According to the vocabulary of the New Testament, the “last day“—the ultimate day of judgment and wrath—is not yet upon us (see 1 Thess. 5:1-11).
However, the “last days” are already here. Biblically, this expression refers not just to the final events immediately before the final consummation, but rather to the entire period between Jesus’ death/resurrection and the final judgment.
This is why John can tell us that “this”—now—”is the last hour” (1 John 2:18).
It’s why Peter says that Jesus was made manifest “in the last times” (1 Pet. 1:20).
It’s why the author of Hebrews tells us that God has spoken to us decisively through his Son “in these last days” (Heb. 1:2).
The last hour/times/days are already here—the last day is yet to come.
Those who have access to the ESV Study Bible can use this chart, influenced by the likes of Geerhardus Vos, to explore this a bit further.
