Meaning of B.C. (Before Christ) and A.D. (Anno Domini)

The abbreviations B.C. and A.D. are used to denote specific time periods in relation to the birth of Jesus Christ.

B.C. stands for Before Christ and refers to the time before the birth of Jesus Christ. It’s used in historical dates to indicate years before Christ’s birth, for example, 600 B.C. means 600 years before the birth of Christ.
A.D. stands for Anno Domini, which is Latin for “In the Year of Our Lord.” It refers to the time after the birth of Jesus Christ. For example, 70 A.D. refers to the year 70 years after the birth of Christ, marking significant events such as the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem.

Some modern alternatives to these terms are:

B.C.E. (Before the Common Era), which is used as a secular or non-religious alternative to B.C., especially in academic or interfaith contexts. It corresponds to the same period as B.C., but the term avoids a direct reference to Christ.
C.E. (Common Era) is used instead of A.D. and represents the same period as A.D. This term also avoids any specific reference to Christ and simply marks the common era that is used globally today.

For example, the Book of Daniel may be referred to as having been written in 600 B.C. or 600 B.C.E., which indicates it was written 600 years before the birth of Christ. Similarly, the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem might be noted as occurring in 70 A.D. or 70 C.E., marking the year 70 after Christ’s birth.

It is important to note that when we refer to the present year, such as 2025, it does not mean 2025 years since the creation of the world, but rather 2025 years since the birth of Jesus Christ. The historical timeline before Christ’s birth covers many centuries, and the years are counted backward from His birth.

Theological Reflection:

In the Christian faith, the significance of these dates is rooted in the belief that Jesus Christ’s birth marked a pivotal moment in human history. Christians believe that Jesus is the Son of God who came to Earth to save humanity from sin and death, offering eternal life through His sacrifice on the cross.

The Bible emphasizes the importance of Jesus’ birth, death, and resurrection for salvation. For example, in the Gospel of John, Jesus states:

John 14:6 (NIV): “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’”

His birth is celebrated during Christmas, a time for Christians to reflect on the fulfillment of prophecies about the Messiah who would bring salvation to the world.

Are You Saved?

A key question for Christians is whether they have personally accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior. The Bible teaches that salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ:

Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV): “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”

As Christians, we believe that time as we know it is moving towards a culmination, when Jesus will return. This event is often referred to as the “Second Coming.” The Bible tells us that no one knows the exact time when Christ will return, but believers are encouraged to live in readiness and faith.

Matthew 24:42 (NIV): “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.”

The Bible also teaches that those who are ready will be “taken” to meet the Lord, in an event called the “Rapture,” often associated with the end times. Believers are called to live holy lives, looking forward to Christ’s return.

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 (NIV): “For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.”

Conclusion:

If you are not yet a believer, now is the time to consider making the decision to follow Christ. The Bible assures us that salvation is available to everyone who believes in Jesus Christ:

Romans 10:9-10 (NIV): “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.”

If you want to give your life to Christ and experience His love and salvation, a simple prayer of repentance and faith is the first step. I encourage you to take that step today.