The Bible contains many prophecies about the end times, the period leading up to and including the return of Jesus Christ. Here is an overview of some of the main events that will occur according to end times prophecy:
The Rapture
The rapture refers to the event where believers in Christ will suddenly be “caught up” to meet the Lord in the air (1 Thessalonians 4:17). At this time, Christians who have died will be resurrected and their bodies transformed into glorified bodies. Christians who are still alive will not die but will also be given glorified bodies and caught up to meet Christ. This event will come unexpectedly, “like a thief in the night” (1 Thessalonians 5:2).
The Tribulation
After the rapture comes a 7-year period called the tribulation (Daniel 9:27). This will be a time of great suffering on earth, as God’s judgment is poured out. Some key events that will occur during the tribulation include:
- The antichrist will gain political power and rule over the world (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4)
- There will be catastrophic environmental disruptions (Revelation 6:12-14)
- Many Christians will be martyred for their faith (Revelation 7:9-14)
- God will send plagues on the earth punishing evil (Revelation 15-16)
- Babylon (a symbolic name for the world’s idolatrous system) will be destroyed (Revelation 17-18)
The Second Coming
At the end of the tribulation, Jesus Christ will return to earth in power and glory. He will conquer the antichrist and the enemies of God at the battle of Armageddon (Revelation 19:11-21). This is the “day of the Lord” spoken of in Scripture, when God will intervene and establish His rule on earth (2 Peter 3:10).
The Millennial Kingdom
After Christ’s second coming, Satan will be bound and thrown into the Abyss for 1,000 years (Revelation 20:1-3). During this 1,000 year period, Jesus Christ will reign on earth in peace (Revelation 20:4-6). This period is known as the Millennial Kingdom, a time when righteousness will prevail upon the earth. People will live long lives, there will be no war, and even nature will be transformed.
Final Rebellion and Judgment
At the end of the 1,000 years, Satan will be briefly released and will deceive the nations into rebelling against God (Revelation 20:7-9). But fire from heaven will consume them. Satan will then be thrown into the lake of fire to be tormented forever (Revelation 20:10).
Next, the dead who did not accept Christ during their lifetimes will be resurrected to face judgment before God, which is referred to as the “great white throne” judgment (Revelation 20:11-15). Anyone whose name is not found in the Book of Life will be cast into the lake of fire.
New Heavens and New Earth
After the final judgment, God will destroy the old heavens and earth by fire and create a new heaven and new earth (2 Peter 3:10-13). There will be no more sin, suffering, or death on the new earth (Revelation 21:1-5). God’s people will dwell with Him forever in the new Jerusalem in perfect fellowship and peace.
These are the key end time events foretold in Scripture. Jesus emphasized that no one knows the exact day when He will return (Matthew 24:36). Therefore, we must live in readiness for His coming, keeping watch and bearing faithful witness until that day arrives.
Though there are many opinions about the specific timing of end time events and how they will unfold, all believers affirm the truth that Jesus Christ will bodily return to earth to rule and reign. His second coming will mark the end of the age when God’s purposes for human history are brought to their climax. The stage is being set even now for the glorious return of the Lord. Maranatha – Come, Lord Jesus!
The Bible contains many prophecies and symbolism regarding the end times that require deeper study to fully understand. This overview hits the key high points, but volumes have been written exploring the intricacies of each prophetic theme in Scripture. For believers, studying biblical prophecy helps reveal God’s sovereignty over human history. It instills holy anticipation for Christ’s return as well as urgency to share the gospel while there is still time.
The end times evoke both hope and solemnity – hope, in the promise of God’s final victory and the joy of eternity with Him. Solemnity, in realizing the judgment that will come upon those who reject Christ and instead shake their fists at their Creator. Prophecy calls every person to consider where their destiny lies.
For Christians, perhaps the most important truth to grasp is that no matter what end time events occur, God remains in control. Even in the midst of chaos and destruction, believers can trust God. The timing and sequence of end time events should not distract from living faithfully now. The hope of eternity with Christ motivates us to persevere no matter what persecution or trials come in this life.
Each generation has seen some fulfillment of end time prophecy and indications of the Lord’s soon return. But the Father alone has fixed the appointed time. So we wait with patience and eager anticipation, seeking to be found faithful when the Master returns. Come quickly, Lord Jesus!
The study of biblical prophecy, including end times prophecy, can be controversial with widely divergent interpretations. This is because prophecy is complex literature with many symbolic and apocalyptic elements. Good scholars can disagree on secondary doctrinal issues while affirming core truths regarding Christ’s second coming.
When studying end times prophecy, it’s wise to hold conclusions with humility, acknowledge different orthodox perspectives, and not insist dogmatically on debatable matters. Most importantly, prophecy should inspire holy living and evangelism rather than frivolous speculation. With the aid of the Holy Spirit, there is much we can learn about God’s plan for history as revealed in His prophetic word.
The purpose of this overview was to summarize at a high level the major events regarding Christ’s return and the end of the age according to Scripture. Many details could be explored more deeply. But the core themes include the rapture of believers, the tribulation judgments, the second coming and millennium kingdom, the final rebellion, the great white throne judgment, and the creation of the new heavens and new earth – human history culminating with the promised return of Christ.
Believers find great hope and encouragement in the Lord’s second coming. It motivates us to persevere in godliness and evangelism. No matter what troubles arise, we know the return of Christ is on the horizon. Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus!
Studying end times prophecy brings many benefits for believers. It instills hope, encourages godly living, increases evangelistic urgency, and strengthens our trust in God’s sovereignty. Details of interpretation may be debated, but we can agree on the biblical promise that Christ will bodily return to establish His Kingdom on earth. Many signs indicate this glorious appearing is drawing near.
May this overview inspire deeper study and application of God’s prophetic word, as we watch and wait for the day when “they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory” (Matthew 24:30). Even so, come Lord Jesus!