I’ve noticed various opinions regarding the term “the last days” amongst Christian circles: The first group claims the last days are already upon us. These are the ones who seem to anticipate Jesus’ coming at any moment. And yet there is another group of Christians I’ve noticed who tend to roll their eyes at such assumptions, claiming that every generation of Christians has said the same. After all, the Bible warns us that in the last days there will be much suffering. This kind of destruction has continued throughout the centuries. So what does the Bible say about the last days, and how can we prepare for the second coming of Jesus?
Table of Contents
- What Are the Last Days?
- Bible Signs of the Last Days
- FAQs about the Last Days
- What Must Happen Before the Events of Revelation?
- What Apocalyptic Texts Can Best Prepare Us for the Last Days?
- How Must We Live in the In-between Times?
What Are the Last Days?
You may have heard those end-of-time predictions by Christians who have foretold a specific date and time in which Jesus is sure to return. This never fails to amuse me, especially since the Bible states we do not know the specific day or hour of His return (see Matthew 24:36). But is predicting Jesus’ second coming the same as claiming that we are living in the last days?
Not exactly. “The Last Days” doesn’t necessarily refer to a set amount of time; after all, God uses a different measurement for time than us humans. 2 Peter 3:8 says, “With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.”
We are, in fact, living in the last days. Each day draws us closer to the second arrival of our King.
Bible Signs of the Last Days
If we want to know whether or not we are living in the “end of times,” let’s become aware of the signs and warnings provided for us in Scripture. We can specifically take note of the condition that the world will be in at the time of His return, described in 2 Timothy 3:1-5:
“You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly.”
FAQs about the Last Days
What is the last day called in the Bible?
The Last Judgment, Final Judgment, Day of Reckoning, Day of Judgment, Judgment Day, Doomsday, Day of Resurrection, or The Day of the Lord.
What is the doctrine of the last days?
Eschatology is the doctrine of the last things. It refers to beliefs about the end of history, the resurrection of the dead, the Last Judgment, and the messianic era.
Where in the Bible are the Last Days mentioned?
In 2 Timothy 3, the Bible says that in the last days, perilous times will come.
What Must Happen Before the Events of Revelation?
In the last days, we know that…
- The Good News will be preached throughout the earth (Matthew 24:14).
- There will be wars and rumors of wars (Matthew 24:6).
- There will be false messiahs and false prophets (Matthew 24:23-24).
- The antichrist will appear (John 2:18).
What Apocalyptic Texts Can Best Prepare Us for the Last Days?
The Greek meaning of apocalypse is to uncover, reveal, or disclose. We can prepare by studying eschatology—focusing on apocalyptic texts in the Bible such as Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21. The book of Revelation also provides insight into the events to come.
How Must We Live in the In-between Times?
It’s vital that we study Scripture and apply its principles to our daily lives. Time is ticking, and Christ could return at any moment. We are to endure until the end because Matthew 24:13 says, "But the one who endures to the end will be saved."
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