Living in the Last Days

 “Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.” (I John 2:18)

The final human penman of the New Testament is writing to the saints dispersed throughout Asia Minor. Note that within the text, John calls attention to the season in which he is living, “it is the last time.” John is making reference to a season in which the contents of the times is indicative of the day preceding the Lord’s coming.

What is the reason for this belief? John’s anticipation was generated by a past testimony. There was the word of the Saviour; “If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee” (John 21:22). While Jesus’s response was misapplied; he was the last of the apostles and resting within him was that hope. There was the word of Scripture; John returned from being on Patmos where he had been given the book of the Revelation; a complete picture of the end times. The final recorded words of our Lord to John were; “Surely I come quickly” (Revelation 22:20).

John’s anticipation was generated by perilous times; “that in the last days perilous times shall come” (II Timothy 3:1). The days in which John lived were synonymous with the “last days” described by the Saviour (Mark 13:22-23) and those of Saint Peter (II Peter 3:3-4). While our experiences may not be exactly like those of John, considering the circumstances of our day, we find ourselves with a similar attitude; “Surely the end must be near!”

What are the results for this belief? What a man believes determines how a man behaves; “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7). If we really believe this is the last days, it will have an effect on our pursuits; it will cause us to consider the spiritual condition of those around us. There will be less of an emphasis on the temporal in light of the eternal! Knowing that with His return comes wrath; “we persuade men” (II Corinthians 5:11). Knowing the difficulties of the day, we are found “exhorting one another” (Hebrews 10:25). May we ever be mindful of souls, “For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself” (Romans 14:7).

This belief will have an effect on our purity; “And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure” (I John 3:3). John emphasizes that there is a seeking of purity, “purifieth himself.” The word “purifieth” means to consecrate by implying dedicating to sacrifice. Paul said it this way, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service” (Romans 12:1). John emphasizes the standard of purity, “even as he is pure.” God declared in Leviticus 20:7, “Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the LORD your God.” This belief will have an effect on our priorities, “Redeeming the time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:16). The word “Redeeming” comes from two words meaning to buy out of; by means of a prudent and blameless conduct gaining as much time and opportunity as possible in view of persecution or death. We have but one opportunity to use time, so use it wisely!

While we may or may not be living in the last days, “for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh” (Matthew 25:13); it might do us good to think so!

About Bob Sanders

Resource: Listen to On the Edge of Eternity

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