If there are different eons (or ages) referred to in Scripture, how many eons (or ages) are there? A detailed study would be a book in itself, and some of the information provided in Scripture is vague and has been interpreted in different ways. Some say there are five eons; others six.

As I do not wish to make this work speculative, I will lay out only those facts concerning the eons that are indisputable. I will not take a stand as to how many eons God has established, but will instead simply show you the individual eons that God clearly makes reference to.

The Bible refers to a time

Much more information is revealed concerning the current eon ... the age in which we live.

Two passages which make reference to the current eon are worthy of special attention.

In some cases our modern English translations have used the word course of this world.

This single passage makes reference to two different eons, making it very clear that there is this eon (in which we live) and there will be a forthcoming eon; .

When this current eon has concluded there will be another eon forthcoming.

1. This current eon

2. An eon to come

1. This current eon

2. An eon to come

3. Another eon to come after that

As to these

This frequently used phrase makes reference to at least two eons as compared with all of the other eons. It appears to make reference to the last two eons:

- One eon which begins when Christ returns to reign upon the earth for

1000 years (the

- The eon which follows, when the new heavens and earth are created, and

with Christ still reigning.

You can study the various occurrences of the phrase

An

Eonian times

Eonian life

Eonian salvation

Eonian redemption

Eonian covenant

Eonian allotment

Eonian kingdom

Eonian evangel

Eonian consolation

Eonian glory

Eonian God

Eonian fire/punishment

These phrases speak of things that may last for a single eon, for multiple eons, or for all of the eons. Each passage must be studied to determine which is the case. (Note: The Keyword Concordance which is included in the CLNT will enable the reader to study each reference containing the word

But once the eons have ended this does not mean that these things that are

In other cases, though, things that exist in the eons may end when the eons have concluded. The

Likewise, at the consummation when the final enemy (death) is abolished and when God becomes All in all, fulfilling His ultimate purpose, there will no longer be a need for the fire and punishment that had existed during the eons, for they will have fulfilled their purpose.

Jesus uses the phrase

of the eon.

So again we see that an eon is a period of time that has an ending.

Another phrase is used in Scripture;

the Firstfruit of those who are reposing.

through a Man, also, comes the resurrection of the dead.

thus also, in Christ, shall all be vivified.

the Firstfruit, Christ;

thereupon those who are Christ's in His presence;

thereafter the consummation,

For He must be reigning until He should be placing all His enemies

under His feet.

that God may be All in all.

of the untraceable riches of Christ to the nations,

as to what is the administration of the secret,

Who creates all,

to the sovereignties and the authorities among the celestials,

through the ecclesia,

in accord with the purpose of the eons

which He makes in Christ Jesus, our Lord ...

While I have not attempted to show how many specific eons are mentioned in Scripture, I have desired to show that there are distinct, separate eons (or ages) that are mentioned in God's Word. These

There was a time before these eons began. There will be a time when all of the eons will come to an end. We have seen at least three distinct eons referred to in God's Word.

These distinctions are lost in most modern English translations since there is no consistency in translation, and it is impossible to see the various eons that God speaks of. Our goal in this chapter has been to reveal these distinctions, so that we can see God systematically working to accomplish His purposes and His will through the eons, or ages.