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Should we use BCE and CE or BC and AD?

Should we use BCE and CE or BC and AD?
Fall Apologetics

TL;DR:

BC/AD and BCE/CE mark the same point in history—the coming of Jesus—yet Scripture does not require Christians to use one system over the other. The labels may vary, but the truth does not: all of history ultimately centers on Christ.

what does the bible say?

The terms “Before the Common Era” (BCE) and “Common Era” (CE), along with “Before Christ” (BC) and “Anno Domini” (AD, Latin for “in the year of our Lord”), are used to divide history into two major periods. Scripture does not command Christians to use one set of labels over the other.

Historically, BC and AD were the original designations used to mark time before and after the birth of Jesus. Because these labels explicitly reference Christ, many secular scholars later adopted BCE and CE as religiously neutral alternatives. Despite the different wording, both systems refer to the same points in history.

Many Christian scholars continue to use BC and AD, though they may also use BCE and CE when engaging with academic or secular audiences. Since the Bible gives no command on this matter, the choice of terminology falls within the area of Christian liberty. Believers should avoid judging one another over such preferences, remembering Paul’s teaching about matters of conscience (Romans 14:1–12; 1 Corinthians 8:4–6; Colossians 2:16–23). Scripture also reminds us that while the message of the gospel must never change, our methods of communicating it may adapt to different audiences (1 Corinthians 8:7–13; 9:19–23; 10:23–29). Regardless of the labels we use, the Bible makes clear that all of history ultimately centers on Christ (Galatians 4:4).

from the old testament

  • BCE, CE, BC, and AD are not found in Scripture, but God has been moving history toward a specific point at which He would send His Messiah to save the world. The Old Testament pointed forward to that time by first promising a Redeemer (Genesis 3:15) who would be an eternal king (2 Samuel 7:12–16) and the Suffering Servant who would bear sin (Isaiah 53). That explains why it was so logical for historians to divide history around the Messiah.

from the new testament

  • Paul said that “when the fullness of time had come,” God sent His Son, Jesus (Galatians 4:4). That is, when the time was ready for God’s plan to be revealed, Jesus entered into history. From that moment on, humanity’s relationship to God changed because He had made salvation available to the world (John 3:16). Later historians realized the significance of that event and organized a dating system around Him.
  • For Christians, the difference in how to designate the time before and after Christ falls under the area of Christian conscience. On such matters where God has not given a command, Paul wrote that "Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind" (Romans 14:5) and that we're not to judge other believers for thinking differently (Romans 14:10-12). He presents a similar message to Corinthians and Colossian believers (1 Corinthians 8:4-6; Colossians 2:16-23). Neither designation of BC/AD or BCE/CE changes the fact that Jesus is the center of history.
  • Many Christian scholars continue to use BC/AD out of honor of Christ, but they may switch to BCE/CE when interacting with material written by secular scholars. This reflects the principle that we should not create unnecessary offense over matters Scripture does not command (1 Corinthians 8:7-13, 9:19-23, 10:23-29). The cross will certainly offend (Galatians 5:11), but we are to speak with outsiders in ways that don’t create unnecessary friction and would dissuade them from listening to the important message of Christ (1 Corinthians 9:19–23).

implications for today

"Pick your battles." That advice is wise in families, in the workplace, and on social media. It's also good advice for Christians. Whether to use BC/AD versus CE/BCE shouldn't be one of our battles. While BCE/CE is yet more evidence of Jesus being removed from academia, no one is saved nor condemned for using that phrase over BC/AD. As Christians, our focus is better placed on the main battle: explaining why people need a Savior and who that Savior is.

As we engage in that spiritual war, believers will face other decisions like this where the Bible doesn't command one way or another. We should never change the message, but our method can vary. Sometimes, that variation will include letting go of issues that are inconsequential to the truth. As the saying goes, we shouldn't burn down the house to get rid of a spider.

Regardless of whether we use BC/AD or CE/BCE, we should focus on what the designation points to: the time when the Savior arrived and it changed everything for all of human history.

understand

  • History moves according to God’s redemptive plan and centers on the coming of Christ.
  • The Bible does not prescribe a specific calendar label, making BC/AD and BCE/CE matters of Christian liberty.
  • The choice of terminology should be governed by wisdom, clarity, and a desire to honor Christ without creating unnecessary division.

reflect

  • What motivations inform your preference for BC/AD or BCE/CE, and how do they reflect your desire to honor Christ?
  • How can you speak about Christ’s central place in history even when using terminology that does not explicitly name Him?
  • In what ways might your approach to using BC/AD or BCE/CE either promote unity among believers or create avoidable tension?

engage

  • How does Scripture’s presentation of Christ as the fulfillment of history inform the way Christians think about dating systems?
  • How should believers navigate cultural or academic environments where BCE/CE terminology is standard while maintaining faithfulness to Christ?
  • How can believers speak of the terminology used to designate time to point people to Christ?

More Resources

Old Testament What are the LORD’s appointed times in Leviticus 23?

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Creation What is the biblical history of early humanity?

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