Divine Paradoxes: Resolving Seeming Contradictions in Christian Theology
Category 4: Eternality and Temporality Paradoxes
1. Introduction
One of the most profound and wondrous paradoxes in Christian theology is the assertion that the eternal God stepped into time. The Incarnation is not merely a theological event—it is the invasion of eternity into human history, where the Word became flesh (John 1:14). This paradox presses the limits of human understanding: How can the Infinite be born in time? How can the Uncreated Creator become a part of His own creation?
2. Scriptural Foundations
2.1 The Eternal Nature of Christ
- John 1:1–3 – “In the beginning was the Word… and the Word was God.”
- Micah 5:2 – “Whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.”
- Hebrews 13:8 – “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and for ever.”
2.2 The Incarnation in Time
- John 1:14 – “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us.”
- Galatians 4:4 – “When the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman…”
- Philippians 2:6–7 – “Being in the form of God… made himself of no reputation.”
3. Theological Meaning
- The Son of God is eternal, co-equal and co-existent with the Father,
- In the Incarnation, He did not cease to be God, but added to Himself a human nature,
- He entered into temporal, historical human experience while retaining His eternal divine essence.
4. Paradox Explained
| Eternality of Christ | Historical Incarnation |
|---|---|
| Always existed (John 1:1) | Was born in time (Luke 2:7) |
| Unchanging in nature (Malachi 3:6) | Grew in wisdom and stature (Luke 2:52) |
| Outside of time (Revelation 1:8) | Lived within time and history (Acts 10:38) |
5. Purpose of the Eternal Entering Time
- To reveal God in human form (John 14:9),
- To accomplish redemption within human history (Romans 5:6),
- To bring eternal life to temporal beings (John 3:16).
6. Implications for Theology
- The Incarnation shows that time is not evil, but capable of bearing eternal purpose,
- Human history is redeemable because God has entered it,
- The eternal God has chosen to be immanently near in Christ.
7. Implications for Worship and Discipleship
- We worship a God who understands time-bound existence,
- Christ sanctifies time—our present moments can now carry eternal significance,
- Christian discipleship involves following the Eternal One in time and space, trusting that He is Lord over both.
8. Summary Table
| Attributes of Eternity | Manifestation in Time |
|---|---|
| Timelessness | Born in Bethlehem |
| All-knowing | Learned obedience through suffering (Heb. 5:8) |
| Omnipresence | Walked in Judea and Galilee |
| Immutable | Felt hunger, fatigue, and emotion |
9. Conclusion
The paradox of eternity entering human history reminds us that Christian faith is rooted in both time and transcendence. Jesus Christ is not a myth or abstract idea—He is eternal God in flesh, fully divine and fully human, who stepped into history to rescue humanity. This profound mystery is not a contradiction but a divine act of grace: the timeless One took on time, so that time-bound creatures might share in His eternity.
References
- The Holy Bible, King James Version (KJV)
- Athanasius. On the Incarnation
- Augustine. Sermons on the Liturgical Year
- Calvin, J. Commentary on John
- Barth, K. Church Dogmatics, Volume IV
- Torrance, T.F. Incarnation: The Person and Life of Christ