The term "Latter Days" is a biblical phrase often associated with eschatological themes, referring to the period leading up to the fulfillment of God's ultimate plan for humanity and the world. This concept is woven throughout both the Old and New Testaments, carrying significant theological implications.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the phrase "Latter Days" is frequently used by the prophets to describe a future time when God will intervene decisively in human history. This period is often associated with the restoration of Israel, the coming of the Messiah, and the establishment of God's kingdom on earth.

One of the earliest references is found in the Book of Genesis, where Jacob, on his deathbed, speaks to his sons about what will happen in the "latter days" (Genesis 49:1). This sets a precedent for the prophetic use of the term, indicating a future time of fulfillment and divine action.

The prophet Isaiah speaks of the "latter days" as a time when the mountain of the Lord's house will be established as the highest of the mountains, and all nations will stream to it (Isaiah 2:2). This vision portrays a future era of peace and divine rule, where God's law will go forth from Zion.

Similarly, the prophet Daniel uses the term in his apocalyptic visions, describing events that will occur in the "latter days" (Daniel 10:14). Daniel's prophecies often focus on the rise and fall of kingdoms and the ultimate establishment of God's everlasting dominion.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the concept of the "Latter Days" is closely linked to the second coming of Christ and the consummation of the age. The apostles and early Christians understood themselves to be living in the "last days," a period inaugurated by the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The Apostle Peter, in his sermon on the day of Pentecost, quotes the prophet Joel, declaring that the outpouring of the Holy Spirit is a sign of the "last days" (Acts 2:17). This indicates that the early church viewed the events of their time as the beginning of the fulfillment of eschatological promises.

The Apostle Paul also speaks of the "last days" in his letters, warning of difficult times and the rise of false teachers (2 Timothy 3:1). He encourages believers to remain steadfast in their faith, anticipating the return of Christ.

The Book of Hebrews emphasizes that God has spoken to humanity in these "last days" through His Son, Jesus Christ (Hebrews 1:2). This underscores the belief that the coming of Christ marks the beginning of the final phase of God's redemptive plan.

Theological Significance

The "Latter Days" are characterized by both hope and urgency. They are a time of anticipation for the fulfillment of God's promises, including the resurrection of the dead, the final judgment, and the creation of a new heaven and a new earth. Believers are called to live in readiness, maintaining faith and righteousness as they await the return of Christ.

Throughout Scripture, the "Latter Days" serve as a reminder of God's sovereignty and faithfulness. They assure believers that history is moving toward a divinely ordained conclusion, where God's justice and mercy will be fully revealed.Latter Days

LATTER DAYS

See ESCHATOLOGY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT.

In the Latter Days of the Emperor Tiberius, in the Consulship of ...
... Chap. II. In the latter days of the Emperor Tiberius, in the consulship
of Ruberius Geminus and? In the latter days of the Emperor ...
/.../of the manner in which the persecutors died/chap ii in the latter.htm

The Jewish World in the Days of Christ - the Jewish Dispersion in ...
... from the God of Israel and His worship had cut them off from his people, so the
fulfilment of the Divine promises to them in the latter days would imply, as it ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter i the jewish world.htm

Appendix viii. Rabbinic Traditions About Elijah, the Forerunner of ...
... by God to go to Pharoah, he pleaded that God should rather send by him whom He designed
to send for the far greater deliverance in the latter days. ...
/.../appendix viii rabbinic traditions about.htm

Man the Image of the Creator, and Christ the Head of the Man ...
... my servants and upon my handmaids will I pour out of my Spirit." [5553] Since, then,
the Creator promised the gift of His Spirit in the latter days; and since ...
/.../tertullian/the five books against marcion/chapter viii man the image of.htm

The New Garment Bent
... tragedy of wasted gifts, and blossoms never fruited, in a sharper, more striking
form than the life of the wise king of Israel, who 'in his latter days' was 'a ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the new garment bent.htm

The Life of Paulus the First Hermit.
... Greek and Roman writers have handed down careful accounts of Antony, I have determined
to write a short history of Paul's early and latter days, more because ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/the life of paulus the.htm

The Fifth Rule of Tichonius.
... Now both of these statements about the number of days cannot be true, unless we
suppose that the writer who says "after eight days," counted the latter part of ...
/.../augustine/on christian doctrine in four books /chapter 35 the fifth rule of.htm

A Brief Character of Mr John Bunyan
... of a ruddy face, with sparkling eyes, wearing his hair on his upper lip, after the
old British fashion; his hair reddish, but in his latter days, time had ...
/.../bunyan/grace abounding to the chief of sinners/a brief character of mr.htm

How the Soul Grows Cold in Holy Love.
... And thus Our Saviour says that in the latter days the charity of many shall grow
cold, [185] that is, it shall not be so active and courageous, by reason of ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter ii how the soul.htm

Arguments in Opposition to Tatian, Showing that it was Consonant ...
... deprived of its power, along with death, which rules [over men]; and that the lion,
that is, antichrist, rampant against mankind in the latter days, should be ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xxiii arguments in opposition to.htm

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Latter: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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