The New Testament makes quite clear that since the time of Jesus’ accomplishment of redemption, we have crossed the threshold into the final chapter of human history. Just compare texts like Acts 2:17, 1 Corinthians 10:11, Hebrews 1:1-2, James 5:3, 1 Peter 1:20, and 1 John 2:18.
The question is, “How should we live life in this interim period before Jesus’ return?” The Apostle Peter has a particularly helpful passage where he tells us precisely how to live. While many people today are bit by the eschatological fervor “bug” that inhibits sober-mindedness, this is what Peter says:
“But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers. And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen” (1 Peter 4:7-11).
Peter begins this passage with a presupposition about history. It is a presupposition derived from Jesus’ ascension and Pentecost. The end of all things is at hand. This indicates that the church presently lives with the hopeful expectation of the culmination of this evil age (as it has done for thousands of years). God has promised a day in which Jesus will judge the world in righteousness (Acts 17:31), and every day that passes brings that day closer.
Notice that from this eschatological timeline, Peter draws applications about how we are to live:
“…the end of all things is at hand; therefore…” In other words, because the end of all things is at hand, this is how we are to live.
Here is what Peter says:
First, Peter says that we should be serious and watchful in our prayers. Prayer is a fundamentally anticipatory activity. A prayer-less life is a clear indication that one is not living with expectation for Jesus’ arrival. In this time before the end, instead of seeking to date-set Jesus arrival, Peter says that we should engage in hope-filled, sober-minded prayer.
Secondly, Peter says that we must have fervent love for one another. A person living in full view of Christ’s coming will be a devoted and loving member of a local church. They will pour out their life in service to the Christians around them. We cannot love all Christians in practice, but we can practically love the Christians in our local church. This is precisely what Peter calls us to. Fervent love has the sense of love that is intense in its commitment. Before Jesus comes back, Peter says, the blazing fire of charity is to burn bright in each saint's heart and in each Christian church.
Third, Peter says that Christians are to be hospitable to each other. This refers to the entertaining of guests for meals in the home. In light of Jesus’ imminent arrival from heaven, do you find it surprising that Peter endorses hospitality? Not only does Peter endorse it, but he says that this hospitality must be characterized by friendly reception of other believers, instead of grumbling.
Finally, Peter says that in light of the end, Christians should use their serving and speaking gifts for God’s glory. The Holy Spirit grants gifts to Christians in order that they might be active in serving God. This means that before the end of this age, Christians are to make sure that they are using the gifts (think talents) the Spirit has given them to be active in service to Christ, in light of the coming of Christ. A service-less Christian is a Christian who is not thinking about Jesus' arrival!
In conclusion, how should Christians live in light of the end of all things being at hand? According to Peter, Christians are to 1) pray in a way that manifests sound thinking, good judgment, and emotional control 2) retain fervency in the love they have for their fellow believers 3) show friendly hospitality to the saints in their church and 4) use their gifts to glorify God through Jesus Christ in the local church. Peter says nothing about the calculation of dates or prophetic speculation. We would do well to heed this apostolic instruction!
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