the two age model

The following are some key points regarding the two age model as proffered by Kim Riddlebarger.

Biblical Texts Which Speak of “This Age”

• Matthew 12:32 - There is no forgiveness for blasphemy against the Holy Spirit
• Matthew 24:3 - The end of the age will be preceded by signs
• Matthew 28:20 - Christ will be with us until the end of the age
• Luke 18:30 - There are material rewards given to us in this life
• Luke 20:34 - The people of this age marry and are given in marriage
• Mark 10:30 - The present age is an age of homes, fields, and families
• Romans 12:2 - We are not to be conformed to the pattern of this world (age)
• I Corinthians 1:20 - Philosophy is the wisdom of this age
• I Corinthians 2:6-8 - Wisdom and rulers are of this age
• II Corinthians 4:4 - Satan is the god of this age who has blinded the minds of men and women
• Galatians 1:4 - The present age is evil
• Ephesians 1:21 - Christ reigns in present age
• Ephesians 2:2 - The ways of this world (age) are evil
• I Timothy 6:17 - Those who are rich in this age, are not to hope in their wealth for the next
• Titus 2:12 - We are to live Godly lives in the present age

In every instance the qualities associated with “this age” are temporal in nature. These texts describe the
present course of history before the return of Christ and are things which pass away at his return.

Biblical Texts Which Speak of the “Age to Come”

• Matthew 12:32 - No forgiveness for blasphemy against the Holy Spirit
• Matthew 13:40 - The weeds will be thrown into the fire
• Mark 10:30 - Eternal life as a reward
• Luke 18:30 - Eternal life as a reward
• Luke 20:35 - No marriage or giving in marriage
• I Corinthians 6:9-10 - Evil doers will not inherit the kingdom of God
• I Corinthians 15:50 - Flesh and blood will not inherit the kingdom of God
• Galatians 5:21 - Those who live evil lives will not inherit the kingdom
• Ephesians 1:21 - Christ will reign in age to come
• Ephesians 5:5 - Immoral people will not inherit kingdom of God
• I Thessalonians 2:12 - We are encouraged to live lives worthy of the kingdom
• II Thessalonians 1:5 - Faith will count you worthy of the kingdom of God
• I Timothy 6:19 - The coming age has life that is truly life
• II Timothy 4:18 - The Lord will bring us to kingdom of God

In marked contrast to “this age” the qualities assigned to the age to come are all eternal (or non-temporal)
in nature. These references are clearly describing the future eschatological state of believers (and non-
believers if you factor in the references to judgment).

The Line of “Demarcation” Between the Two Ages

• Matthew 13:39 - The harvest is the end of the age, and the angels are the harvesters
• Matthew 13:40 - The weeds will be burned in the fire at the end of the age (judgment)
• Matthew 13:49 - The angels will separate the wicked from the righteous

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