Are We Living in The End Times?
From a Christian standpoint, we are living in the "last days." The period began with the finished work of Christ on the cross and will conclude with His return.
1. The Time We Are In: The Last Days Began at Pentecost
The Bible teaches that the end times are a prolonged era, not just a final week or decade.
The Age of the Spirit: The Apostle Peter declared the prophecy of Joel fulfilled on the Day of Pentecost, marking the beginning of the "last days": “‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people...’" (Acts 2:17). This means the current era, characterized by the indwelling Holy Spirit and the spread of the Gospel, is the last days.
The Final Word: The writer of Hebrews asserts that God spoke His final revelation through His Son, defining the Christian era: "In the past God spoke to our ancestors 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).
2. How to Know: The Foretold Signs of the End Times
While we are in the era, the Bible provides specific signs that will indicate the final phase is approaching. These signs fall into three main categories: Global Events, Church Events, and Individual Character.
A. Global and Natural Events
These signs are widespread and are intended to serve as "birth pains"—increasing in frequency and intensity but not signaling the final arrival until all are present.
Wars, Rumors of Wars, and Commotions: Jesus warned His disciples about ongoing global and national conflicts, emphasizing these events should not cause immediate panic: "You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come" (Matthew 24:6).
Famines, Pestilences, and Earthquakes: Natural disasters and diseases are noted as part of the normal signs of the coming end, increasing our awareness of creation's struggle: “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places" (Matthew 24:7).
B. Church and Spiritual Events
These signs focus on the spiritual climate and mission of the Church worldwide.
The Gospel Reaches the World: The central mission of the Church must be completed before the end. This is the one definitive sign whose completion is required: "And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come" (Matthew 24:14).
A Great Falling Away: Before Christ’s return, there will be a widespread departure from genuine faith and biblical teaching, coupled with the rise of false teachers and deceptive doctrines: "The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons" (1 Timothy 4:1).
The Appearance of the "Man of Lawlessness": There will be a final, powerful opposition to Christ embodied by an antichrist figure, whose arrival precedes the Second Coming: "Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed..." (2 Thessalonians 2:3).
C. Individual Character and Societal Focus
As we discussed in the previous lesson, a defining characteristic of the final phase is the intensification of self-centeredness and wickedness.
Love of Self: Societal norms will increasingly reflect the inner focus on self-gratification and self-sovereignty, as mentioned in the previous lesson: "People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive..." (2 Timothy 3:2).
Apathy and Disbelief: A final warning is that as time goes on, many will become skeptical and mock the idea of Christ's return, leading to spiritual complacency: "Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation" (2 Peter 3:3–4).
How to Live: The Christian Mandate
The biblical response to the signs of the end times is not fear or speculation, but watchfulness and action.
Stay Awake and Watch: We are commanded to remain alert and focused on the work we are called to do, being ready at all times: "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come" (Matthew 24:42).
Persevere in Faith: The ultimate test is enduring until the end, keeping one's love for God and neighbor strong: "Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved" (Matthew 24:12–13).
The Christian does not live in fear of the end but with hope for the coming of Christ, using every day as an opportunity to share the Gospel (Matthew 28:19–20).
