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Besides the ordinary application of the word, it is used in scripture as defining different periods. The term 'that day' often occurs in the Prophets and in the N.T. referring to the Messiah's day, sometimes connected with judgement and sometimes with blessing, the context
of each passage showing its application. The subject generally may be divided into:
1. the days of the Law and the Prophets, which extended from the giving of the law until the coming of the Messiah. "At the end of these days [God] has spoken to us in [His] Son," as Heb. 1: 2 should read. This introduced Messiah's Day. But He was rejected and His reign postponed. In the meantime:
2 . The Day of Grace supervenes, during which the church is being called out. The Lord Jesus wrought out redemption, ascended to heaven, and sent down the Holy Spirit. Of this time He said "In that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you" John 14: 20 cf. also John 16: 23, 26. The present period is referred to as man's day. 1 Cor. 4: 3, margin. These are also 'the last days' in which scoffers would come. 2 Peter 3: 3; Jude 18.
3. Messiah's Day, when He returns in judgement and then to reign. "The day is at hand." Rom. 13: 12; Heb. 10: 25. "The day shall declare it." 1 Cor. 3: 13. It is also called 'the last day.' John 6: 39-51; John 11: 24; John 12: 48. And it is called 'the great day.' Elijah will come before the great and dreadful day of the Lord. Malachi 4: 5. The kings of the earth will be gathered to the battle of that great day of God Almighty. Rev. 16: 14. It is also called 'the day of Christ' and 'the day of Jesus Christ.' Phil. 1: 6, 10; Phil. 2: 16; cf. 1 Cor. 1: 8; 2 Cor. 1: 14.