Another way New Testament writers linked the coming Redeemer with the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy was by referring to the new messianic age as the “last days.” In fact, the phrase “latter days” appears twenty-seven times in the New Testament. In several instances, the phrase was used of the end of history, but in most instances it was used of the eschatological epoch that began in the New Testament era with the coming of Jesus Christ. Based on the emphasis the apostolic writers placed on the unity between the Old Testament, which had foretold the messianic age, and the revelation of the Messiah, it’s clear they were conscious that the first advent marked the beginning of the last days and the dawn of the age to come. …

In light of the coming of Jesus Christ, the New Testament writers picked up this phrase “latter days” and used it to argue that the “last days” had arrived and would continue until the final consummation and the end of the age. “This means that the Old Testament prophecies of the great tribulation, God’s deliverance of Israel from her oppressors, God’s rule over the Gentiles, and the establishment of his kingdom have been set in motion by Christ’s life, death, resurrection, and the formation of the Christian church.” As G. K. Beale points out, the resurrection marked the beginning of Christ’s messianic reign, while Pentecost was the great sign of Christ’s present rule. The Old Testament prophets, however, could not understand how the glorious messianic reign and rule of Christ could coexist side by side with images of persecution and tribulation.

Kim Riddlebarger | A Case for Amillennialism: Understanding the End Times, Expanded Edition (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2013), 77–78.

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Post authored by:

• Tony Phelps

  

  Tony grew up in Rhode Island. He was educated at BA (University of Rhode Island) and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. He worked in the insurance industry for ten years. He planted a PCA church in Wakefield, RI where he served for eleven years. In 2015–18 he pastored Covenant Reformed Church (URCNA) in Colorado Springs. He is currently pastor of Living Hope (OPC). Tony is married to Donna and together they have three children.

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