THE END OF ALL THINGS The words, "the end of all things is at hand," provide a perspective of time itself. There is a grand conclusion toward which everything is moving, and we are obliged to live in view of that reality. -- Tomorrow:
"The end of all things is at hand; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer. Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without complaint. As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God" ( Peter 4:7-10, NASB)
For those with "spiritual understanding" (Col 1:9), there is no question about the times in which we are living, or how they are to be approached. The Spirit has affirmed we are in the closing period of time, reminding us that there is an appointed terminus that we are to keep in mind. We all do well to give heed to His words.
THE CLOSING ERA
From one point of view, time can be divided into three periods:
1. Before the giving of the Law (Adam to Moses). This age was inaugurated with the creation, and concluded with the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai. At the very first, the fall of humanity occurred, and men were ostracized from the presence of the Lord. It was a time when very little of God was known. Some few people were granted some personal knowledge of Him, including Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph. During this time humanity degenerated into deep immorality and spiritual ignorance. The impact of separation from God and the need for Divine intervention became apparent.
2. This was the time during which the Law was given as a covenant to Israel (The giving of the Law at Sinai to John the Baptist – Luke 16:16). In this age, the Lord worked with a special people – a nation that He Himself created. These were the posterity of Abraham, through the line of Isaac and Jacob. During this time God made Himself known to an extent not realized before. The emphasis was upon His character, as made known in the Ten Commandments. During this time, the corruption of fallen man was confirmed, as well as his deep need for a Savior. It became evident that man had no power to make himself acceptable to God.
3. The time during which the Lord Jesus is the prominent Person, and the Gospel of Christ is the prominent message (the exaltation of Jesus until His return in glory). During this age, a "new covenant" was given that is based upon Divine commitment rather than the works of men. That covenant was inaugurated following the exaltation of Jesus to the right hand of God. On the day of Pentecost the benefits of the covenant were announced, and the Holy Spirit was poured out in unprecedented measures. The covenant includes such remarkable provisions as reconciliation, remission, Divine fellowship, peace with God, an eternal inheritance, and much more. This period of time is referred to as "the last days."
The "day of salvation" BEGAN in a time God called "the last days." "And in THE LAST DAYS it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh . . . " (Acts 2:17, RSV). This began to take place on the day of Pentecost, as Peter declared. From the standpoint of provision and potential, the closing age would be the best of all, providing benefits never before realized.
The ministry of the Son of God is during the time called "last days:" " . . . in these LAST DAYS has spoken to us in His Son . . . " (Heb 1:2, NASB). Jesus is the Administrator of these "last days." They are the time of His government, which is devoted to "bringing many sons to glory" (Heb 2:10), and bringing all of His enemies into public and unquestioned submission (Heb 10:13). The Gospel of Christ is the preeminent word during these last days.
The time during which the Gospel is preached is called the "last times." "For He was foreknown before the foundation of the world, but has appeared in these last times for the sake of you . . . " (1 Pet 1:20, NASB). The message that is currently being declared from heaven is God's last word to humanity. It comes through Jesus directly, who dispenses it through those who are themselves reconciled to Him. It is a gracious word, declaring a provision for sin, access to God, and the hope of glory.
THE FINAL DAYS OF THE CLOSING ERA
These last days also contain a closing period of time. The final period is one of significant duration, and is one in which false prophets play a prominent role, having considerable influence. When spiritual deterioration is perceived, it is to be associated with "last days" – something like a final effort of Satan to drag the saints into perdition.
The times of apostasy, a departure from the faith, and spiritual coldness are identified with the "last days." "This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come." The extreme jeopardy of these times will not be physical peril, by corrupt religion, which maintains "a form of godliness, but denies the power thereof" (2 Tim 3:1-5)
Both Peter and Jude identify these "last days" as a time when "scoffers" and "mockers" will surface within the professed church. "Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts" (2 Pet 3:3). Jude, the brother of our Lord, identified the rise of "mockers" with "the last time." "They (the Apostles, v, 17) told you there should be mockers in the last time . . . " (Jude 18, NASB).
John the Beloved is pointed in his inspired assessment of the time. "Children, it is the last hour; and just as you heard that antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have arisen; from this we know that it is the last hour" (1 John 2:18, NASB). There will be a wicked crescendo of opposition to Christ, taking place within the "Christian" community. The Satanic initiative started before the close of the first century, and has increased in its intensity.
Thus we know from at least two perspectives that these are the "last days" – the final period of human history. First, it is the time when the Gospel is announcing a righteousness for men that comes from God through faith (Rom 1:16-17). Second, there is a marked increase of corruption, misrepresentation, and degeneracy within the church itself. "The end of all things is at hand!"
PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus, grant me grace to consistently avail myself of the blessings of the Gospel, and remain pure and undefiled.