The concept of "Living in the Fulfillment of the Ages" is rooted in the understanding that believers in Christ are part of a divine timeline that has reached its culmination in the person and work of Jesus Christ. This idea is primarily drawn from the New Testament, where the apostolic writers articulate the belief that the coming of Christ marks the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan, which was set in motion from the foundation of the world.

Biblical Foundation

The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians, speaks directly to this concept: "These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come" (1 Corinthians 10:11). Here, Paul is referring to the events of the Old Testament as instructive for believers who now live in the era inaugurated by Christ's first coming. This era is characterized by the realization of God's promises and the anticipation of their ultimate consummation.

Christ as the Fulfillment

Central to this understanding is the belief that Jesus Christ embodies the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets. In Matthew 5:17, Jesus declares, "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them" . This fulfillment is not merely a completion of prophetic predictions but an embodiment of the divine purpose and plan. Christ's life, death, and resurrection are seen as the pivotal events that bring to fruition the covenantal promises made to Abraham, Moses, and David.

The Role of the Church

Living in the fulfillment of the ages also has profound implications for the Church, which is understood as the body of Christ on earth. The Church is called to live out the reality of the Kingdom of God, which has been inaugurated by Christ but awaits its full realization at His return. This is reflected in the Great Commission, where Jesus commands His followers to "go and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19), indicating the global scope of God's redemptive plan.

Eschatological Perspective

The fulfillment of the ages carries an eschatological dimension, as believers live in the "already but not yet" tension of the Kingdom. The writer of Hebrews captures this tension, stating, "But now He has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of Himself" (Hebrews 9:26). This appearance marks the decisive victory over sin and death, yet believers await the final consummation of this victory at Christ's second coming.

Practical Implications

For the believer, living in the fulfillment of the ages means embracing a life of faith, hope, and love. It involves recognizing the present reality of salvation and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, who empowers believers to live according to God's will. The Apostle Peter exhorts believers to "live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming" (2 Peter 3:11-12), highlighting the ethical and missional dimensions of this eschatological hope.

Conclusion

While the entry does not include a formal conclusion, it is evident that living in the fulfillment of the ages is a dynamic and transformative reality for believers. It calls for a life of active participation in God's redemptive mission, grounded in the assurance of Christ's completed work and the hope of His glorious return.