Brief Answer

BC stands for “Before Christ,” referring to the time before the birth of Jesus Christ. AD stands for “Anno Domini,” a Latin phrase meaning “In the Year of Our Lord,” signifying the years following Christ’s birth. Together, they form a dating system centered on the life and significance of Jesus Christ, highlighting His central role in human history.

Understanding BC and AD from a Biblical Perspective

The use of BC and AD as markers of time reflects the profound impact of Jesus Christ on history. The Bible presents Jesus as the fulcrum of God’s redemptive plan.

• BC (Before Christ): This represents the anticipation of the Messiah. Prophets like Isaiah and Micah foretold His coming, emphasizing the hope of salvation (Isaiah 7:14, Micah 5:2).
• AD (Anno Domini, “Year of Our Lord”): This period represents the fulfillment of God’s promises through Jesus’ birth, life, death, and resurrection (John 1:14, Galatians 4:4-5). Jesus’ arrival inaugurated a new covenant between God and humanity.

The division of time into BC and AD underscores the Christian belief that Jesus is the central figure in God’s plan for humanity. His life, death, and resurrection are not just religious events but pivotal moments that changed the trajectory of history.

Historical Context

The BC/AD system originated in the 6th century when Dionysius Exiguus, a Christian monk, proposed a calendar based on the birth of Christ. Before this, the Roman calendar dated events from the founding of Rome (ab urbe condita).

Dionysius aimed to reframe time around Jesus Christ, reflecting His significance. The BC/AD system spread through Europe and became widely adopted due to the influence of the Church.

Over time, secular terms like BCE (“Before Common Era”) and CE (“Common Era”) have been introduced. However, these still align with the framework established by BC and AD, showing the enduring influence of Jesus’ life.

Practical Implications

Understanding BC and AD provides a clear acknowledgment of Christ’s central role in shaping history. It reminds Christians of how Jesus’ life bridges the old covenant and the new. Practically:

• A marker of hope: The transition from BC to AD reflects the shift from awaiting the Messiah to celebrating His arrival.
• A call to faith: Jesus’ life calls all people to recognize Him as Savior and Lord, regardless of time or culture (Philippians 2:10-11).
• An opportunity to witness: The widespread use of BC and AD offers Christians a chance to explain the significance of Christ in history.

Theological Depth and Insight

Theologically, BC and AD highlight the centrality of Christ in God’s plan:

• Christ as Alpha and Omega: Revelation 22:13 describes Jesus as “the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.” He is the eternal anchor of time.
• God’s Sovereignty: The division of history into BC and AD illustrates that all time belongs to God (Psalm 90:2).
• The Incarnation: The transition from BC to AD marks the incarnation of Jesus—God taking on human form to dwell among us (John 1:14).

This dating system reflects the reality that Jesus is not just a historical figure but the pivot point of eternity.

Broader Biblical Themes

• God’s redemptive plan: From Genesis to Revelation, Scripture points to Jesus as the Redeemer. BC anticipates His coming, while AD celebrates His completed work.
• The fullness of time: Galatians 4:4 states, “But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son.” This verse emphasizes God’s perfect timing in history.
• Hope and restoration: Jesus’ life represents the hope of reconciliation and restoration for all creation (Romans 8:19-21).

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit works in both BC and AD contexts:

• In BC: The Spirit inspired prophets to foretell Jesus’ coming (Isaiah 61:1, 2 Peter 1:21).
• In AD: The Spirit continues to glorify Christ and guide believers into all truth (John 16:13-14).

Through the Holy Spirit, the significance of BC and AD becomes personal, leading believers to encounter the living Christ.

Relevance for Today’s Christian

Understanding BC and AD invites Christians to:

• Center life on Christ: Just as history revolves around Jesus, so should our lives.
• Live in gratitude: AD reminds us of the grace we now experience through Jesus’ work.
• Proclaim Christ boldly: The dating system provides a natural bridge to share the gospel with others.

Connection to Jesus Christ and God’s Love

The BC/AD division embodies God’s love, demonstrating His plan to save humanity through Jesus (John 3:16). It reflects His faithfulness across all generations and His desire for all to know Him.

Jesus stands at the center of time as the embodiment of God’s love, reconciling us to Him and giving us eternal hope.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How does the division of time into BC and AD deepen your understanding of Jesus’ significance in history?
2. In what ways can you use the BC/AD system as a starting point for sharing your faith?
3. How does recognizing Jesus as the pivot of history impact your view of God’s plan for humanity and for your own life?

The BC and AD dating system is more than a chronological framework—it’s a reminder of Christ’s unmatched importance, calling Christians to celebrate, reflect, and share the hope found in Him.