Applies this eternal redemption within time (Hebrews 9:14).
6. Historical Theological Perspectives
6.1 Early Church
- Origen and Athanasius recognised the preexistence of the Son and His redemptive mission rooted in eternity.
- Gregory of Nazianzus: What is not assumed is not healed—hence Christ’s incarnation must touch real time.
6.2 Reformation Thought
- John Calvin: Christ’s sacrifice was foreordained as the centrepiece of God’s eternal covenant.
- Martin Luther: Christ’s cross is where time and eternity meet—our sin in time meets eternal mercy.
6.3 Modern Theology
- Karl Barth: The Lamb slain is at the heart of election—Christ is both the electing God and elected man.
- Jurgen Moltmann: The cross is not just an event but eternal love breaking into suffering history.
7. Doctrinal Implications
- Predestination and Grace: God’s plan for salvation includes foreknowledge and election in Christ,
- Immutability: God’s purposes are not reactive but eternally certain,
- Christocentric History: The crucifixion is not only central to history—it defines history.
8. Pastoral Applications
- Encourages believers that salvation is not precarious but eternally secure in God’s will,
- Provides confidence that Christ’s death was no accident,
- Reveals God’s love as eternal, not merely responsive or contingent.
9. Summary Table
| Aspect | Eternal View | Temporal View |
|---|---|---|
| Christ’s Sacrifice | Slain in the eternal counsel of God | Slain under Roman rule around AD 30 |
| Redemption | Planned before creation | Manifested in the fullness of time |
| Grace and Election | Rooted in eternity (Eph. 1:4) | Applied in time by the Spirit |
| Purpose of History | Christ-centred from the start | Culminates in cross and resurrection |
10. Conclusion
The paradox of the Lamb slain before the foundation of the world affirms that God’s saving purpose in Christ is eternal. While Christ died once for all in time, His sacrifice transcends time and space. This mystery assures believers that redemption was never plan B, but the eternal will of the Triune God. Christ’s cross stands at the centre of eternity and the pivot of history.
References
- The Holy Bible, King James Version (KJV)
- Calvin, J. Institutes of the Christian Religion
- Luther, M. Theology of the Cross
- Barth, K. Church Dogmatics II/2
- Moltmann, J. The Crucified God
- Origen, De Principiis
- Athanasius, On the Incarnation