“Throughout the time of your sojourning…” (1 Pet. 1:17 NKJ).
One Biblical word for time is the Greek word used here in this verse, chronos (khron’-os). Chronicles, chronic, chronological, and chronometer are some of the English words which can be tracked back to this word. Chronos refers to time by the clock, time by duration, time that can be measured.
The Apostle Peter says that all believers in Christ are to pass the time (chronos) of their sojourn here in reverence. This reference points out the lapse of time involved between accepting the Lord into one’s life and the event of being ushered into His physical presence. Bible writers are telling us to spend that intervening time wisely, not carelessly.
In this case, chronos refers to a duration of time that has a definite starting point (the New Birth), a progress (our walk of faith), and a consummation (the Second Coming of Jesus). Time should never weigh heavy in the life of a Christian. Each tick of the clock brings us closer to the glorious realization of Christ physically appearing to us.
God eternal, dateless, and ageless introduced time only for our convenience. Chronos allows us to relate to the past historically, to interpret the present realistically, and to face the future confidently. Our heavenly Father originated time. He controls time. One day He will bring time (chronos) to an end and will usher us into eternal life.
That life has no clock, no calendar, and no schedule. But it does have meaning and purpose. The one outstanding feature of eternity is unceasing fellowship with our Lord. When our earthly sojourn is over, time will be swallowed up in eternity.
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Dick Mills was ordained at The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel in 1949. He and his wife Betty traveled as evangelists all over the United States, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, Europe, and Australia. Dick and Betty are now home in heaven.
In 1966 Dick and Betty became a part of the then-emerging Charismatic Renewal. Passing through all denominational barriers, Dick has had the opportunity to speak in thousands of churches of varied backgrounds all over the world.
He ministered within several Christian organizations, including the Full Gospel Business Men, Women's Aglow, Inter-church Renewal Catholic Pentecostals, mainline Charismatic groups, CBN and TBN television networks, and many other independent Christian TV stations.
Dick appeared on numerous radio talk shows, written several magazine articles, and spoke at many Bible conferences and universities. He served as an adjunct professor at six Schools of the Bible and Seminaries.
In addition, Dick authored and co-authored several books and tapes. Dick's ministry was characterized by the unique gifts God has blessed him with. His services informed, enlightened, and motivated people to a higher level of commitment to God.