truth on end times

Scripture tells us the Christian last days began on the day of Pentecost after Jesus’ resurrection and ascension¹ and continue to this present day, until the “day of the Lord”¹². In the normal course of their writing, all of the New Testament writers refer to their time as the last days or some variant^{1,2,3,6,7,8,9,11,12,13,14} – whether “last time”², “end of the ages”^3,13, “last times”⁶, “last hour”⁷, “days are coming”¹⁰, “these days”^8,11, or even “this salvation”⁹.

Furthermore, we have the prophets that spoke of the “last days”^{1,4,5,10 (not an exhaustive list)} coupled with the New Testament writers that by inspiration interpreted that what the prophets prophesied about began during their days (the first century)^{1,4,8,9,10,12}. These are evident with a quick reading/review, but possibly the most involved and interesting is Jeremiah¹⁰. His prophecy (given the confirmation and interpretation of it by inspired, New Testament writers) and the broader context of verses with other characteristics of the last days is worth a read¹⁰.

A purely Scripture-based definition of antichrist^2,3,4,5 requires no human speculation or pontification. It would not be a proper name (capital “A”), but rather a concept or classification – literally, “every spirit that does not confess Jesus”^4,5 or anyone that “denies the Father”³. John clearly defines this and tells us that antichrist is “in the world already”⁴ and was “many”². We also have Jude’s testimony⁷ about false teachers, written during the same time period and mirroring John’s definition of the antichrist.

Determining what Scripture has made clear, we can review other, less-clear passages that may apply. These would include what John sees in his vision¹ and what Paul writes to the Thessalonians⁶ (and possibly Jesus’ statements provoked by the Temple visit⁷). To be clear, these do not speak of “the Antichrist” and numerous shortcomings for anyone to definitively interpret in that way have been noted.

However, what is unequivocally clear in these passages^{1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8} is that while opposition to God exists and will exist, He remains sovereign and in due course will be triumphant over evil…as will all those that remain faithful to the end^1,6,7.

Scripture has a lot to say about Jesus’ second coming – what’s next – but it never says that Jesus will return to earth. In fact, it says that believers, both dead and alive¹ at that time, will meet Him in the air/clouds^1,6,7,8 (specifically, not on earth).

We have other passages where Jesus talks of His own return^2,3,4,6,7 (and John⁸). In these, never is it said He will return to earth. He does speak of His throne^2,3,4 which some may infer “throne on earth.” One², in particular, may tempt someone to make a literal, physical, earthly throne interpretation. However, unless Jesus is contradicting Himself in the immediate context² and other places⁴, we can understand that He’s speaking metaphorically and simply means that all believers will conquer and become glorious upon His return⁴.

Finally, there is one passage of prophecy that is plucked from its context to sometimes justify Jesus’ return to earth⁵. Surely His feet standing “on the Mount of Olives” proves His return to earth, right? Except, we see from the context⁵ – something too often ignored in Bible study but especially end times doctrine – this is a metaphor for judgement and the “dividing” that will happen between the righteous and the unrighteous^1,3,4.