What does Isaiah mean when he says, “In the last days”?

In Isaiah 2:1–5, Isaiah moves from the judgment and rebellion of chapter 1 to an extraordinary vision of hope: the mountain of the LORD exalted above every other mountain, the nations streaming to God, His Word going forth, justice being established, and swords being beaten into plowshares.

In this message, we consider Isaiah’s prophecy through the biblical framework of inauguration and consummation. The “last days” have already been inaugurated through the coming of Jesus Christ, His cross, and the giving of the Holy Spirit—but we still await the consummation of what God has promised.

Isaiah gives us a picture of where God is taking history:

• The nations will recognize the LORD as the one true God.

• God’s name will be exalted rather than profaned.

• People will hunger to hear and learn God’s Word.

• They will desire to walk in His ways rather than their own.

• God will establish perfect justice.

• The nations will lay down their weapons of war and enjoy true peace.

Because God has promised these things, Christians should not become consumed with arguments over prophetic timelines, dates, and events. Instead, we can trust that what God has spoken “shall come to pass” and faithfully live in light of His promises today.

The sermon concludes with Isaiah’s exhortation for those living between inauguration and consummation:

“Come, house of Jacob, and let us walk in the light of the LORD.” — Isaiah 2:5

Is God sitting on the highest mountain of your own heart? Are we living now in light of what God has promised to accomplish in the end?

Primary Text: Isaiah 2:1–5

Other Scriptures discussed: Isaiah 1:25–27; Psalm 86:8–9; Ezekiel 36; Mark 1; Luke 8; John 18:37; Acts 1–2; Ephesians 2; Hebrews 1; Romans 5.

SERMON CHAPTERS

00:00 — From Judgment to Hope: Isaiah 1 into Isaiah 2

05:05 — Inauguration and Consummation

10:25 — What Are “the Last Days”?

14:25 — How to Approach Biblical Prophecy Faithfully

19:15 — “It Shall Come to Pass” — Trusting God’s Promises

23:35 — The Mountain of the LORD Above Every Mountain

27:40 — All Nations Will Worship the One True God

31:00 — The Nations Hunger for God’s Word

33:30 — Taught His Ways So We May Walk in His Paths

36:40 — God Establishes Justice

38:05 — Swords into Plowshares: God Establishes Peace

41:05 — Living Between Inauguration and Consummation

43:05 — Is God on the Highest Mountain of Your Heart?

44:00 — “Let Us Walk in the Light of the LORD” — Isaiah 2:5

Isaiah #3 The Dwelling Place of God Isa 1:21-31

Psalm 76

Isaiah #2 The Kind of Worship God Hates Isa 1:10-20

Isaiah #1 "Something is all wrong" Isa 1:1-9 Part 1

2 Corinthians #13 Examine Yourselves 2 Cor #13

Psalm 75 Do Not Boast 

2 Corinthians #12 2 Cor 11:1-12:19

2 Corinthians #11 The Destruction of a Fortress 2 Cor 10

Remember O God Psalm 74

2 Corinthians #10 Giving Generously 2 Cor 8-9

2 Corinthians #9 The Glory of Godly Sorrow 2 Cor 7

Sanctified by Grace 1 Peter 1:22-2:5

Means of Grace Part 1 Heb 4:4-16

2 Corinthians #8 Ministry Defined 2 Cor 6

2 Corinthians #7 Therefore, get to it! 2 Cor 5:10-21

2 Corinthians #6 Fragile Messengers of a Powerful God 2 Cor 4:13-5:9

2 Corinthians #5 Extraordinary Message, Ordinary Messenger 2 Cor 4:1-12

1 Cor #69 Act like Men 1 Cor 16:13-24

2 Corinthians #4 More Glory 2 Corinthians 3