Bible Dictionaries
Past

Hastings' Dictionary of the New Testament

PAST.—‘Let the dead past bury its dead,’ is the unequivocal counsel we derive from the Lord’s reply to a lukewarm disciple (Matthew 8:22). In Christ no past is irretrievable; Divine forgiveness may blot out what men consider it impossible to forgive (Luke 18:27). Habit and custom may be burst asunder in a moment, like the rocky tomb that could not imprison the risen Lord. The motto of the Cliffords (Désormais) may recall a Christian truth of priceless value: ‘Henceforward’ sin no more (John 8:11). God gives a fresh start for Christ’s sake to each one who prays for forgiveness in the spirit of forgiveness (Matthew 6:14). The tyranny of the past led the Galilaeans to ask, ‘Is not this the carpenter?’ (Mark 6:3); but, as signally in the call of Levi, the disciple of Christ must be ready to throw aside the past altogether for His sake (Matthew 9:9).—There is a dead past to be forgotten and forgiven, for God is God of the living (Mark 12:27). And there is a living past to be remembered and commemorated. Thus all generations call her blessed who was the mother of the Lord (Luke 1:48). The loving gift of a forgiven woman who had been a sinner is still told for a memorial of her (Mark 14:9). Yet the Christian hope looks ever forward to the brightness of the coming day, when the shadows shall flee away.

W. B. Frankland.

Bibliography Information
Hastings, James. Entry for 'Past'. Hastings' Dictionary of the New Testament. https://www.studylight.org/​dictionaries/​eng/​hdn/​p/past.html. 1906-1918.