Dictionary Home / A

Age to Come

theological_term theological_term standard

The future order of God’s kingdom brought in by Christ in its fullness. In the New Testament, it is contrasted with the present age and is associated with resurrection, judgment, and eternal life.

At a Glance

The coming era of God’s kingdom, contrasted with the present evil age.

Key Points

Description

The age to come refers to the future consummation of God’s redemptive purposes, when Christ’s reign will be openly and fully manifested. In the New Testament, it stands over against the present age and is associated with resurrection life, final judgment, the defeat of evil, and the complete enjoyment of kingdom blessings. Many evangelical interpreters note an already/not yet pattern: Christ has inaugurated the blessings of the coming age, but its fullness awaits his return. The term therefore names the final, perfected order of salvation and kingdom life promised by God.

Biblical Context

Jesus speaks of the age to come in contrast to the present age, especially in teaching about reward, eternal life, and the final state of the redeemed. The New Testament links it with resurrection, the world to come, and the surpassing authority of Christ.

Historical Context

Second Temple Jewish thought often distinguished the present age from the age to come, especially in apocalyptic expectation. The New Testament reorients that hope around the person and work of Jesus the Messiah.

Jewish and Ancient Context

Jewish literature of the period commonly expected a coming age of divine judgment, deliverance, and restoration. The New Testament shares that framework but grounds its certainty in Christ’s death, resurrection, ascension, and promised return.

Primary Key Texts

Secondary Key Texts

Original Language Note

The expression reflects the New Testament contrast between “this age” and “the age to come” (commonly expressed by Greek terms for age/age to come). The phrase is theological and contextual rather than a single technical formula.

Theological Significance

The term helps summarize the Bible’s movement from present conflict to final redemption. It affirms that history is moving toward Christ’s victorious return, resurrection, judgment, and the renewal of all things.

Philosophical Explanation

The phrase describes a future mode of existence that is qualitatively different from the present order. It is not merely a longer version of current life but a transformed state under God’s completed rule.

Interpretive Cautions

Do not reduce the age to come to the intermediate state, and do not collapse it entirely into present spiritual experience. Scripture presents both an inaugurated foretaste and a future consummation.

Major Views

Evangelicals generally agree that the age to come is future and consummated in Christ. They differ mainly on how strongly present believers participate in its powers now and how that relates to millennial and kingdom expectations.

Doctrinal Boundaries

This entry should be read within orthodox eschatology. It does not require a specific millennium view, but it does require belief in Christ’s bodily return, resurrection, judgment, and the final renewal of God’s people and creation.

Practical Significance

The age to come gives Christians hope, endurance, and moral seriousness. It encourages holy living, perseverance in suffering, and confidence that present trials are not final.

Related Entries

See Also

Data

Machine-readable JSON for Age to Come

↑ Top