End-Time Insights

The Book of Revelation is addressed to seven first-century churches in the Roman province of Asia, and it deals with their real-life situations and trials. In the process, it presents messages relevant to all churches throughout the present age , namely, the  “ Last Days .”  Their daily struggles are a microcosm of the great cosmic battle that is being waged between Jesus and the Devil until the end of this evil age when Jesus arrives to vindicate his saints and judge his enemies.

The last book of the New Testament begins with the phrase, “ Revelation of Jesus Christ .” It is a message for his “ servants ,” namely, the “ Seven Churches of Asia ,” and it concerns “ what things must come to pass soon ,” information that is vital since the “ season is at hand .” Because of its importance, the Book pronounces the one who “ reads it, and they who heed the words of the prophecy ” – “ blessed ” – (Revelation 1:1-3).

Paul pinned the start of the “ Last Days ” to the death and resurrection of Jesus. In him, the messianic age, the time of fulfillment has arrived. Ever since the promises of God have been finding their “ yea and amen ” in the Risen Christ. While the term “ Last Days ” is not frequent in Paul’s letters, he does demonstrate his understanding that History’s final stage has commenced with the death and resurrection of the Nazarene, and therefore, nothing can or will ever be the same again.

In the first half of his letter to the Romans , Paul presents the “ Gospel ” – it is the “ power of God for salvation to Jews and Greeks .” God provides salvation through the “ faith of Jesus Christ ” for everyone who responds to it in faith. Death passed from Adam to everyone, both “ within the law ” and “ apart from the law ” because “ all sinned and lack the glory of God .” But now, “ apart from the law ,” the “ righteousness of God ” is revealed for “ all men who believe, for there is no distinction .”

In his epistle to the  Galatians , Paul writes that he was commissioned as an Apostle by the same God who raised Jesus from the dead and “ delivered us FROM THIS EVIL AGE .” This statement anticipates his response in Chapters 1 and 2 to certain “ men from Jerusalem ” that were operating as if the  old era with its types and shadows was still in effect  for the people of God. These men were insisting that Gentile believers must get circumcised, and they were challenging Paul’s authority and credentials.