Topical Encyclopedia
The term "temporal" refers to that which is temporary or related to time, as opposed to the eternal or spiritual. In the context of the Bible, temporal matters often pertain to the physical world and the fleeting nature of earthly life and possessions. The Scriptures frequently contrast the temporal with the eternal, urging believers to focus on the latter.
Biblical Perspective on Temporal MattersThe Bible acknowledges the existence and necessity of temporal things but consistently emphasizes their transient nature. In
2 Corinthians 4:18, the Apostle Paul writes, "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal" . This verse highlights the Christian call to prioritize spiritual realities over material concerns.
Temporal vs. EternalThroughout Scripture, there is a clear distinction between the temporal and the eternal. Temporal things include wealth, possessions, and even life itself, all of which are subject to decay and loss. Jesus teaches in
Matthew 6:19-20, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal" . This passage encourages believers to invest in eternal treasures rather than temporal ones.
The Temporal Nature of LifeThe Bible often uses metaphors to describe the brevity of human life.
James 4:14 states, "You do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes" . This imagery serves as a reminder of the fleeting nature of life and the importance of living with an eternal perspective.
Temporal Suffering and Eternal GloryThe New Testament also addresses the relationship between temporal suffering and eternal glory. In
Romans 8:18, Paul declares, "I consider that our present sufferings are not comparable to the glory that will be revealed in us" . This verse reassures believers that any temporal hardships they endure are insignificant compared to the eternal joy and glory that await them.
Temporal Authority and Eternal KingdomWhile the Bible recognizes temporal authorities and governments, it ultimately points to the sovereignty of God's eternal kingdom. In
John 18:36, Jesus states, "My kingdom is not of this world" , indicating that His reign transcends earthly powers. Believers are called to respect temporal authorities (
Romans 13:1), yet their ultimate allegiance is to God's eternal kingdom.
Living with an Eternal PerspectiveThe Bible encourages believers to live with an eternal perspective, understanding that temporal things are fleeting.
Colossians 3:2 advises, "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things" . This mindset helps Christians navigate the challenges of life, keeping their focus on eternal truths and promises.
In summary, the concept of the temporal in the Bible serves as a reminder of the transient nature of earthly life and possessions. Believers are called to prioritize the eternal, living in a way that reflects the values and promises of God's everlasting kingdom.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) Pertaining to the present life, or this world; secular, as distinguished from sacred or eternal.
2. (a.) of or pertaining to the temple or temples; as, the temporal bone; a temporal artery.
3. (n.) Civil or political, as distinguished from ecclesiastical; as, temporal power; temporal courts.
4. (n.) Anything temporal or secular; a temporality; -- used chiefly in the plural.
Greek
4340. proskairos -- in season, ie temporary... Word Origin from pros and kairos Definition in season, ie temporary NASB Word Usage
passing (1),
temporal (1), temporary (2). temporary, for a season.
...1534. eita -- then, next, therefore (an adv. denoting sequence)
... 1534 (a primitive,temporal adverb communicating ) -- (in succession), ("". Word
Origin a prim. particle Definition then, next, therefore (an adv....
1204. deuro -- until now, come here!
... Phonetic Spelling: (dyoo'-ro) Short Definition: come, now, the present Definition:
(originally: hither, hence) (a) exclamatory: come, (b)temporal: now, the...
4559. sarkikos -- pertaining to the flesh, carnal
... carnal, fleshly. From sarx; pertaining to flesh, ie (by extension) bodily,temporal,
or (by implication) animal, unregenerate -- carnal, fleshly....
842. autarkes -- self-sufficient, sufficient
... fulness). This inward sufficiency is as valid in "low times" (suffering)
as in "high times" (temporal prosperity). See 841 (). 842...
2235. ede -- already
... all this waiting. 2235 (atemporal adverb) -- , , referring to what is
not yet present but () impacts the (= " now"). [2235 () is...
5332. pharmakeus -- sorcerer.
... weaving about the Christian life to use "powerful" religious formulas ("incantations")
that manipulate the Lord into granting moretemporal gifts (especially...
3146. mastigoo -- to scourge
... As in the Lord's dealing with Job, when we experiencetemporal suffering. Hence,
it always works for our as we live in faith (Ro 8:18-25,38)....
5333. pharmakos -- a poisoner, sorcerer, magician
... incantations" to drug people into living by their -- like having magical (supernatural)
powers to manipulate God into giving them moretemporal possessions....
Library
ForTemporal and Eternal Welfare.
... Prayer and the Christian Life. FORTEMPORAL AND ETERNAL WELFARE. O God,
my Father! thanks to Thee I bring with deep humility, That...
Whether Mission is Eternal, or OnlyTemporal?
... THE MISSION OF THE DIVINE PERSONS (EIGHT ARTICLES) Whether mission is eternal, or
onlytemporal? Objection 1: It would seem that mission can be eternal....
ThatTemporal Miseries are to be Borne Patiently after the Example...
... THE THIRD BOOK. ON INWARD CONSOLATION CHAPTER XVIII Thattemporal miseries are
to be borne patiently after the example of Christ. "My Son!...
Temporal Advantages.
... SERMON V.Temporal Advantages.... And moreover, thesetemporal advantages, as they are
considered, have a strong tendency to render us self-confident....
A Book for Boys and Girls Or,Temporal Things Spritualized.
... A Book for Boys and Girls Or,Temporal Things Spritualized. by John Bunyan,
Licensed and entered according to order. London: Printed...
TheTemporal Afflictions of Believers are not Correctly Termed "...
... ARTICLE IX Thetemporal afflictions of believers are not correctly termed
"CHASTISEMENTS," but are PUNISHMENTS for sins. For Christ...
Whether Man Ought to Ask God forTemporal Things when He Prays?
... OF PRAYER (SEVENTEEN ARTICLES) Whether man ought to ask God fortemporal
things when he prays? Objection 1: It would seem that man...
WhetherTemporal Goods Fall under Merit?
... OF MERIT (TEN ARTICLES) Whethertemporal goods fall under merit? Objection
1: It would seem thattemporal goods fall under merit....
WhetherTemporal Goods Can be Merited
... Article Ten WhetherTemporal Goods can be Merited. WhetherTemporal Goods can
be Merited... 1. It seems thattemporal goods can be merited....
WhetherTemporal Goods Should be Foregone on Account of Scandal?
... OF SCANDAL (EIGHT ARTICLES) Whethertemporal goods should be foregone on
account of scandal? Objection 1: It would seem thattemporal...
Thesaurus
Temporal (4 Occurrences)... 2. (a.) of or pertaining to the temple or temples; as, the
temporal bone; a
temporal artery. 3. (n.) Civil or political, as distinguished
...Eternity (23 Occurrences)
... 1. Contrast with Time: Eternity is best conceived, not in the merely negative form
of the non-temporal, or immeasurable time, but positively, as the mode of...
Bless (174 Occurrences)
... (1.) God blesses his people when he bestows on them some gifttemporal or spiritual
(Genesis 1:22; 24:35; Job 42:12; Psalm 45:2; 104:24, 35)....
Blessings (45 Occurrences)
... in to partnership with the Jews in their spiritual blessings, they in turn are under
an obligation to render sacred service to the Jews intemporal things....
Spiritual (42 Occurrences)
... 5. (a.) Not lay ortemporal; relating to sacred things; ecclesiastical; as, the
spiritual functions of the clergy; lords spiritual andtemporal; a spiritual...
Temporary (13 Occurrences)
Eternal (166 Occurrences)
... time, in the sense of age or generation; it also comes to denote all that exists
under time-conditions; and, finally, superimposed upon thetemporal is an...
Temples (17 Occurrences)
Languages (36 Occurrences)
... predominate and are usually connected by the conjunction "and." Subordinate sentences
are comparatively rare, but descriptive andtemporal clauses are not...
Nehelamite (4 Occurrences)
... predominate and are usually connected by the conjunction "and." Subordinate sentences
are comparatively rare, but descriptive andtemporal clauses are not...
Resources
What are indulgences and plenary indulgences and is the concept biblical? | GotQuestions.orgIf Jesus paid the price for our sin, why do we still suffer the consequences of our sin? | GotQuestions.orgDoes the Bible teach mortal and venial sin? | GotQuestions.orgTemporal: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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