John Mark McMillan - Future / Past Lyrics

Future / Past

Future / Past Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration

When John Mark McMillan released "Future / Past" on January 15, 2014, it arrived not just as a song, but as a deep theological rumination set to a powerful, evolving sonic landscape. There isn't a widely publicized dramatic story behind its creation in the narrative sense, but its meaning draws from the profound, ongoing story of faith itself – the journey from being defined by yesterday's failures to being liberated by the hope of tomorrow, all through the lens of God's eternal perspective and redemptive work. The song immediately dives into the tension of human experience: the weight of the past, the uncertainty of the future, and the longing for a present where these two forces can coexist under the banner of grace. It explores the liberating truth that in God's eyes, because of Christ, our past is covered and our future is secured.

The core message resonates with the beautiful paradox of God's relationship with time and humanity. The song seems to grapple with the feeling of being stuck in past regrets or anxieties about what's to come, a feeling deeply familiar to anyone who has lived long enough to accumulate mistakes or face looming unknowns. Yet, it contrasts this human temporal limitation with God's timeless nature. Scripture reminds us that God declares "the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done" (Isaiah 46:10). He exists outside our linear perception, seeing our entire story – past, present, and future – simultaneously. The song channels this truth, suggesting that in His gaze, our fractured timeline is made whole and holy. It speaks to the reality that through the cross, God has already dealt decisively with our past sins, removing them "as far as the east is from the west" (Psalm 103:12), effectively erasing the debt that held us captive (Colossians 2:14). This act doesn't just forgive the past; it fundamentally changes our future trajectory, offering not just hope *for* things to get better, but a guaranteed inheritance and a new identity (Ephesians 1:11-14, 2 Corinthians 5:17).

Musically, "Future / Past" builds deliberately, often starting with sparse, atmospheric textures that evoke a sense of introspection or perhaps the quiet weight of history. As the song progresses, layers are added – instrumentation becomes richer, more dynamic, mirroring the unveiling of God's expansive grace and the increasing assurance of His promises. The texture shifts from perhaps acknowledging the shadows of the past to embracing the light of a future secured by divine love. This isn't just background music; it's an active participant in conveying the theological weight and emotional release of the message. It captures the tension and the eventual peace found in surrendering our limited view of time to God's eternal perspective. The vocals carry a raw honesty that complements the deeply personal yet universally applicable theme of finding freedom from chronological burdens.

Ultimately, "Future / Past" serves as a powerful musical sermon, reminding us that our story is not defined by the sum of our previous days or the worries of those yet to come, but by the eternal work of Christ which spans all time. It encourages a perspective shift, urging us to see ourselves as God sees us – known fully, loved unconditionally, redeemed completely. It points us towards the promise of the new heavens and the new earth, where "the former things have passed away" and God is "making all things new" (Revelation 21:4-5). The song creates a space to acknowledge the reality of our human struggle with time while simultaneously calling us into the liberating truth of God's timeless grace, offering profound comfort and inspiring a posture of faith that rests in the finished work and the promised future.