The concept of eternity

Eternity can be a long, long time. Is that correct? The word "eternal" means "outside of time" as we know time.

Both secular science and the Bible agree that there was a beginning to time and that there will be an end to time.

The English word "eternal" comes from the Latin word "aeternus" ≈ "eternal" which comes from the Latin word "aevum" ≈ "age".

Some pastors will end a prayer with "for ever and ever, amen". The "and ever" refers to after the end of time, not just a very long time.

Both the Bible and current scientific thought (since the end of the 19th century) agree that there is a beginning to time and an end to time as we know it. The two viewpoints disagree on the time scale.

Modern secular view: Due to the 2nd law of thermodynamics, about 1900, it was recognized that there must be a beginning of time and an end of time.

More: The beginning and end of time

All the laws of physics work both ways - whether time goes forward or backwards. We only experience time going forward.

We can see/remember back and go/travel forward.
We cannot go/travel back or see/remember forward.

When one says that God is "eternal" it means that God is outside of time and space as we know it.

If one puts God inside of time and space, as do some religions, even some that call themselves Christian, then the question arises: Who created God? It is a simple logical argument (that can be tied to reality in a simple way) that life cannot arise by chance.

6,000 years is not enough time for life to happen by chance (e.g., macro evolution of information).
15,000,000,000 or 15 billion years is not enough time for life to happen by chance.
15,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 or 15 trillion-trillion years is not enough time for life to happen by chance.

There is not enough time and space and matter in the known universe for this to happen.

Thus, the only logical alternative is a creator who is outside of time and space. Since the creator cannot create himself (life does not arise by chance) then only alternative appears to be that the creator must be outside of time and space.

Any secular argument that life was planted here on earth by space aliens has the same logical dilemma. Who created the space aliens?

This logical line of reasoning results in an infinite regress for which there is no known or envisioned solution.

More: The viscous cycle of catch-22 situations

Einstein had insight into the true nature of time.
People like us, who believe in physics, know that the distinction between past, present, and future is only a stubbornly persistent illusion. Albert Einstein's (Physicist)

That is, the laws of physics are reversible.

More: Albert Einstein

The only observable physical phenomena with respect to time is that of an increase in entropy (or disorder) of a closed system over time. This is called the Second Law of Thermodynamics. The study of this is part of what is called "statistical physics" or "statistical mechanics".

Thermodynamics involves the study of heat and energy, often changes in heat and energy over time.

Due to the 2nd law of thermodynamics that states that the entropy (measure of disorder) of a closed system increases over time (that is how time is defined) change is inevitable, since the entropy is not constant.

The beginning and end of time
2021-08-30: The concept of eternity (this page)
2021-01-11: Do not be shy and embarrassed to turn away from entropy
2021-01-25: The actual potency and inner workings of energy
2021-01-25: Cherishing a heated discussion of enthalpy

More: Science and technology

2 Peter 1:4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. [kjv]

δι ων τα τιμια και μεγιστα ημιν επαγγελματα δεδωρηται ινα δια τουτων γενησθε θειας κοινωνοι φυσεως αποφυγοντες της εν τω κοσμω εν επιθυμια φθορας [gnt]

The English word "partakers" from the modern Greek word "κοινωνοί" (kee-no-NEE) ≈ "social" as in societal fellowship or community.

The term "Koine" Greek means the common or social Greek language. In the same manner "Vulgar" Latin is the common or social Latin language. And, in the same manner, in the time of Jesus, "Aramaic" was the common or social Hebrew language.

More: Going out of existence of corruption and decay

2 Peter 1:4

All

KJV: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

Greek: δι ων τα τιμια και μεγιστα ημιν και τιμια επαγγελματα δεδωρηται ινα δια τουτων γενησθε θειας κοινωνοι φυσεως αποφυγοντες της εν τω κοσμω εν επιθυμια φθορας

Latin: per quae maxima et pretiosa nobis promissa donavit ut per haec efficiamini divinae consortes naturae fugientes eius quae in mundo est concupiscentiae corruptionem

2 Peter 1:3

All

KJV: According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:

Greek: ως παντα ημιν της θειας δυναμεως αυτου τα προς ζωην και ευσεβειαν δεδωρημενης δια της επιγνωσεως του καλεσαντος ημας δια δοξης και αρετης

Latin: quomodo omnia nobis divinae virtutis suae quae ad vitam et pietatem donata est per cognitionem eius qui vocavit nos propria gloria et virtute

From the Greek, the "knowledge" here is a "deep knowledge".

Peter is writing to a Greek audience and the Greek word for "virtue" has a long history that would be familiar to his audience. Virtue here involves a decision to take the right and hard road that involves a lot of work and effort and not some high-minded philosophical mind-set. For more information, see the following: 1 Peter 2: The powerful goodness of virtue

2 Peter 1:4

All

KJV: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.