What does the Bible mean when it refers to the end of the age?

Answer

The end of the age (“end of the world” in the KJV) refers to the conclusion of this current era and the beginning of the next dispensation. It signifies the period leading up to the second coming of the Son of Man as the Righteous Judge. The end of the age encompasses the rapture, the tribulation, the second coming, and the judgment of the nations, all of which contribute to the arrival of the age to come.

Jesus mentions “the end of the age” a few times in Matthew 13, while explaining the significance of certain parables. In the parable of the wheat and the tares, Jesus cautions about an impending judgment where “the weeds are pulled up and burned in the fire” “As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world.”, (Matthew 13:40). Jesus states that this will occur “at the end of the age” (verses 39–40). Later, Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to a dragnet that catches various fish. Subsequently, a separation takes place: “They sat down and collected the good fish in baskets, but threw the bad away. This is how it will be at the end of the age” (verses 48–49). In both parables, the end of the age is linked to a division, a separation, and a consuming fire (verses 40 and 50). Jesus employed the term “the end of the age” to allude to that future moment when the kingdom of God is established, true justice prevails, and the wicked are judged.

In Matthew 24, Jesus’ disciples approach Him with a query regarding the end of the age: “What will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” “And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?”, (Matthew 24:3). What fFollowing is the Olivet Discourse, Jesus’ summary of end times’ events as they pertain to Israel. The disciples understood the end of the age to signify “the final judgment that accompanies Jesus’ second coming.” The end of the age will bring a great calamity for those who persist in rejecting Christ. Judgment will come swiftly and decisively. For the children of God alive during that period, the end of the age will be a time of salvation and realized hope.

One “age” or era transitions to another. Jesus referred to both “this age” and “the age to come” «And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come. », (Matthew 12:32). The current age, the one we currently live in, is the age of grace, also known as the church age. In this period, all humanity is urged to repent of their sins and turn to Christ for salvation. This age has endured for 2,000 years because God “is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” «The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. », (2 Peter 3:9). However, this age will eventually conclude. At the end of the age (literally, the consummation of the age), the age of grace will reach its fulfillment, and a much more glorious age will commence. Until then, “now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation” «(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, And in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.) », (2 Corinthians 6:2).

-2″>(2 Corinthians 6:2)—Repentance should not be delayed.

Christians have the Lord’s promise that He will never forsake us in this world, no matter what happens: “Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” «teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.», (Matthew 28:20).