The end of time is a topic that has fascinated and frightened people for millennia.
Various religious traditions, including Christianity, have teachings and prophecies about how the world will end one day. But what does the Bible specifically say about the end of time?
As Christians, we should understand what Scripture reveals about the end times. This will give us hope and peace rather than fear in God’s plan.
It will help us discern truth from falsehoods. And it will motivate us to urgently share the gospel while we still can.
In this blog post, I’ll explore key Bible passages concerning the end of time. I’ll look at the signs, events, and ultimate purpose described in the Bible about the last days.
My goal is to provide insight, clarity, and encouragement for followers of Jesus Christ as we wait for His glorious return.
No One Knows the Exact Day or Hour
Jesus said that no one knows the exact timing of the end except God the Father:
“But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only.”
Matthew 24:36 (ESV)
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We cannot predict the specific date of Christ’s return. However, Jesus gave us the signs that would indicate His second coming is approaching.
Periods of great calamity, war, or natural disaster are some of the signs that the end is near.
Although, we cannot determine the date we can watch and prepare ourselves for the end times.
The Bible Describes Signs of the End Times
What are the signs Jesus and the prophets said to look for?
Here are some of the most prominent ones:
False messiahs and false prophets: Many people will claim to be the Messiah or a prophet and they will lead people astray with false teachings.
“4 Jesus answered: “Watch out that no one deceives you. 5 For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and will deceive many.”
Matthew 24:4-5 (NIV)
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“But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves.”
2 Peter 2:1 (NIV)
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Wars, natural disasters, famines: There will be an increase in wars, rumors of wars, famines, earthquakes, disease, and other tragic events. They will intensify like “birth pains” as the end approaches.
“6 You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. 7 Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of birth pains.”
Matthew 24:6-8 (NIV)
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Persecution of Christians: Hostility and persecution against followers of Christ will rise in many nations around the world (Luke 21:12-19). Standing for biblical values will be extremely counter-cultural in the last days.
Gospel spreading worldwide: The message of the gospel—the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus for our salvation—will eventually reach every nation on earth. All people will have a chance to accept or reject Christ.
“And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.”
Matthew 24:14 (NIV)
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The Antichrist’s dictatorship: The Antichrist will rule over the entire world before Christ’s return. No one will be able to buy or sell without the “mark of the beast” (Revelation 13). He will violently target and persecute those who follow Jesus.
Cosmic disturbances: Immediately after the intense persecution of the tribulation period, the sun, moon, and stars will be darkened. God will pour out his final judgments on the earth before establishing his eternal kingdom (Joel 2:28-32; Revelation 6:12-17).
The Second Coming of Jesus Christ
What will happen next after all these end-time events transpire?
The Bible says that Jesus will return to destroy evil and reign over a renewed world:
“They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory.”
Matthew 24:30 (ESV)
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When Christ returns, those who have rejected him will mourn when they realize that they are condemned before the King of kings.
Meanwhile, believers who have endured and remained faithful will rejoice at his long-awaited appearance.
The dead in Christ will rise first to meet Jesus. Those Christians who are still alive will be caught up together to meet the Lord in the air as he descends. (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). This is the rapture.
Jesus will throw the Antichrist and false prophets into hell and crush all remaining resistance.
He will separate the believers from the non-believers, that is the “sheep from goats” and judge all those who are left on the earth (Matthew 25:31-46; Revelation 19:20).
After purging the world with fire, Jesus will then create a “new heaven and new earth” free from sin, death, and suffering.
There, God’s people will enjoy his presence and righteous rule forevermore (2 Peter 3:10-13; Revelation 21-22).
“Come, Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 22:20)
How Should We Respond to Bible Prophecy?
In light of biblical teaching about the end times, here are three essential ways believers in Jesus should respond:
1. Have hope and courage, not fear. God is sovereign. The suffering and chaos are only temporary, while Jesus’ victory and restoration are eternal.
There is no reason for Christians to panic or be afraid. Our indestructible Lord holds our souls safe in his hands.
2. Remain spiritually alert. Don’t grow complacent waiting for Christ, but actively watch for the signs of the end times.
Stay committed to God’s Word and prayer to discern truth from deception. Let prophecy energize your faith, not distract you.
3. Make the gospel your urgent priority. Since Jesus is coming back soon, spreading the good news of salvation should be our most pressing task!
We need to share with everyone how they can repent and receive eternal life through Jesus and him alone.
My eternal destiny is secure with Christ—is yours?
The Bible’s prophecies should stir within us a sense of holy urgency and mission.
Let’s faithfully proclaim salvation to all peoples while there is still time. Christ could return any day now!
Frequently Asked Questions About the End Times
I hope this overview gives you a better grasp of what the Bible teaches concerning the end of time.
Here are answers to some common questions for further insight:
Q. How can we know we’re living in the end times right now?
A. The Bible doesn’t give an exact date, however, the many end-time signs we’re seeing today indicate we’re getting very close.
Skeptics may say, every generation for the past 2,000 years thought they might be the last but nothing has happened yet.
However, many prophecies once hard to imagine are being fulfilled today.
This, paired with the Holy Spirit’s inner witness, should awaken us that Jesus’ coming is very near.
Q. Isn’t focusing on the end times unhealthy or impractical?
A. While there are unbalanced views that become unhealthy, studying and applying biblical eschatology (the teachings of the last days) can strengthen our faith and missionary zeal.
It tells us the coming of the Son of God is right on schedule according to God’s perfect plan and points us to hope in Christ alone.
Q. How can a good God allow so much evil and suffering in the tribulation period?
A. God is completely holy and cannot tolerate sin in his presence.
The judgments of Revelation show his justice and vindicate persecution of his people after ages of inaction. They also test humanity’s hearts before Christ’s kingdom.
Fortunately, God promises to sustain believers through any trial until our ultimate redemption.
Additionally, his judgments are targeted toward hard-hearted mockers of God, not the truly repentant.
I hope exploring what the Bible says about the end of time gives you renewed motivation and hope!
Let me know any other questions you may have in the comments below. And please share this post with anyone else who might find it helpful.
