Tuesday, January 8, 2013
"Chronos" is the word used to describe numerical, or chronological time. An email I received from a friend last week discussed how that in Greek mythology: "Chronos" is usually portrayed as an old, wise man with a long, gray beard, such as "Father Time". And some English words whose etymological root is chronos include chronology, chronometer, chronic, anachronism, synchronize, and chronicle.
"Chronos" is used in Scripture in places such as Galatians 4:4,5 - "But when the fullness of the time (chronos) had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons." This means that there was a specific time in human history in which God had planned to bring Christ into the world in order to redeem it. This is referring to physical time.
The other main Greek word for time in the New Testament is "kairos." This means, literally, "the right or opportune moment." It is a reference to metaphysical or divine time, and is qualitative, as opposed to quantitative. It is special in that it is not a physical time in human history, but rather a divine appointment. In other words, when this word is used, God is telling us to act, to receive, or move, because there is no longer any waiting period. It is a working of God.
"Kairos" is used in 2 Cor. 6:1-2, where Paul writes, "We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain. For He says: 'In an acceptable time (kairos) I have heard you, and in the day of salvation I have helped you.' Behold, now is the accepted time (kairos); behold, now is the day of salvation."
Paul's point by divine revelation is simple. God wants us to be saved right now. He is not talking about physical time. He is talking about the divine appointment that all must be saved. It is such a great appointment and opportunity, that there should be no delay. It is an absolute necessity for all people to be saved immediately!
So here lies the question - Are you saved, or are you still lingering in the "chronos", not accepting the "kairos"? Don't delay. Tomorrow will be too late.
"For when we were still without strength, in due time (kairos) Christ died for the ungodly." ~ Romans 5:6