LAST DAYS MEAN LAST DAYS
Are we living in the last days? If so, how is it possible to have another period after the last days? Some are awaiting a one-thousand-year reign of Christ.
LAST DAYS MEAN LAST DAYS
Hebrews 1:2 Hath in these last days spoken to us by his Son
One cannot understand the bible without accepting the meaning of words or phrases. To ignore the meaning of a word is bound to lead one in error (Isaiah 5:20, 2 Peter 3:16).
Meaning
The word last means final. If you miss the last bus, do not expect another. When the Hebrew writer used the word last, he was not anticipating that something would come after (Hebrews 1:2). Would you expect a day following the last day? When the last enemy is destroyed, do you expect another? (1 Corinthians 15:26 45 52 Matthew 21:33-37).
Moment
For those who truly want to understand the Bible, consider how it identifies the last days. It is the period when the church was established (Isaiah 2:1-3, 1 Timothy 3:15, Acts 2:1-5). It is the period when the Holy Spirit would be poured out (Joel 2:28-32, Acts 2:16-21). It is called these last days (Hebrews 1:2, 2 Timothy 3:1-5, 2 Peter 3:3). It is the time of the Antichrist (1 John 2:18).
Millenium
If these are the last days, then one should not anticipate a future Millennium (Hebrews 1:2). How then should we understand Revelation chapter twenty? Firstly, it should not contradict the verses already mentioned (1 Corinthians 14:33, Numbers 23:19, Romans 3:4). Secondly, the type of literature should be considered (Matthew 24:29-31, Revelation 1:1-3). Thirdly, one should not add to the word of God (Deuteronomy 4:2, Revelation 22:18-19).
Mistake
Since we are now in the last days, we should be looking for the last day, not the Millennium (Acts 17:30-31). No one knows the time, but several events will occur (Matthew 24:35-36, Mark 13:31-32). Jesus will give up his kingdom (1 Corinthians 15:24). Jesus will return (1 Corinthians 1:8, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17). The resurrection and judgment will occur (John 5:28-29, 6:39-40, 12:48). The world ends (Hebrews 1:10-12, 2 Peter 3:9-12).