The big question - you approach it smoothly. I suggest the 4th dimension of time space is a reality in the material universe, but like all material things it is “passing “, moment by moment in the eternal Now where in we view only a tiny slice from our current location. Time is not linear and does not change except in our perceptions from a particular place.
I should not attempt to plunge into this wondrous reality in this way, so I stop.
Time space is real, in its proper context, just not as real as it seems.