The Bible refers to the “end of the age” or “end times” in several places, pointing to a future time when God will bring human history as we know it to a climax and fulfill His purposes. Though interpretations vary, there is a general consensus among Bible scholars that this period will be preceded by increasing evil and hardship in the world, followed by the glorious return of Jesus Christ.
The Current Age and the Age to Come
The Bible presents history and time in two overarching ages or eras – this present age and the age to come. This age refers to the fallen world we currently live in, which is marked by sin, suffering, and death. The age to come is the future era when Christ will reign over a renewed and restored creation (Matthew 12:32; Mark 10:30; Luke 18:30). The end of this age marks the transition between the two.
Theologians sometimes refer to this current age as the “present evil age” (Galatians 1:4). This is because even though God is sovereign, the world is currently in a state of rebellion against Him and His purposes due to the far-reaching effects of sin and the work of Satan (1 John 5:19). The age to come will see the eventual defeat of Satan, sin and death, and the complete fulfillment of God’s plans.
Signs of the End of the Age
Jesus’ disciples asked Him about the signs that would precede His coming and the end of the age (Matthew 24:3). In His reply, known as the Olivet Discourse, Jesus described many events and conditions that would intensify and culminate in His return. These include:
– False messiahs and prophets (Matthew 24:5,11)
– Wars, natural disasters and famines (Matthew 24:6-8)
– Persecution of believers (Matthew 24:9-10)
– Widespread immorality, evil and lack of love (Matthew 24:12)
– Gospel proclamation to all nations (Matthew 24:14)
– The abomination of desolation – an image or idol set up in the temple (Matthew 24:15)
– Great tribulation worse than anything in history (Matthew 24:21)
– Celestial disturbances (Matthew 24:29)
Though the precise timing is unknown, these signs suggest a coming increase in evil, calamity and hostility leading up to Christ’s return, even as the gospel reaches the ends of the earth.
The Day of the Lord
The Biblical prophets also spoke of the “day of the Lord” – a day of God’s wrath and judgment on sin, as well as the salvation of His people (Joel 2:31; Malachi 4:5). For the unrepentant wicked, it will mean destruction, but for the faithful it will mean deliverance. It is tied to the return of Christ.
Isaiah 13:6 describes it as a time of destruction from the Almighty. Zephaniah 1:14-16 foretells a day of wrath, distress, anguish, ruin and darkness. However, for the waiting, faithful remnant it will also be a time of ultimate salvation. The “day of the Lord” likely refers to the whole period around Christ’s return, not just a single day.
The Resurrection and Final Judgment
The end of the age will culminate in a final day of reckoning when the dead will be raised: first believers to eternal life, and then the rest of the dead to be condemned (John 5:28-29; Acts 24:15). There will be a final judgment before God’s throne when all evil and rebellion will be eradicated and God’s purposes completed (Revelation 20:11-15).
The timing of these events is unknown, but it could possibly span 75 days: a 30-day reclamation period after Tribulation (Daniel 12:11), 45 days for judgment preparations (Daniel 12:12), then the unknown day and hour when the Son of Man returns for the final resurrection and judgment (Matthew 24:36).
The Return of Christ
One of the cornerstone events of the end of the age is the public, glorious return of Jesus Christ. He will return physically and visibly in power and authority, leading an army from heaven (Matthew 24:30; 26:64). His return will overthrow His enemies and inaugurate His millennial reign on earth (Revelation 19:11-21).
Though Christ’s return was expected imminently by the early church, the precise date remains unknown. However, the end-time signs and the shortening of the days indicate it may be approaching (Mark 13:28-30). Believers are exhorted to be alert and watchful as they await the day of His coming.
The Rapture
Some scholars distinguish between Christ’s return for His church (often called the Rapture) and His later return in glory. The Rapture refers to when Christ will descend and believers will be “caught up” to meet Him in the air (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). The righteous will receive their resurrected bodies and escape the tribulation on earth.
At the Rapture, deceased Christians will rise first, followed by the living believers. Whether the Rapture occurs before, during or after the Tribulation is a matter of ongoing theological debate. But Scripture indicates believers are not destined for the coming wrath (1 Thessalonians 5:9).
The Millennial Kingdom and Reign of Christ
After crushing His enemies, the Bible prophesies that the returned Christ will establish a thousand-year kingdom on the earth and rule from Jerusalem in peace and righteousness (Revelation 20:1-6). When Satan is released at the end for a final rebellion, fire from heaven will consume them, initiating the final resurrection and judgment by God.
Scholars hold various perspectives on the precise nature of this Millennial Kingdom. Premillennialism sees it as a future, literal 1000-year reign after Christ returns. Amillennialism sees it as symbolic of Christ’s reign in the church age. Postmillennialism sees it as the 1,000 years prior to Christ’s return, marked by the expansion of the Gospel and Christ’s influence on society and culture.
A New Heaven and New Earth
After the Millennial Kingdom and final judgment, the Bible prophesies that God will create a new heaven and new earth free from sin, suffering and death – the home of the righteous for eternity (2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 21:1-5).
Believers will inhabit resurrected, glorified bodies and reign forever with God in the new creation. There will be no more tears, pain or separation from God (Revelation 21:4). Paradise lost will become Paradise restored. God’s dwelling will be with men as all things are made new for eternity.
How Should Believers Respond?
In light of the Biblical revelations about the end times, how should believers respond? Here are some key ways Scripture exhorts us to live in these last days:
– Have hope and anticipate Christ’s return, remaining faithful unto death (Titus 2:13; Revelation 2:10)
– Recognize the signs of the times, but don’t be alarmed (Luke 21:28; Mark 13:7)
– Keep watch and be ready at all times for Christ’s return (Matthew 24:42)
– Tell others the good news of the Gospel while there is time (Matthew 24:14)
– Abide in Christ and live holy lives (1 John 2:28)
– Look forward to the resurrection and reward (1 Corinthians 15:58)
– Fix hope completely on God’s grace and Christ’s return (1 Peter 1:13; Titus 2:11-14)
– Encourage and build up other believers until Christ returns (1 Thessalonians 4:18)
The end times will be tumultuous, but believers await the culmination of their salvation when Christ returns (Hebrews 9:28). That blessed hope motivates us to faithful service in the midst of a fallen world as we await the dawn of the age to come.