The concept of "The Coming Age" is a significant theme in Christian eschatology, referring to the future period when God's ultimate plan for humanity and creation will be fulfilled. This period is often associated with the return of Jesus Christ, the establishment of His kingdom, and the final judgment. The Coming Age is characterized by the restoration of all things, the defeat of evil, and the eternal reign of righteousness.

Biblical Foundation

The Coming Age is rooted in both the Old and New Testaments, where prophetic writings and teachings of Jesus and the apostles provide insight into this future era. In the Old Testament, the prophets spoke of a time when God would establish His kingdom and bring peace and justice to the earth. Isaiah 2:2-4 describes a future where nations will stream to the mountain of the Lord, and He will judge between the nations, turning swords into plowshares.

In the New Testament, Jesus frequently taught about the coming kingdom of God. In Matthew 24:30-31 , Jesus speaks of His return: "At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and all the tribes of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory. And He will send out His angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather His elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other."

Characteristics of The Coming Age

1. The Return of Christ: Central to the Coming Age is the second coming of Jesus Christ. This event is described in passages such as 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 , where Paul writes, "For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a loud command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will be the first to rise. After that, we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air."

2. The Establishment of God's Kingdom: The Coming Age will see the full realization of God's kingdom on earth. Revelation 11:15 proclaims, "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He will reign forever and ever."

3. Judgment and Restoration: The Coming Age includes the final judgment, where all people will be held accountable for their deeds. Revelation 20:12 states, "And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and there were open books. And one of them was the book of life. And the dead were judged according to their deeds, as recorded in the books." This period also involves the restoration of creation, as described in Romans 8:21 , where creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay.

4. Eternal Life and Fellowship with God: Believers look forward to eternal life in the presence of God. Revelation 21:3-4 offers a vision of this future: "And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying: 'Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away.'"

Theological Implications

The Coming Age holds profound theological implications for Christians. It affirms the hope of resurrection and eternal life, the ultimate triumph of good over evil, and the fulfillment of God's promises. It encourages believers to live in anticipation of Christ's return, fostering a sense of urgency in sharing the Gospel and living according to God's will. The Coming Age also provides comfort and assurance, reminding Christians that despite present sufferings, a glorious future awaits those who are in Christ.