Are we living in the end times?

from the old testament

• The Old Testament doesn’t use the phrase “end times” in the same way the New Testament does, but it contains prophecies and descriptions that point to the final days and God’s ultimate plan for history (Daniel 2:44–45, 7:13-14; Joel 2:28–32; Isaiah 2:2–4).

from the new testament

• End times, in New Testament terms, refer to the period starting with Jesus’ first coming and continuing until His return. The writer of Hebrews states, “in these last days he [God] has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world” (Hebrews 1:2). Notice that he called his time the “last days.” Peter explained Pentecost (Acts 2:1–4) as a partial fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy, “‘And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh …’” (Acts 2:16–21). John also described the current time as “the last hour,” highlighting the rise of deceivers as a sign of the present age (1 John 2:18). Taken together, these passages show that the “last days” began just after Jesus ascended, when the church was established at Pentecost.
• Further emphasizing that the past two thousand years have been marked by the last days, Jesus discussed various signs that would repeatedly occur, such as “wars and rumors of wars” but indicated that we’re not to be “alarmed, for this must take place but the end is not yet” (Matthew 24:6). Instead of viewing these signs as indicators that Jesus would return very soon, Jesus described them, along with others like earthquakes and famine, as “but the beginning of the birth pains” (Matthew 24:8). Just as a pregnant woman’s birth pains come in waves and intensify over time, these signs will appear in waves throughout history, sometimes more intensely. However, these events remind us that this is a fallen world longing for renewal at Jesus’ return, rather than signaling that His return is imminent.
• Jesus also described this age as one of spiritual deception and moral decline. He said, “then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold” (Matthew 24:10–12). Paul also stated that the last days are characterized by times of difficulty, marked by self-indulgence, pride, and a rejection of what is good (2 Timothy 3:1–5). These descriptions have applied to every century since Jesus’ ascension. They remind believers to stay alert at all times, regardless of how long it takes for Jesus to return.
• Besides warnings, Jesus also gave a hopeful description of this age. He said, “And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come” (Matthew 24:14). That is, despite all the persecution, false teachers, and natural disasters, Jesus says that the gospel will spread to the ends of the earth. It is through that gospel that many are being saved to join Jesus when He does eventually return.
• Note that even Jesus, while on earth, did not know the exact last day. In His human nature, He veiled the information “concerning that day or that hour,” saying “no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father” (Mark 13:32). If Jesus did not know the timing of the end, then it is foolish for us even to try to guess it. Indeed, Paul said that the day of the Lord will arrive suddenly and unexpectedly. Using a reference to birth pangs like Jesus used, he said, “While people are saying, ‘There is peace and security,’ then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape” (1 Thessalonians 5:2–6). The picture is that there will be evidence of the end, but, like a pregnant woman who suddenly goes into labor, so also will the end days be.
• Because the timing is uncertain, believers are called to watchfulness and hope. Using the illustration of virgins waiting for a wedding feast, where only half of them were prepared, Jesus concluded, “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour” (Matthew 25:13). Believers await Christ’s return with confidence, trusting His promise to gather His people and bring His kingdom to completion (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17; Titus 2:13; Revelation 20:1–6). However, we do not know how much longer these “last days” will continue before they finally come to an end.

implications for today

Knowing that we are in the last days and that Jesus can return at any moment should motivate you to pay attention. Scripture’s purpose in describing this period is not to satisfy curiosity about events but to help you be ready when the end comes. He could return even as you read this, which means your opportunity to repent of sin is not guaranteed. If you have not trusted Christ, turn to Him now while there is still time. Everyone sins and stands under God’s judgment, but Jesus died, taking God’s wrath in the place of sinners who believe in Him. He did not stay dead but rose again and now reigns in heaven, ready to forgive all who come to Him. To delay is to assume there will still be mercy tomorrow—but one day, there will be no more tomorrows. God has fixed a day when He will judge the world through His Son (Acts 17:31) and will eternally destroy His enemies.

For believers, salvation calls you to live holy lives. Be like the servant who, not knowing when his master will return, works faithfully until he does. Since Christ can come at any moment, every word, choice, and act of love matters. You cannot lose salvation, but disobedience can lead to loss of eternal rewards. Still, you do not obey alone—Christ has given His Spirit to guide, correct, and strengthen you. In His power, live faithfully until the Lord appears.