The expression “the end times” (also known as “the last days”) refers to the time between the ascension of Jesus and when He comes again on the Last Day. During the centuries that have passed since His ascension, there’s been no lack of people presuming to forecast a precise (or approximate) date for when He will return—even though Jesus said only the Father knows (Mark 13:32).
Many focus on studying Revelation. Revelation is inspired by God, but it’s not foundational to our life and faith as are Genesis, the gospels, and the epistles. Indeed, it’s only through those portions of Scripture that we can begin to understand Revelation.
What does Scripture tell those living in the end times to expect?
“But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power.” (2 Timothy 3:1-5)
In his second epistle Peter said: “Scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts and saying, ‘Where is the promise of His coming?'” (3:3-4) They concluded that Jesus didn’t speak the truth about His returning. “But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” (3:8-9)
Peter writes in his first epistle about how to live in these end times that will conclude with the Last Day: “Be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” (1 Peter 4:7-11 ESV)
These words apply not only to those who will actually be standing on earth on the Last Day; they also apply to those who will pass away before that day. The day when they pass away will be the Last Day for them. Every day, therefore, is the right day to be ready.
“It is like a man going to a far country, who left his house and gave authority to his servants, and to each his work, and commanded the doorkeeper to watch. Watch therefore, for you do not know when the master of the house is coming—in the evening, at midnight, at the crowing of the rooster, or in the morning— lest, coming suddenly, he find you sleeping. And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch!” (Mark 13:34-37)
May the Lord keep us humble, penitent, watchful, and ready for that glorious day when these times come to an end for us, and He receives us into His life and glory! Amen.
“Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is.” (Mark 13:33)
is pastor of Gift of God Lutheran Church in Mapleton, North Dakota, and St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Ponsford, Minnesota.