What are the Last Days, and what do they mean?
The Last Days are a period of spiritual transformation, not literal global destruction, marking the transition from a Satan-centered world to a God-centered one. Prophecies of cosmic events are symbolic, indicating the spiritual shifting of eras and the rejection of old truths for new ones. Christ returns in the flesh to complete spiritual and physical salvation, establishing God's ideal on Earth through True Parents. This era calls for active participation in building God's Kingdom.
The Last Days represent a crucial period in God's providence, not as an arbitrary end, but as the culmination of His plan to restore humanity and the world to their original, ideal state. This era signifies a transition from a world centered on Satan to one centered on God, moving from hell on Earth to heaven on Earth. This transformative period has occurred historically, as seen in Noah's time (Genesis 6:13) and during Jesus' lifetime, though neither fully completed the restoration due to human failure. God's desire for complete restoration is absolute, leading to the preparation for the Second Coming.
The Biblical Foundation
The Bible describes the Last Days with vivid imagery, including prophecies of natural catastrophes and cosmic events, such as the sun and moon turning dark and stars falling (Matthew 24). However, the Divine Principle teaches that these descriptions are largely metaphorical, not literal. For instance, the Earth is not to be literally destroyed, as Ecclesiastes 1:4 states, "Generations come, generations go, but the Earth remains forever," and Psalm 69:35-36 affirms its enduring nature. The scripture says, "For the LORD doth build up Zion; he appeareth in his glory. He regardeth the prayer of the destitute, and despiseth not their prayer" (Psalm 102:16-17). Similar to how John the Baptist came as Elijah, not literally in a fiery chariot as expected (Malachi 4:5), Jesus' return will not be a literal appearance on clouds (Revelation 1:7). Clouds in the Bible can symbolize masses of faithful people, indicating that the Lord will come surrounded by a community of believers.
The "destruction" spoken of in scripture, such as in 2 Peter 3:12, refers to the spiritual dissolution of the Satan-centered world. The sun, moon, and stars falling from the sky (Matthew 24) are symbolic. As seen in Joseph's dream (Genesis 37:9), the sun can represent a father, the moon a mother, and stars the children. In a broader context, at Jesus' first coming, Moses (sun) and the Law (moon) lost their light compared to the new truth Jesus brought. Similarly, at the Second Coming, the truth Jesus delivered two thousand years ago will lose its relative brightness compared to the new truth, and those who fail to receive it will "fall" spiritually.
Divine Principle's Clarification
The Divine Principle clarifies that the Last Days mark a period of spiritual transformation and renewal, where the old era of inequality and conflict transitions into a new era of equality, freedom, and happiness. It is not a time for fear of literal catastrophes but a joyous time when God's original ideal will be realized. This process involves "judgment" not as physical annihilation, but as spiritual discernment, separating good from evil and allowing humanity to shed its fallen nature. The "fire" often mentioned (e.g., 2 Peter 3:10) symbolizes a fervent judgment of truth that burns away falsehood and injustice, leading to a God-centered worldview. For it is written, "For our God is a consuming fire" (Hebrews 12:29).
The Second Coming of Christ is central to this era. Jesus' return will be in the flesh, just as his first coming, to accomplish both spiritual and physical restoration. This is necessary because humanity fell both spiritually and physically. If Jesus had not been crucified, and if his mission had been fully received, there would have been no need for a Second Coming. However, his crucifixion limited his mission to spiritual salvation. Thus, the Lord must return in the flesh to achieve physical salvation, establish ideal families, and complete the work of redemption as True Parents. The prophecies of suffering and rejection at his return (Luke 17:25) further confirm a flesh-and-blood appearance, as a visible return on clouds would preclude such suffering or being ignored. The Last Days, therefore, represent the end of the satanic realm and the dawn of an era of hope, joy, and the fulfillment of God's purpose of creation.
Understanding the Deeper Meaning
The Last Days are an extended process of transformation, not a singular, instantaneous event. They began when conditions were ripe for the Second Coming and continue as a period of profound change. This deeper understanding shifts the focus from passively awaiting destruction to actively working for restoration. It empowers individuals to be agents of change, guided by the returning Lord, in building God's Kingdom on Earth. This means looking for the central point of God's new history, for the "Lamb of God" (John 1:29), who will bring a new expression of truth to build a new heaven and new earth. This new providence does not grow from the total dissolution of the old era but takes root within it, often bringing conflict as the new challenges the old.
Living the Principle
The teaching on the Last Days is profoundly practical, calling for immediate, purposeful action to realize God's Kingdom.
1. Seek and Embrace New Truth: Remain open and perceptive to the new expression of truth and guidance provided by the Lord of the Second Advent, just as the wise sought Jesus at his first coming. 2. Foster True Families: Strive to establish God-centered families, embodying the ideal of true love and serving as the foundation for the Kingdom of Heaven on Earth. 3. Engage in Restoration: Actively participate in the spiritual and physical restoration of the world, fighting against powers of fear, hatred, and ignorance by living God's Word. "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places" (Ephesians 6:12). 4. Cultivate Strong Faith: Develop an unwavering faith in God's providence, recognizing that the Lord comes in the flesh and may be unrecognized by many, just as in the days of Noah.
These answers explain the Bible in the light of the Divine Principle, the teachings of Reverend Sun Myung Moon. Read about the author, Sun Myung Moon.
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Sources and further reading
- The Holy Bible, King James Version — Scripture quoted and referenced throughout the answers.
- The Divine Principle (full text) — The complete text of the Divine Principle, the teaching of Reverend Sun Myung Moon that these answers explain.
- Unification texts library (tparents.org) — Large online library of Unification texts, sermons and collected speeches, including the Cheon Seong Gyeong.
- Short video lectures in English — Playlist of short English video lectures presenting these same principles.