INTRODUCTION
During the summer of 1988, I was asked by a church
to deliver a speech in July, 1989. The topic assigned to me was "The
Last Days." I had been studying that subject seriously for
about ten years, but at that point I had to focus intently on that one
aspect. So, studying diligently for one year on that subject (as well
as referring to my previous study) persuaded me to write a book on the
subject. This book is the result of that work.
I do not ask that you agree with me in the things
that I shall present for your study. The Lord has commanded growth
"in grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ" [2 Pet.
3:18]. As I grow, I not only learn things that I did not know
previously, but I find that I must make changes in that which I
thought I knew. As brother Cecil Hook stated in the preface of his
book, Free to Speak,
All of my beliefs are tentative, anticipating
change or development as I learn more. So, these discussions are
not intended to be exhaustive studies revealing the last word on
the subjects. If I can only cause you to rethink and restudy
positions that you already hold, I shall have accomplished my
purpose in them. May God use us all to work together in bringing
the changes that he desires.
If someone wants to write reviews of this material,
may I say that I will probably not respond to them. This material will
stand on its own merits. If I chose to respond, maybe my only response
will be, "Don’t argue with me, I’ve already changed my mind!"
But, this is what I understand the Bible to teach on this subject, at
this very minute. It is not an exhaustive study. Your courteous
feedback is appreciated.
There are probably three classes of people who are
reading this book. (1) Those who already pretty much agree with me.
(2) Those who are reading out of curiosity, who do not as yet know
what to believe on the subject, and (3) those who have already made up
their minds to disagree, and are just reading it to get all the
ammunition they can against what they call "heresy" or a "theory."
Only with the last group am I especially concerned.
Not because they disagree, but because they have already made up their
minds and won’t change, regardless. That is what we call "prejudice."
Prejudice is extremely dangerous to the person who has it. Let each of
us keep the right attitude. That is the only course with which YHVH is
pleased. I suggest that we must agree with YHVH (commonly termed "the
LORD" or "God"). Hopefully, I shall present my thoughts to you in such
a manner that you can understand what I am saying. You have the
ability to make up your own mind, and judgment. "I speak as to wise
men; judge ye what I say" [1 Cor. 10:15]. Berry’s Interlinear
states, "As to intelligent ones I speak. Judge ye what I
say."
I do ask that you love me, as a brother, as YHVH
has commanded. Even if we disagree, I shall so love you.
I have preached from the King James Version for all
of these years, so my quotations will be taken from it. However,
occasionally I will refer to some other translation that makes the
passages easier to understand.
THE ISSUE BEFORE US
Let me tell you a story about me. A few years ago,
I was asked if I would participate in a lectureship. I said I would,
realizing that I had one whole year to get together material for only
one speech of less than one hour in length. After having preached for
thirty-five years, that would be a simple task – I thought!
I thought casually about the subject assigned to
me. I even looked at notes that I had made through the years. I talked
to other people about it. Then, about one month before the time
selected, it hit me like a ton of bricks, my time was short!
During the last days of my preparation, I was feverishly trying
to get everything together in an organized manner, and realized that I
would be doing that right up to the end. The closer the time
came, the more excited I became. When I boarded the airplane at the
international airport to go to another state for the lectureship, I
understood, concretely, that the time was drawing near. When I
rolled out of bed the morning of the speech, it was made very plain to
me that the time was at hand. It was the last day I
would have to get all things together. Everything for which I had
worked was about to be consummated, perfected, finished. As I
roamed around before the assembly began, conversing with others, it
was apparent that the clock was moving swiftly, and it was the last
hour I had, if I yet needed any preparation. Everything was
running through my mind at once. A few minutes later, there was no
more time. I could not delay any longer. I stepped up onto the
platform: hope and anticipation had now become reality.
Hopefully, I have impressed upon you that what I
have described to you is a very simple explanation of the events
leading up to the face to face encounter. But, even though I
somehow came through the last days, the last day, the last hour, and
time ran out, the sun was still shining! The building was still
intact! The physical elements of our universe had not been destroyed!
The clocks still wound off sixty minutes each hour!
It should be apparent that when I used the terms
above, "the last days," "the last day," "the last hour," "time no
more," that I had reference to something different than the end of
our physical planet. I understand that the Bible uses these terms as I
have used them.
There are many questions and comments that are made
by religious people today concerning the last days. For
example, are the last days still in our future? Are we in the last
days right now? The most popular theme preached today says, "Yes,
we are in the last days right now, and can expect the coming of the
Christ at any moment to set up His kingdom in Jerusalem." Is this
what the Bible teaches?
PAST, PRESENT OR FUTURE?
Events surrounding the last days are the
focal point of the entire Bible. They would bring the temporary
things in YHVH’s plan of redemption to an end. Access to the eternal
things that Adam and Eve lost for mankind through sin would be
regained through Jesus Christ. Regained in that which is perfect or
complete. It is a past event, not a future event. Adam and Eve did not
choose eternal life. Jesus made it again accessible. I have
eternal life. Do you?
The apostle Peter wrote of these days, which were
at hand when he wrote them nearly 2,000 years ago.
And after you have suffered for a little,
the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory
in Christ, will Himself, perfect, confirm, strengthen and
establish you [1 Pet. 5:10 –NASV].
I wanted to see what was in the King James Version
as far as the expression last days was concerned. It was very
interesting to find that the expression only occurs eight times in the
whole Bible! It would seem, since so very many preachers are
hyper-occupied with this period of time, that it ought to have
occurred more than eight times, don’t you think?
If there are last days, then it stands to
reason that in those last days there must be a last day.
I also found that expression eight times in the Bible.
Another expression that would naturally fit into
this same period of time is the last time, which is used only
four times in the entire Bible. The expression, the end of the days
can be found only three times in the Bible. Three other expressions
occur, which no doubt refer to the same period of time. The end of
the world is to be found a total of seven times. The ends
(plural) of the world can be located three times. The end
occurs many times, and the context must determine what "end" is
under consideration. Except for the last expression, the total of all
the above is only thirty-eight times. Surprising, is it not?
A closer examination will reveal that contextual
references to these events are to be found over one hundred times in
the Bible. In fact, the whole Bible pertains to this period. We
understand that the entire "old testament" was written by
Israelites, to Israelites, and for Israelites. With
possibly two exceptions, the "new testament" was written by
Israelites. Most of those scriptures were written to Gentiles,
concerning Israelites. Do you realize that Moses was an Israelite? He
is supposed to have written the first five books of the Bible. He
wrote of the things of his day and time (and previous time), as they
pertained to the Israelite nation. It was a type of the spiritual
Israelite nation [Rom. 2:28,29; Heb. 10:1]. These types and shadows of
Moses and the prophets (who were also Israelites) were figures of
speech that would be fulfilled in Jesus, His apostles, and the First
Century Christians (who were also mostly Israelites). This fulfillment
took place in what the Bible calls the last days. That is the
subject of this book.
REALIZED ESCHATOLOGY
When I began searching for definitions, I found
that our English word "day" (among other minor things), meant, "the
interval represented by one rotation of the earth upon its axis;
twenty-four hours." It also means, "a time or period, age,
epoch: example, in Caesar’s day." The original Greek word (hemera)
means, "A day … period of natural light," and also, "a
period of undefined length marked by certain characteristics…" [W.E.
Vine, Vol. 1, Pg. 270].
Our English word, "last" means, "coming
after all others, final (notice that word "final") in
order, sequence or time." The original word is "eschatos"
and means, "last, utmost, extreme," of place, rank and time [W.E.Vine,
Vol. 2, Pg. 311].
Eschatos simply means "last." Eschatology is
the study of "last things." The term, "realized" means that something
has already happened. This is where the expression "realized
eschatology" originated. In Alaska, where I live, it is considered to
be the "unpardonable sin" to believe in a thing called "realized
eschatology." But even the preachers who quake when the term is
mentioned, themselves believe in realized eschatology. They believe
that many things have ceased (have been realized). The last of each of
them has already occurred. They will not happen again in our future.
Do you believe the following things have already happened? The
creation? The virgin birth? The destruction of the earth by a flood? A
host of others that you can add? I believe these have ended, ceased.
If you believe these have ceased, you believe in realized
eschatology. They are no more, nor will they ever be. The questions of
study revolve around how many things have ended or have come to
realization.
The last (eschatos) has happened many hundreds of
years ago. That is realized eschatology my brothers and
sisters, friends and neighbors! What these preachers want is for this
term to apply only to the "second coming" of Jesus, the general
resurrection, and the general judgment. These too, are last things.
One must study the Bible very carefully to find out if even these have
already happened.
In the strictest sense of the expression, I do not
know of a single person on this earth who believes in 100% realized
eschatology, that all things have already happened. Why even those of
you reading this book have not yet taken your last (eschatos) breath!
Come on now; let us be honest with ourselves and our brethren and our
YHVH! Neither do I know of anyone who believes there are not a "whole
bunch of things" that have already happened. They are final in order,
sequence and time. My earthly last day has not happened. Has
yours? Let us very carefully open our minds and our Bibles and
determine which have, and which have not already happened.
Obviously, if there are last days, there
will be no more days after the last day of the last days!
They are "final." They come after all others. There are no more after
them. So, we are faced with the necessity of putting the expression
"the last days" into its proper context, each time it is used.
TEMPORARY OR EVERLASTING?
And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by
day: for there shall be no night there [Rev. 21:25].
In view of this fact, that "there shall be no
night there," the logical conclusion is that in that realm there
is only one eternal day.
Adam and Eve were placed in the garden in Eden and
allowed to eat of the tree of life. This meant they had access to
eternal life. There can be no doubt about that, if one believes
the Bible. However, when they sinned, they lost it. YHVH commenced His
plan to redeem mankind from that point on. He gradually unfolded
it through the generations of mankind that we read about in the "old
testament." It began its culmination in the coming of Jesus in the
flesh, and eventually in His "parousia" ("coming" or "presence") in
the Spirit, to provide eternal redemption, and once again mankind had
access to eternal life, a day where no night existed, neither sun nor
moon, so one eternal day.
THE FIG TREE
Now we can focus our attention on the last days
and the things of the last days. The age of the kingdom of YHVH
in which we live today, is real. Therefore, it is not the last days of
anything. Eternity and eternal things have no last day! They
never end. This eternal age had its conception at the end of the last
days, but it is not the last days. The term, "last days," is never
used in the Bible for some long, drawn-out period of time. Let some
modern preachers "scream" to the contrary as much as they like from
their "pulpits," but the statement is still true. Mark it down. Check
it out for yourself.
The last days included the work of John the
baptizer. Probably, his work was the beginning of the last days. It
was in his time that the axe was laid at the root of the trees of
Israel and Judah, for the purpose of destroying them. John said:
And now the axe is laid unto the root of
the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good
fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire (11) I indeed
baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after
me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he
shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire. (12)
Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor,
and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the
chaff with unquenchable fire [Mat. 3:10-12].
The last days activities had begun! The axe was
laid at the root of the trees. Jesus was going to baptize them with
fire. He was going to chop the tree down and burn it! The whole
tree was to wither, die and be cast into the (lake of fire?) fire for
not bearing the fruit of righteousness. Jesus visually demonstrated
the destruction of the Jewish/Israelite economy when He cursed the fig
tree for not bearing fruit when He wanted it. It withered from
the roots.
These are spots in your feasts of charity, when
they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they
are without water, carried about of winds, trees whose fruit
withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots
[Jude 12].
After John, came Jesus, teaching the same as John.
This earthly ministry of Jesus was also in the last days.
Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his son… [Heb.
1:2].
He was about thirty years of age when He and John
began this process [Luke 3:23]. Notice the Bible says, "about,"
so let us not get too technical.
The destruction of the trees of Israel and Judah
would be delayed while they were fertilized and nourished, but
eventually they would be destroyed.
He spake also this parable: A certain man had a
fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit
thereon, and found none. (7) Then said he unto the dresser
of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I came seeking fruit on
this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the
ground? (8) And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it
alone this year also, till I shall dig about it and dung it:
(9) and if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that
thou shalt cut it down [Luke 13:6-9].
This did happen to Judah and Israel. Their temple,
priesthood, record, and genealogies were forever, eternally destroyed.
They ceased to be YHVH’s holy fig tree! History tells us this
happened in AD 70.
This forty year time period from AD 30 to AD
70 constituted "one generation." It is called, "the last days." Many
things happened during this forty year period, and all of those
things ended in AD 70. Peter said:
But the end of all things is at hand: be
ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer [1 Pet. 4:7].
All of the things which had worked together for
good to them that love the Lord [Romans 8:28] were about to come to an
end. The types and shadows, even in natural Israel itself, were about
to end, by being fulfilled.
For these be the days of vengeance, that all
things which are written may be fulfilled [Luke 21:22].
The last days, the forty year period between
the time Jesus began His earthly ministry to His coming in AD 70,
saw the end of all things, and the arrival of that great eternal day.
At that time, all the writing was fulfilled (look again at the
previous verse). There are no unfulfilled prophecies. We are in that
eternal day where there is no night. How could YHVH be plainer? It was
the last days, which would, of course, have had its last day.
Everything had to end! Remember that the end of all things was at hand
when Peter wrote his first epistle.
I want to develop this forty year period
thought, as I believe the Bible has done. But, before I do, let us
notice some comparisons and/or types between men and times of the
Bible that had forty years in their lives.
MOSES, AND ONE LIKE HIM
The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a
Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me;
unto him ye shall hearken." … "I will raise them up a Prophet from
among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words
in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall
command him. And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not
hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will
require it of him [Deut. 18:15,18].
This prophecy by Moses is to be understood in light
of its quotation in what we call the "new testament." Peter
used it in his sermon, recorded in Acts 3. Let us get the whole
context.
Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that
your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing
shall come from the presence of the Lord, (20) And he
shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto
you: (21) Whom the heaven must receive until the times
of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the
mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began. (22) For
Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your
God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him
shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you. (23)
And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear
that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people. (24)
Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow
after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these
days [Acts 3:19-24].
One cannot read this passage without realizing that
Peter was speaking of the last days. For he speaks of the
times of refreshing and the future sending of Jesus, and
the destruction of the people who would not obey.
Jesus was like Moses in many respects. We shall notice a few
of them at this time.
As a child, Moses became heir to the throne over
Egypt [Ex. 2:10]. Jesus became heir to the throne over Jerusalem,
that is, the Israelites [Mat. 2:2; 27:11], spiritually called Egypt
[Rev. 11:8].
Moses was the deliverer of the children of Israel
[Ex. 3:8,10]. Likewise, Jesus was the spiritual deliverer from the
bondage of His people in (spiritual) Egypt (Jerusalem) [Mat. 1:21;
Rev. 11:8].
Moses did not deliver the children of Israel
during his first stay in Egypt, which was forty years [Ex.
2:15]. Accordingly, Jesus did not deliver the children of Israel
from their bondage to sin in His first stay in Jerusalem (Jewish
economy) [Acts 1:11; Heb. 9:28].
Moses was gone from Egypt for forty years
before he returned to Egypt [Acts 7:23,30]. Jesus was gone to heaven
from AD 30 until AD 70, then returned to spiritual Egypt (Jerusalem)
to judge them [Acts 1:11; Luke 21:27,32].
Moses’ second appearance in Egypt was to deliver
the people [Ex. 3:8,10]. Jesus’ second appearance was to deliver the
people from their sins [Luke 21:28; Heb. 9:28]. (I know that this
book is not dealing specifically with what is called "the second
coming," but consider what I have said on the subject very
carefully, and continue to study it with an open mind.)
Moses ate the first physical Passover with the
physical children of Israel [Ex. 12:27-28]. Jesus ate the first
spiritual Passover with the spiritual children of Israel. His
disciples would become spiritual Israel and partake of the spiritual
Passover, which was Jesus Himself [1 Cor. 5:7]. He is their eternal
Passover – a continual feast. (This is another study that needs
close examination, as it is extensive. I shall not attempt to go
further into this study in this book. I hope you will.)
The law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus
Christ [John 1:17].
Through Moses, death was brought to the firstborn
of Egypt [Ex. 11:5]. Of the Israelites, the natural Israelites were
the firstborn, while the spiritual Israelites were the second born.
The rebellious, firstborn, natural Israelites were to perish as a
result of Jesus’ earthly mission [Lk. 13:3-5].
Through Moses, the children of Israel were spared
and continued to live as a result of the blood of the lamb [Ex.
12:23]. Through Jesus’ blood, life was given to the firstborn
(again) ones, who were spiritual Israel [Heb. 12:22-23; John 6:51].
Moses led the people forty years before
they inherited the land of promise [Acts 7:36; Ex. 7:7; Deut. 34:7].
Jesus led His spiritual people for forty years, through the
Holy Spirit, from AD 30 to AD 70. They then received the inheritance
[John 16:7; Luke 21:28; Heb. 1:14; Eph. 1:14].
Through Moses, physical manna was given to the
people [Ex. 16:4]. Jesus was that spiritual manna [John 6:48-51].
Moses spent forty days in the mountain
receiving the covenant [Ex. 24:18]. Jesus was gone from AD 30 till
AD 70 completing the new covenant for His people. (Notice the
expression, "after those days" in Heb. 10:16; Acts 3:19-21;
James 5:8.)
Moses was in the physical tabernacle [Heb. 8:5].
Jesus was in the true, spiritual tabernacle [Heb. 8:2].
Keeping the seventh day (sabbath) rest each week
was given by Moses [Ex. 31:12-17]. Jesus gave eternal rest [Mat.
11:28; Heb. 4:9-11].
Moses had a glory that was excelled by the glory of Christ [2 Cor.
3:7-18].
The law of atonement came through Moses [Ex.
30:10]. Jesus was the sin offering [John 1:29; Heb. 1:3].
And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the
wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up [John
3:14].
Even though the physical body of Moses had
died, he continued to lead the natural Israelites by the things he
had written. Likewise, even though the physical body of Jesus had
died, He continued to lead spiritual Israel through the teachings He
left for them.
Through Moses, a woman who had been divorced
because of some uncleanness was allowed to marry (again)
[Deut. 24:1,2]. Through Jesus, adulterous Judah and Israel (having
been put away by the Father) was allowed to marry Jesus. (I know
this is not traditional teaching, but consider it with an open mind.
Study these scriptures carefully.)
The old covenant was mediated through Moses (and
others), while the new covenant was mediated through Jesus [Heb.
12:24; Heb. 10:16,17; Mt. 26:28].
For the deliverance of the children of Israel,
the song of Moses was sung [Ex. 15:1]. For the spiritual deliverance
from sin, in AD 70, at the parousia (presence) of Jesus, the
song of Moses and the Lamb was sung [Rev. 15:3]. Sing the
song of Moses and the Lamb now! You have been delivered! Praise YHVH!
As one can see, most of the things in the Bible
concerning Moses pertains to his last days (even his last
day) and his leadership of the natural people of YHVH entering the
physical promised land. Accordingly, most of the things of the Bible
about Jesus centers on the forty years from AD 30 to AD 70,
the last days, and how Jesus was delivering His spiritual people
from (figurative) Egypt and from their sins. Think about it seriously.
The above is the first 22 pages of the entire book, 127 pages,
titled THE LAST DAYS by Ron McRay. To read the remainder,
please order the book from the church listed below. Price is $12.00,
U.S. postage included. Thank you.
Sjolander Road Church
% Kent Chaddick
7814 Delynn
Baytown, Texas 77521
