The Eschaton III

THE LAST DAYS

The phrase "The Last Days" brings about a multitude of ideas for those who give it much thought. Many words are used to portray these thoughts. I've been using "eschaton," which is from the Greek and literally means simply "the end," or "the consumation." A more popular term may be "the apocalypse," which can have a variety of meanings or uses. Sometimes apocalypse is connected to the Biblical term "Armageddon" found in the Book of Revelation.

Eschatology is the term that is used for the doctrine of last things, or the study thereof. However the most commonly used term found in the New Testament is "the last days." The questions surrounding this term usually have to do with the "when" of this thing, whatever one wants to call it. Humanity seems to be more concerned with "when will these things take place?" as were Jesus' disciples. The disciples also wanted to know what the signs of the end would be. Of course if the world is going to come to an end, wouldn't it be nice to know that that was going to happen?

There are problems that arise when we focus on the signs of the times and the when of the "end of the world" will happen. That focus has led many to ignore the statement of Jesus, "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father" (Matthew 24:36). What a pity that so many have attempted to set the date of Christ's coming, often going to great means to prepare themselves. Such was the case of those Mennonites who made the Great Trek way back in 1880-1884. Or an advertisement in Charisma and Chistian Life magazine entitled, "88 Reasons Why the Rapture could take place in the 3-day period from September 11-13, 1988." And there were many more, none of which have been correct. No one knows! Mark it down.

Are we living in the last days? I can boldly say "yes." How do I know? Because the Bible tells me so. According to the Scripture the last days began when Jesus came the first time. "In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son" (Hebrews 1:1,2). Another passage in 1Peter 1:20 says it also: "He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake." One more passage will suffice. "But now he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself" (Hebrews 9:26b).

Is there then no "last days" as we humans think of it? Are there no indications that surely we are living near the end of the age, or the end of the world as we know it? I guess we just need to be reminded again that with God time is irrelevant, that with Him one day is like a thousand. We can pursue these thoughts in a later blog, and perhaps note some of the things the Scripture says concerning "signs of the times."

Should the parousia, or my death, take place before another blog is written, I will be Pilgrim at Home. If not I will remain

Pilgrim on the way