In Acts 2:16–17, Peter declares: “But this is what was spoken of through the prophet Joel: ‘AND IT SHALL BE IN THE LAST DAYS,’ God says, ‘THAT I WILL POUR FORTH OF MY SPIRIT ON ALL MANKIND; AND YOUR SONS AND YOUR DAUGHTERS SHALL PROPHESY, AND YOUR YOUNG MEN SHALL SEE VISIONS, AND YOUR OLD MEN SHALL DREAM DREAMS.’” From this passage, we learn that the Greek phrase translated “last days” can also be rendered “final days.” Biblically, this refers to the period in which the world enters its final stage before giving way to the physical return of Jesus Christ and the establishment of His Kingdom on the earth. According to Peter’s words in Acts 2, the last days began—at the very latest—when the Holy Spirit was poured out on the Day of Pentecost in the first century. The apostle Paul affirms this same reality. In 1 Corinthians 10:11, Paul writes: “Now these things happened to them as an example, and they were written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.” If believers were already living in the last days during the first century, then it follows that we today are living in the final part of the last days. This raises an important question: Why should we even care about the last days, or seek to understand the times in which we live?
1. Scripture Commands Us to Know the Times
The first reason is simple but weighty: Scripture instructs us to be aware of the times, with the understanding that we are living in the last days. Romans 13:10–11 says: “Love does no wrong to a neighbor; love therefore is the fulfillment of the law. And do this, knowing the time, that it is already the hour for you to awaken from sleep; for now salvation is nearer to us than when we believed”. The Greek word translated “salvation” in this passage does not refer to being born again. Paul was writing to believers in Rome who were already saved. Rather, this term refers to the “full sum of benefits and blessings that Christians, redeemed from all earthly ills, will enjoy after the visible return of Christ, when the Kingdom of God is fully consummated”. Thus, the Bible admonishes us to know the time, understanding that the return of Jesus is nearer now than when we first believed. This awareness is meant to propel us into lives marked by love, urgency, and obedience—fulfilling God’s commandments in anticipation of His coming. If God instructs us to know that we are living in the last days and to live accordingly, then this is not something we can afford to ignore.
2. The Day of the Lord Should Not Overtake Believers Unawares
Secondly, Scripture teaches that for those who belong to Christ, the Day of the Lord should not overtake them like a thief in the night. The Day of the Lord, a phrase associated with both the return of Jesus and the outpouring of God’s wrath, is addressed in passages such as 2 Thessalonians 2:1–4 and 1 Thessalonians 5:1–11. In 1 Thessalonians 5:2–5, Paul writes: “For you yourselves know full well that the day of the Lord will come just like a thief in the night… But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day would overtake you like a thief; for you are all sons of light and sons of day.” Jesus Himself uses this same imagery, referring to His coming like a thief in the night. He makes it clear that no one can know the exact day or hour of His return. Yet Scripture also reveals that while we cannot know the precise timing, we are expected to discern the season. Believers are called to live alert and prepared, so that the Day of the Lord does not come upon them unexpectedly to their own harm.
3. Understanding the Times Reveals What God Expects Us to Do
Thirdly, Scripture emphasizes that understanding the times is essential to knowing what God requires of His people. 1 Chronicles 12:32 states: “The children of Issachar were men who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do.” This principle applies equally today. When we have a proper understanding of the last days, we gain clarity about what God expects of us in this season. Such understanding helps us align our lives with His will and respond faithfully to what He is doing in the world. God has foretold specific signs and events that would occur in the last days. Scripture also instructs us on how to respond when we see these things unfolding—so that we may avoid spiritual deception, unnecessary suffering, and even eternal loss. Without this understanding, we place ourselves in danger of drifting from God’s will. As Scripture warns, “My people perish for lack of knowledge.”
4. Hope in Christ’s Return Produces Holiness
Finally, understanding the last days, and living with the expectation of Jesus’ return, is essential to a godly and holy life. In 1 John 3:2–3, we read: “Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we shall be. We know that when He appears, we shall be like Him, because we shall see Him just as He is. And everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.” Here we learn that hope in Christ’s appearing motivates believers to pursue purity and holiness in preparation for His return. The same truth is echoed in 2 Peter 3:10–12: “But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up. Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God?” Our understanding of the last days is not meant to produce fear, speculation, or complacency. It is meant to move us toward lives of holiness, godliness, and faithful obedience.
This is the calling set before us. And to this call, we must answer.
Kwadwo Omari, PhD
February 3, 2026.