PMW 2026-028 by Kenneth L. Gentry, Jr.
I am currently working on a book on the two ages of redemptive history. In this posting I will simply present the key passages demonstrating the two age presence in the New Testament. These verses will be presented in biblical order. I will highlight in bold font the English words translated from the Greek aion.
In my book I will provide full exegetical analysis of these (and other) texts which are misconstrued by hyper-preterists as they have created a new unorthodox — and still evolving and mutating — theological paradigm. I am hoping this book will change the minds of some who are being tempted by hyper-preterism. It would be hard to change the mind of an actual hyper-preterist, because they developed a new (and heretical) holistic worldview. But it can be done and we should pray to that end. Demons can be cast out!
But now what are some of the important texts under-girding the two age doctrine? As I list these, you will see how widespread the phenomenon is in the New Testament.
Two Age Texts in the Gospels
Matthew 12:32: “Whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man, it shall be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it shall not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the age to come.” Literally “the age to come” reads simply “the coming [one],” and does not expressly employ the relevant term though it obviously reflects back on it.
BEFORE JERUSALEM FELL
Doctoral dissertation defending a pre-AD 70 date for Revelation’s writing (459 pp; paperback). Thoroughly covers internal evidence from Revelation, external evidence from history, and objections to the early date by scholars.
For more study materials: https://www.kennethgentry.com/
Mark 10:29–30: “Jesus said, ‘Truly I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or farms, for My sake and for the gospel’s sake, but that he will receive a hundred times as much now in the present age [literally: “the present time,” kairo], houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and farms, along with persecutions; and in the age to come, eternal life.’”
Luke 16:8: “His master praised the unrighteous manager because he had acted shrewdly; for the sons of this age are more shrewd in relation to their own kind than the sons of light.”
Luke 18:29–30: “Truly I say to you, there is no one who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, who will not receive many times as much at this time [kairos] and in the age to come, eternal life.”
Luke 20:34–36: “The sons of this age marry and are given in marriage, but those who are considered worthy to attain to that age and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry nor are given in marriage; for they cannot even die anymore, because they are like angels, and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection’.”
Two Age Texts in the Epistles
Romans 12:1–2: “Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world [aion] but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.”
1 Corinthians 1:20: “Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?”
As It Is Written: The Genesis Account Literal or Literary?
Book by Ken Gentry
Presents the exegetical evidence for Six-day Creation and against the Framework Hypothesis. Strong presentation and rebuttal to the Framework Hypothesis, while demonstrating and defending the Six-day Creation interpretation.
See more study materials at: www.KennethGentry.com
1 Corinthians 2:6–8: “Yet we do speak wisdom among those who are mature; a wisdom, however, not of this age nor of the rulers of this age, who are passing away; but we speak God’s wisdom in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God predestined before the ages [ainon, pl. of aion] to our glory; the wisdom which none of the rulers of this age has understood; for if they had understood it they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.”
1 Corinthians 3:18–19: “Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you thinks that he is wise in this age, he must become foolish, so that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness before God. For it is written, ‘He is the one who catches the wise in their craftiness.’”
2 Corinthians 4:3–4: “And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, in whose case the god of this world [aion] has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the gospel.”
Galatians 1:3–4: “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins so that He might rescue us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father.”
Ephesians 1:21: “which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.”
Ephesians 2:1–2: “And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world [lit., “age (aion) of this world” (kosmos)], according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience.”
Blessed Is He Who Reads: A Primer on the Book of Revelation By Larry E. Ball
A basic survey of Revelation from an orthodox, evangelical, and Reformed preterist perspective. Ball understands John to be focusing on the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple in AD 70. Insightful. Easy to read.
For more Christian studies see: www.KennethGentry.com
1 Timothy 6:17: “Instruct those who are rich in this present world [aion] not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy.”
2 Timothy 4:9–10: “Make every effort to come to me soon; for Demas, having loved this present world [aion], has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica; Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia.”
Titus 2:11–13: “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus,”
Hebrews 6:4–6: “For in the case of those who have once been enlightened and have tasted of the heavenly gift and have been made partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away, it is impossible to renew them again to repentance, since they again crucify to themselves the Son of God and put Him to open shame.”
Two Age Texts Properly Understood by Hyper-preterists
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Conclusion
Being aware of the large presence of the two age texts should whet your appetite to see what is going on in the New Testament. The two age doctrine is fascinating and important for understanding God’s redemptive plan for history and his providence in carrying it out.
If you would like to support my research, I would invite you to make tax exempt donations through my website: https://goodbirthministries.com/
In fact, even if you would not like to support it, I urge to make a contribution under protest. (I am trying to cover all my bases here.)
GOODBIRTH AND THE TWO AGES
I am currently researching a technical study on the concept of the Two Ages in Scripture. This study is not only important for understanding the proper biblical concept of the structure of redemptive history. But it is also absolutely essential for fully grasping the significance of the Disciples’ questions in Matthew 24:3, which spark the Olivet Discourse. This book will be the forerunner to a fuller commentary on the Olivet Discourse in Matthew’s comprehensive presentation. This issue must be dealt with before one can seriously delve into the Discourse itself.
If you would like to support me in my research, I invite you to consider giving a tax-deductible contribution to my research and writing ministry: GoodBirth Ministries. Your help is much appreciated! https://www.paypal.com/donate/?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=4XXFLGKEQU48C&ssrt=1740411591428
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