This chart shows the three major ages or dispensations in biblical history — how God has interacted with humanity across time according to Scripture. It divides history into the Patriarchal Age, Mosaical (or Mosaic) Age, and Christian Age. Each age represents a distinct way God revealed His will to people and governed their relationship with Him.
1. Patriarchal Age — “God Spoke to the Fathers”
From Adam to Moses (about 2,511 years)
Scripture: Hebrews 1:1
- Who: Adam, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Job, and their descendants.
- How God communicated: Directly to heads of families (“patriarchs”).
- Worship: Family-based. No written law yet.
- Key traits:
- Family religion
- Animal sacrifices
- Family altars
- No written law, only spoken revelation from God
Summary:
God guided humanity through direct communication with chosen fathers or patriarchs. The covenant relationship was personal and family-centered. This continued until the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai under Moses.
2. Mosaical (Mosaic) Age — “Law Came by Moses”
From Moses to Christ (about 1,481 years)
Scripture: John 1:17
- Who: The nation of Israel.
- How God communicated: Through the Law of Moses, given on Mount Sinai.
- Purpose: To set Israel apart as God’s chosen people and reveal sin until the coming of Christ.
- Key traits:
- Jewish Age (limited to Israel)
- Animal sacrifices (Levitical system)
- Sabbath Day observed
- Passover feast celebrated
- The Law served as a “schoolmaster” or tutor (Galatians 3:24)
- Was eventually fulfilled and abolished through Christ (Colossians 2:14)
Summary:
God’s covenant shifted from individuals to a nation (Israel). The Law revealed God’s holiness and humanity’s sinfulness, showing mankind’s need for a Savior. This age ended when Jesus fulfilled the Law through His death and resurrection.
3. Christian Age — “Grace and Truth Came by Jesus Christ”
From 30 A.D. (Pentecost) until now
Scripture: John 1:17, Colossians 1:13, Acts 2:47
- Who: All humanity (Jews and Gentiles alike).
- How God communicates: Through Jesus Christ and the written New Testament.
- Key traits:
- The Gospel is preached (Romans 1:16)
- Entrance into the Church / the Kingdom through faith and baptism
- Observance of the Lord’s Supper (1 Corinthians 11:23–26)
- Worship and fellowship on the Lord’s Day (Sunday)
- Salvation through grace, not works of the Law
Summary:
This is the present age — the time of grace and the Church. The Mosaic covenant is complete, and Christ reigns as King. Believers live under the new covenant of grace, guided by the Holy Spirit and the teachings of the apostles.
In Simple Terms
| Age | Mediator | Audience | How God Revealed His Will | Main Practice | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Patriarchal | Adam, Noah, Abraham | Families | Directly to fathers | Family worship, altars, sacrifices | Creation to Moses |
| Mosaical | Moses | Israel | Written Law (Old Covenant) | Temple worship, sacrifices, Law | Sinai to Christ |
| Christian | Christ | All nations | Gospel (New Covenant) | Church, baptism, Lord’s Supper | From Pentecost to Christ’s return |