The New Testament uses three words for “time.” One word (chronos) expresses the duration of a period. We get the word “chronology” or the term “chronological order” from it. The next word (kairos) means seasons, and stresses it as marked by certain features. The last word (hora) means hour. No explanation needed.
Jude defines the last duration of time on earth as marked by unprecedented mockery. Even our secular news outlets admit that since the year 2000, no religion anywhere in the world faces mockery and contempt like the Christian… “Beloved, remember the words which were spoken before by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ, how they told you there should be mockers in the last time (period), who would walk after their own ungodly lusts.” – (Jude 17,18).
Both 1 and 2 Peter go on to describe the “fiery trials” that will characterize that period... “You are being kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time (season). In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if necessary, you are in heaviness through many testings: that the trial of your faith, being much more precious that of gold that perishes, though it be tried with fire, might be found worthy of praise, honor, and glory, at the appearing of Jesus Christ.” – (1 Peter 1:5-7).
John takes us right into the last hour… “Little children, it is the last time (hour): and as you have heard that antichrist shall come, even now there are many antichrists, by which we know it is the last hour… who is a liar but the one who denies that Jesus is the Messiah? He is antichrist that denies the Father and the Son.” – (1 John 2:18-22)
While the world mocks, this is our time to praise. While the trials mount, may our songs be loud, and our prayers be strong. And while the Antichrist prepares to show his face and play his one-string guitar that God has no Son, may we share the message that “He who has the Son has life.”
And He is near!
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