Peter’s Acts 2 presentation of the gospel continued with a reference to the Last Days.
‘In the last days,’ God says, ‘I will pour out my Spirit upon all people...18 In those days I will pour out my Spirit ...20 The sun will become dark, and the moon will turn blood red before that great and glorious day of the LORD arrives.21 But everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved.’Acts 2:17-21 (NLT)
The “last days” and the “day of the Lord” are recurring phrases that warn us to be reconciled to God while there is still time.
Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection ushered in the “last days.” The first disciples expected a quick culmination of all things, but this time period has extended over 2000 years, during which God has extended mercy to generations of people through the gospel.
The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent. 10 But the day of the Lord will come as unexpectedly as a thief. Then the heavens will pass away with a terrible noise, and the very elements themselves will disappear in fire, and the earth and everything on it will be found to deserve judgment. 2 Peter 3:9–10 (NLT)
We are drawing closer to the actual end, the “day of the Lord,” when Jesus will return in power and glory to judge all people who ever lived. The Bible teaches us that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. A proper fear of God brings people face to face with their ultimate destiny of standing before the glorious Judge who created them.
Jesus is our only hope of escaping destruction at the Last Judgment.
He already paid the price for the sins of those who put their trust and allegiance in him. Believers will stand before our glorious God included in Jesus’ perfect holiness. Those who put their trust in Jesus have nothing to fear, but those who reject the gospel should tremble. Encourage people to repent, believe, and receive all that Jesus died to give to us before it is too late!
