Question:
Are we in the "last days?"
Answer:
There are lots of religious people who look to
natural disasters, wars and other events as signs the “last days” are
beginning. Unfortunately, this indicates a failure to understand that
the time period the Bible calls “the last days” has already begun.
The first chapter of Hebrews makes it clear that the “last days” began
in the time of Christ. Hebrews 1:1,2 says, “God, who at various times
and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets,
has in these last days spoken to us by His Son…”
The “last days” of mankind was that time period when God spoke to His
people through His Son. 1 Peter 1 offers further proof. “He indeed
was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in
these last times for you who through Him believe in God, who raised Him
from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in
God” (1:10,11).
These Scriptures, written in the first century, speak of the “last days”
in the present tense. They are no longer something we await, they are
here.
Peter, in his first sermon on Pentecost, drives this very point home to
the various nations gathered in Jerusalem. Acts 2:16,17 says, “But
this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: ‘And it shall come to pass
in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all
flesh…”
In the Old Testament, Joel spoke in the future tense about events that
would occur “in the last days.” Peter is saying “this is what was
spoken.” In other words, “this is what Joel was talking about, it’s
not future, it’s present!” The Old Testament prophecies referring to the
last age of mankind have begun and are in progress (Acts 3:18,24).
So, why is it many try to claim the “last days” are just beginning?
First, because they take passages out of context. The events of
Matthew 24:1-34 are limited by context to the “generation” living
in the time of Jesus (24:1-34). The passages in Acts 2:16,17 and Hebrews
1:1-4 are also clearly understood when read in context.
Second, many refuse to accept the reality of figurative language.
At times, Jesus and the writers of the Bible spoke and wrote
figuratively. In fact, the first verse of Revelation tells us the things
written were “signified.” In other words, the language is not
always literal, but symbolic or figurative. We must study to understand
the figurative expressions in Bible language.
Third, some teach error about the “last days” so they can claim
inspiration. Yet, those who were sent the Spirit and “guided into all
truth” were the apostles (John 16:13-15). The Bible warns us of
false teachers (2 Peter 2:1).
Jesus has “once at the end of the ages...appeared to put away sin by
the sacrifice of Himself” (Heb. 9:26). Let’s obey Him now before we
die or He comes back again (9:27,28)!
October 2005