365betÓéÀÖ

The concept of Future in Christianity

The concept of the future is multifaceted across various belief systems. In Christianity, it represents the time ahead filled with hope, divine grace, and the anticipation of eternal life with Christ, despite life's transitory imperfections. It emphasizes preparation for upcoming spiritual realities and the fulfillment of prophecies. Similarly, in Indian perspectives, the future signifies a hopeful potential shaped by historical actions and aspirations for a harmonious society. Ultimately, the future remains an uncertain yet pivotal aspect, intertwined with faith and spiritual growth.1
gallery thumb

Synonyms: Prospect, Horizon, Fate, Destiny, Tomorrow, Coming years, Impending, Approaching, Potential, Coming

In Dutch: Toekomst; In Finnish: Tulevaisuus; In Spanish: Futuro; In German: Zukunft; In Malay: Masa depan; In Swedish: Framtida; In French: Avenir

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Christian concept of 'Future'

Christianity Books

Significance in Christianity (general):

From: Expositions of Holy Scripture

(1) This is a term referring to the time after earthly existence, suggesting a continuation of activity in a higher form, which is seen as brighter than the present.[1] (2) The future should fill our minds, as it did Paul's, that it is to be with Christ, and how different that nobly simple expectation, resolving all bliss into the one element, is from the morbid curiosity as to details.[2] (3) This concerns the afterlife, where the principles of reward and punishment based on how one has used their opportunities and talents come into play, according to the text.[3] (4) This is where Jesus speaks of, and He stands like one on a mountain top, looking down into the valleys beyond, and telling His comrades in the plain behind Him what He sees.[4] (5) This refers to the work of God, which Elijah was told to gaze into, when he was gone from the field, and that self-importance needs to be taken down.[5]

From: Bible cyclopedia, critical and expository

(1) The future restoration of Israel is referred to by Isaiah, and the feast of tabernacles will have its antitype in their restored possession.[6] (2) This can be used of the historic past, and the preterite of the prophetic future, indicating a unique approach to expressing time.[7]

From: A Cyclopedia of Biblical literature

(1) This indicates the time to come, and is related to the ambiguous meaning of a translated word.[8] (2) This is what the prophet foretells in the second chapter, which includes the future humiliation of the conquerors, who plundered so many nations.[9]

From: A Dictionary of the Bible (Hastings)

(1) This describes the time when the resurrection is a future objective fact in the progressive life of man, as the author emphasizes.[10]

From: Hymns for Christian Devotion

(1) The future is uncertain, filled with doubt and fear, indicating a time yet to come that is perceived with apprehension and uncertainty.[11]

Significance in Early Christian church and writers:
Early Christianity Books

From: Ante-nicene Fathers

(1) The soul foresees this, retains the past, comprehends the present, and embraces the knowledge of many subjects and arts, that it is immortal.[12] (2) The events yet to come, predicted by the prophets, which have been and are being fulfilled, demonstrating the accuracy of their pronouncements and their divine inspiration.[13] (3) This is the time yet to come, that believers should think of, in the text, and should be the focus of their faith and hope.[14] (4) The text states that if it shall not prove to be natural, it must no longer be believed to be eternal nor competent to Deity; because it cannot be eternal so long as, failing to be natural, it neither provides from the past nor guarantees for the future any means of perpetuating itself.[15] (5) The future is when you may enjoy the favor of God, to the intent that hereafter ye may be worthy to enter the court of the heavenly kingdom, so be careful.[16]

Early Christianity (also known as Early Church) refers to the period starting roughly in the 6th century BC up until 325 A.D. during which year the first council of Nicaea was convened. Popular literature includes the writings by the early Church Fathers which forms the basis of later Christian theology.

Significance in Global Christian community:
Catholic Church Books

From: Summa Theologica (English translation)

(1) This is a time that follows the present and the past, and thanksgivings regard the past, while the others regard the future.[17] (2) This is considered in the context of hope, and the text explores the conditions that are related to the future, in relation to the experience of hope, and its object.[18] (3) This does not actually exist, and therefore is not knowable in itself, and is not knowable to the separated soul because of the element of time.[19]

From: The city of God

(1) The future is expressed in the past tense to express a future event, and prophecy constantly speaks in this way, as explained within the text.[20] (2) The future is predicted with equal clearness as past events, according to the text, and the fulfillment of predictions is a basis for belief.[21]

The Catholic Church is a global Christian community with over a billion members, rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ. It is led by the Pope and emphasizes the sacraments, particularly the Eucharist. Catholicism is a denomination centered on the teachings thereof. It has a rich theological and cultural heritage.

Significance in Protestantism (Christian movement emphasizing faith and scripture):
Protestantism Books

From: The Existence and Attributes of God

(1) The concept of what lies ahead, which individuals cannot guarantee to experience, as they may pass away before its arrival.[22]

Protestantism (or simply the protestant church) is a major branch of Christianity originating from the Reformation in the 16th century, led by figures like Martin Luther. It emphasizes salvation by faith alone and the Bible as the ultimate authority. Variants of Protestantism include Lutheranism, Calvinism, Anglicanism, Methodism and Presbyterianism, each with unique practices but generally united by these core principles.

The concept of Future in local and regional sources

History Books

The keyphrase "Future" indicates a forthcoming event where the bishop of London will be consecrated by his synod, establishing a new precedent for the office, as reported by regional sources.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda

(1) The text mentions that the talk drifted to questions of the country and this, implying a discussion about what is to come.[23] (2) This is the time that religion permeates, as it permeates the whole of man's life, not only the past and the present, but also the future.[24] (3) This is the time ahead, and the workings of these two forces have been most marked in religion in the past, and will also, in all probability, be so in the future.[25] (4) This is something that is unknown to the senses, and the present signifies both past and future, and all three are only demarcations of time.[26] (5) The phrase refers to the future, and the text mentions that the speaker determined from the subconscious mind his future and his powers.[27]

From: Triveni Journal

(1) This is what Sri Dharmajyoti is dreaming of and taking the first practical steps to realize that dream, and the poets called up visions of this for India during the National Symposium.[28] (2) The future is a concept that Sitaratham is afraid of, and it is connected to her impending retirement and the financial uncertainty it brings.[29] (3) The future is what the Indian Constitution had to effect a synthesis between the events of the past and the aspirations of the future.[30] (4) Whatever that would happen later to the present 'MOMENT', which can range from a few days to billions of years ahead.[31] (5) A reference to time that is yet to come, characterized as distant and uncertain contrary to the clarity of the past.[32]

From: Bede's Ecclesiastical History of England

(1) The bishop of London would be consecrated by his own synod in the future, setting a precedent for the office.[33]