Quick Answer
Divine eternity is the claim that God is not limited by temporal succession. Some philosophers interpret this as timelessness; others as existing through all time without beginning or end.
Key Takeaways
- ✦Timelessness and everlastingness differ.
- ✦The issue connects to foreknowledge and action.
- ✦Both views face difficulties about change and relation.
Question
Is eternity simply endless time?
Quick Answer
Not in the classical timeless view. There eternity means a mode of existence outside temporal sequence.
Debate
Timelessness can protect divine independence from change; everlastingness can make responsive action easier to understand. Neither view is free of puzzles.
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Archive references
Sources
- 01God and TimeBy Stanford Encyclopedia of PhilosophyConsult source
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Reviewed by ZHAIBIAN AI Editorial Review · 2026-08-23