In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:1
The Bible reveals the answers to these questions about time. Time began when God started creating our universe and everything in it. Did God already exist? Yes, the Bible indicates that before everything else, He was. The first chapter of Genesis provides a day by day account of the creation story. Many assume that since we measure time by the sun, moon, and stars that time actually started on day 4 when God created them. However, Genesis clearly points out on day one that there was light and darkness, and this created day and night, and the first “day” of creation was completed.
Then God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night, and let them be for signs and for seasons and for days and years. Gen. 1:14
Time was created or started at the very “beginning” (this word alone denotes that time is now being instituted) on day one. God provided the light in contrast to the darkness. He called this day and night, even though the sun had not yet been created. The bible also states in revelation 21:23 that there will not be a need for the sun as God will provide the light in the new heaven and new earth. The creation of the sun, moon, and stars on day 4 is simply a means to perpetuate the method by which time is measured.
And the angel which I saw stand upon the sea and upon the earth lifted up his hand to heaven, And sware by him that liveth for ever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, and the earth, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which are therein, that there should be time no longer. Revelation 10:5-6
So, is there a point in time when time itself will cease to exist? Yes, according to the Bible time will end and be no more. At the end of the age, after the Tribulation (Rev. 20), the Millennial Kingdom will begin. For 1000 years, Christ the Messiah will rule this Earth from Jerusalem. At the end of that time, Satan will be released from the pit and will gather together people to try and overthrow Christ one last time. Jesus will destroy Satan's followers with fire and then cast Satan himself into the Lake of Fire. After this is the Great White Throne of Judgement.
Night will no longer exist, and people will not need lamplight or sunlight, because the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign forever and ever. Rev. 22:5
Revelation chapters 21 and 22, the last 2 chapters in the New Testament, paint a picture of life after "time." The new heaven and the new earth will be present, and all will be made new. There is no mention of the sun, moon, or stars...only God. He will provide light, and there will be no more night. Time will cease and be no longer. The things which create time (rotation of the earth and revolution around the sun) will be no more. The mechanism by which we measure time (periods of light and dark/day and night) will cease and there will be no more night.
This can be a tough thing to understand, but it effects so much of what we try to understand about the difference between God in heaven and humans on earth. Time was created for our existence here on earth. Time does not apply to God or heavenly things. When God's plan is completed, there will be no more need for time. Time therefore does not apply to anything outside of the realm of earth's existence. Words in the Bible like "eternal," "everlasting," or "forever and ever" can now be understood in a more correct sense of their original meaning as intended. Not as "time unending, stretching on without end" but rather, a word or phrase that indicates something pertaining to God or His kingdom. This effects questions like: "How long is eternity?", "What is eternal flames or torment or punishment?", "When did the rebellion in heaven by Satan and his demons occur?", and "What happens when we die?".
There is an occasion for everything, and a time for every activity under heaven:
a time to give birth and a time to die;a time to plant and a time to uproot;a time to kill and a time to heal;a time to tear down and a time to build;a time to weep and a time to laugh;a time to mourn and a time to dance;a time to throw stones and a time to gather stones;a time to embrace and a time to avoid embracing;a time to search and a time to count as lost;a time to keep and a time to throw away;a time to tear and a time to sew;a time to be silent and a time to speak;a time to love and a time to hate;a time for war and a time for peace.
What does the worker gain from his struggles? I have seen the task that God has given people to keep them occupied. He has made everything appropriate in its time. He has also put eternity in their hearts, but man cannot discover the work God has done from beginning to end. I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice and enjoy the good life. It is also the gift of God whenever anyone eats, drinks, and enjoys all his efforts. I know that all God does will last forever; there is no adding to it or taking from it. God works so that people will be in awe of Him. Whatever is, has already been, and whatever will be, already is. God repeats what has passed. Ecclesiastes 3:1-15
