What does "present evil age" mean in today's world context? A rescue mission in one verse “Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father” (Galatians 1:3-4). • Christ’s self-sacrifice is presented as a decisive, once-for-all deliverance. • The phrase “present evil age” identifies the entire fallen world system in which believers still live. • Paul emphasizes that this rescue was God’s will, highlighting both divine initiative and certainty. What Scripture means by “age” (aiōn) • Aion refers to a time-bound order or era governed by certain values, powers, and goals. • Scripture contrasts two ages: – The present age—marked by sin, decay, and Satan’s influence (2 Corinthians 4:4). – The age to come—characterized by Christ’s visible reign, righteousness, and restoration (Ephesians 1:21). • Salvation transfers believers from the dominion of the present age into the kingdom of God’s Son (Colossians 1:13). Why Paul labels it “evil” • The entire world lies “in the power of the evil one” (1 John 5:19). • Human culture, apart from God, is driven by “the desires of the flesh and of the mind” (Ephesians 2:1-3). • The age is opposed to the gospel, as seen in persecution, false teaching, and moral inversion (Isaiah 5:20; 2 Timothy 3:1-5). How the present evil age shows itself today • Secular humanism and relativism: truth treated as subjective, undermining biblical authority. • Materialism and consumer greed: defining identity by possessions rather than by Christ (Luke 12:15). • Sexual confusion and immorality: celebrating what God calls sin (Romans 1:24-27). • Culture of death: abortion, euthanasia, and violence normalized (Psalm 139:13-16). • Technological idolatry: trusting algorithms and data above divine wisdom (Proverbs 3:5-6). • Entertainment saturated with occult, blasphemy, and mockery of righteousness (Ephesians 5:11-12). Underlying spiritual powers • “The god of this age has blinded the minds of the unbelieving” (2 Corinthians 4:4). • Demonic schemes manipulate societal structures (Ephesians 6:12). • Satan seeks to imitate light, producing counterfeit spirituality (2 Corinthians 11:14-15). The believer’s current position • Already delivered: by faith we are “seated with Him in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 2:6). • Not yet removed: still living in the world, but not of it (John 17:15-16). • Called to non-conformity: “Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2). Living as rescued people • Guard the mind with Scripture, resisting cultural lies (Psalm 119:11). • Walk in the Spirit, not gratifying the flesh (Galatians 5:16-25). • Practice sacrificial love, shining as lights in a crooked generation (Philippians 2:15-16). • Invest in eternal priorities—evangelism, discipleship, generosity (Matthew 6:19-20). • Expect opposition, yet rejoice in sharing Christ’s sufferings (1 Peter 4:12-14). Looking ahead to the age to come • “The grace of God… trains us to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:11-13). • The present evil age will end at Christ’s return (Matthew 24:3, 14). • A new heaven and new earth will replace all corruption with righteousness (Revelation 21:1-5). |
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