If and Is

By Shane Kastler

People live in an unknown world with an unknown future. But God doesn't live in this type of reality. For us, there is always a question of “if.” If I do this.....then that will happen. If I work hard, then I might get a promotion. If I exercise, then I might lose weight. If I drive fast, then I might get a speeding ticket.

Of course this also applies to spiritual matters. If I turn from my sin and trust in Christ, then I will be saved. If I spend time in Bible study and prayer, then I will grow in Christ. If I resist temptation, then I will not sin. Looking at life from our perspective, all we see is “ifs” – But God's perspective is different, because there isn't anything past, present, or future that God doesn't already know.

When God spoke to Moses through a burning bush, Moses asked Him what His name was. God simply referred to Himself as “I am.” (Exodus 3:14) This phrase is in the present tense, because God exists outside the corridors of time. He doesn't reflect on the past as we do, nor does He wonder about the future. All of time is a present reality to Him because He lives outside the realm of time. He lives in “eternity.”

Thinking of God in eternal terms is difficult for limited creatures like us to do. In our world, everything is based on time and the unknown. In God's world, nothing is. While this may be difficult to comprehend, it is nevertheless how God is and how we should view Him. We should not be surprised that He is above and beyond us. But we should be amazed at His sovereign power and believe in Him accordingly.

Do you know the God who calls Himself, “I am”? Do you know the God who always “is”? The only way to know God the Father is by trusting in God the Son, Jesus Christ. And when we trust in Christ, then God the Holy Spirit comes and lives inside us. God always “is” and God is Triune in nature. Which opens up a whole new aspect of mind-boggling, divine characteristics.

Your world is full of “ifs” – But God's world is full of “is.” And though you don't know what tomorrow holds, you can trust in Him today. If you come to Jesus in repentant faith, He promises to not cast you out. (John 6:37) And that's an “if” that you can take to the bank.