Answering his disciples’ question about the end of the world, Jesus said, “Of that day and hour, no man knows—no, not the angels of heaven, but the Father only.” Nevertheless, he told us of things to watch for that we might perceive when the day was near.

Since that time, false prophets have arisen, espousing diverse doctrines about the end times, some even saying the resurrection has already passed. Others followed with their predictions, which, for the most part, they and their prophecies have expired.

It is therefore understandable that there would now be many skeptics. Jesus warned that many would come in his name and would deceive many; for this cause, many have been led astray.

Although we desire to know what will happen in the future and when, God provides us with what we need. It is unprofitable to be overly anxious in affairs that do not concern the Lord’s plans for each of us. Jesus said to Peter when he inquired about John’s future, “What is that to thee? Follow thou me.”

If we over-focus on what may happen in the future, we may miss what is happening presently and neglect what should be our primary concern at the moment. “Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.”

Nonetheless, it is not good to be without knowledge. In the Bible, we are given signs of things to watch for. Jesus said, “Now learn a parable of the fig tree; when her branch is yet tender and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is near. So ye in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, even at the doors. Verily, I say unto you, that this generation shall not pass until all these things be done.” It is noteworthy that in the scripture, figs and fig trees are often used as metaphors for Israel.

When considering the time frame designated as the “end times,” it is essential to know the starting point of the specific period being referenced. Terms are understood differently by various people; it is crucial to understand terms in the context of the authors.

The Bible provides a point of, or at least one very near, the commencement of the “last days” as understood by the Apostles and disciples of Christ.

Peter, citing the prophet Joel, makes clear that the last age had begun. In Acts chapter two, on the day of Pentecost, when the Holy Ghost was poured out upon the followers of Christ, they began to speak in different tongues. As onlookers marveled with amazement and doubt, Peter addressed them, explaining what was taking place, saying,

“This is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; and it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God; I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams.”

Peter said plainly that Joel’s prophecy of the last days was being fulfilled. As we approach two thousand years since Peter’s declaration, we see a longer period of time than a brief period occurring near the end, as being designated the “last days” or “last time.”

The Book of Hebrews chapter 1 confirms the last days had commenced by proclaiming the time then present was the final age, stating, “God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds.” (Hebrews 1:1-2)

Confirmed in Hebrews 9:26, it is written, “Now, once at the end of the world, hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.”

The proclamation, “Now, once at the end of the world,” is unequivocal. John, in his first epistle, uses the singular form of the word “time,” referring to a specific period. “Little children, it is the last time; and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.”

Saying, “It is the last time,” John signifies that they were living in the final age. Thus, it is clear: the New Testament authors believed the last time had already commenced, they were living in it, and they spoke in terms of it being an age culminating with the coming of Christ and the end of this present world.

Were they mistaken? No!

They knew that the last time had commenced but followed the instructions of Jesus to watch and pray and always be ready. They did not know the day of his return, but they knew the clock wound by the prophets had begun ticking with Christ. Almost 2000 years later, the clock is running out of time.

The last age of mankind began in the first part of the First Century AD; it is now quickly coming to a close.

Matthew and Luke both make mention of John the Baptist in reference to a division of time, quoting Jesus when he said, “The law and the prophets were until John; since that time the kingdom of God is preached.”

The statement that the law and the prophets were until John implies the passing of an age and the beginning of something new. We are at the end of the final age—three periods, 2000 years each, six millennial days. – End, Part 1 of 2