p. 264 | The Last Days

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · May 1, 1884

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 10, No. 17.

The Last Days.

THESE words are used by Peter in Acts 2:17, and they give us an inspired rendering of the term "afterwards," in Joel 2:28. By itself, the phrase, "the last days," is not determinate; it may refer to many or few, according to the connection in which it is used. They who use it as parallel to the same expression when used by Paul in 2 Tim. 3:1, or 2 Peter 3:3, make a mistake. When used by the prophet in the Old Testament, it refers to the last dispensation of grace to a fallen race—the gospel age,—and no doubt covers the whole dispensation. It cannot refer to the first part of the dispensation exclusive of the last part, as some would explain it when quoted in Acts 2:17. In this chapter it is evident that it covers the entire period from that day of pentecost to "the great and notable day of the Lord," or to the signs and wonders ushering in that notable day.

But in 2 Tim. 3:1, and 2 Peter 3:3, the same phrase cannot cover the same dispensation, for a part of it was then already past when these words were written. Of course it there refers to the latter part of the gospel dispensation. And there is this difference to be

noted: When Paul and Peter wrote it, they used it in such a manner as to show that they referred it to the last days of the dispensation in which they wrote. But when used in the Old Testament it did not refer at all to the dispensation in which it was written, but to the last dispensation.

Now this fact gives wonderful force to the expression, "the last days," as used by our Saviour. Four times in John 6 (verses 39, 40, 44, 54), the Saviour said he will raise up his people in the last day. But in 1 Thess. 4:16 we learn that he will raise them up in the day of his coming. That day is also the time of the harvest, the end of the world. Rev. 14:14, 15; Matt. 13:39-43. This is the utmost limit of the preaching of the gospel. Matt. 28:19, 20. And this is the last day, whether the expression be used in this dispensation or a preceding one. It is "the last day" for all dispensations of grace to a fallen race.

And this proves most conclusively that the gifts of the Spirit of God, which were given on the day of Pentecost, and which Paul says in Eph. 4:12 are for the work of the ministry, are given only for the present age; that by the Spirit Jesus is with his ministers in the work of the gospel until the last day. Then comes the harvest; then his saints are raised from the dead; then they are immortalized, and made like unto their Lord. 1 John 3:2.

Paul says the gifts will cease when that which is perfect is come; and at that time we shall see as we are seen, and know even as we are known. But that cannot be until we are immortalized—until the Lord comes, as shown in 1 Cor. 4:5. Then the saints will judge the world, and judge the fallen angels; 1 Cor. 6:2, 3; then first will they be qualified to understand "the hidden things of darkness," and "the counsels of the hearts."

And all this most conclusively shows that the preaching of the gospel, and the presence of the Spirit for the work of the ministry, are confined to the present dispensation. "Now is the day of salvation," to be succeeded by "the great and notable day of the Lord," sometimes called "the age to come." Of this the prophet says, "the day of the Lord is darkness and not light. . . . even very dark, and no brightness in it." Amos 5:18, 20.

They who preach that the future age is an age of salvation, of mercy to sinners, are greatly deceived, and are deceiving others, often to their ruin. It leads them to close their eyes against the warnings which the Lord has uttered, and to hope where the Lord has given no hope. It is a work of presumption. When Jesus comes he will give rest to all his saints, but he will take "vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ."