Infinite regression of time

[Guest]

The first event was God begetting his Son. Whatever happened next was the second event, and thus time began.

I'm sure you've mentioned this before but how does this jive with:

Isaiah 43:10 ...Before Me there was no God formed, Nor shall there be after Me.

How do you understand Jesus as God if he was formed by God?

[Guest]

What about the point that he makes that God "changes not". This meaning that God could exist in a timeless state before the creation because He isn't doing anything because He "does not change" (until the creation, that is).

You will notice that Dr. Craig is very careful not to affirm that God existed in any sense before the creation. This man understands that there is no "before". He understands that to make such a statement is logically inconsistent. What he asserts is that God exists (he uses the present tense not as temporal but for want of a better word) outside of creation. As I quoted, he asserts that God is causally but not temporally prior to the beginning of the universe. If He is not causally prior, how could anything have been created? I have never before encountered another person who stated this. By such a statement, Dr. Craig shows that he understands what it means for time to have begun, and where God fits into the picture.

The first event was God begetting his Son. Whatever happened next was the second event, and thus time began.

I'm sure you've mentioned this before but how does this jive with:

Isaiah 43:10 ...Before Me there was no God formed, Nor shall there be after Me.

How do you understand Jesus as God if he was formed by God?

I understand "before" and "after" in a temporal sense.

Jesus was not begotten either "before" or "after" the Father. There was no period of time, no matter how brief between the existence of the Father, and the begetting of the Son. Time didn't begin until the second event.

[Guest]

I must be honest, though, that such speculation makes my brain hurt. (TK)

Mine too. Even after three cups of coffee; though I suspect more coffee wouldn’t help

...I just REALLY believe in the Sovereignty and Transcendence of God, lol
Ok, done,
Rick

Same here.

This is how I imagine it:
Earth, hanging in space.
A ‘line of time’ intersecting it – with ‘day 1’ at one end, and ‘last day’ [Jesus returns], at the other end.
All around, radiating out into space/infinity/the unknown, is eternity. God, of course, is everywhere, and transcends everything. Inside our world and time line, and outside.

I am not claiming this is based on any particular knowledge! Just how it makes sense to me (in a very simplified way), and apply the following to myself –
1Co 13:12 For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall fully know even as I also am fully known.

It is interesting to hear all the different theories; clever scientists and other great thinkers always cause me to be even more in awe of God and His absolutely amazing creative power; and so utterly thankful that He happens to be a God of love –

1Jn 3:1 Behold what manner of love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God.