What Does The Bible Say About End Times?

Knowing what the Bible says about the end times is important for Christians. However, it can be quite tricky to fully comprehend it. As you may know, there are different kinds of teachings and doctrines regarding the end times. You will encounter a lot of jargon as you try to study it. Expect to come across terms like eschatology, premillennialism, and dispensation. These days, doing your laundry is a lot easier than exegeting the Bible. The Book of Revelation talks about the end times, and is a book in the Bible full of mystery, symbols, and cryptic meanings. Although it is difficult and challenging to unlock the mysteries in the Book of Revelation, it doesn’t mean that we should skip reading it.

It is true that the more prophetic books in the Bible are very difficult to understand, but our beliefs about the end times or the end of the world matter. For this reason, we must make sure that we pray to the Holy Spirit to help us illuminate what God has said regarding the end times. It is also vital that we dedicate some of our time to conducting online research about pre-tribulation, mid-tribulation, or post-tribulation. Regardless of your view of the rapture, it is essential for Christians to trust in Jesus and spread His truth. Just because we have no clear idea about when Jesus is going to arrive doesn’t mean that we can sit comfortably in our chairs without sharing the Gospel with other people.

When we say end times, we refer to Jesus coming back. Remember that God’s first judgment came by water, but the second coming of Christ, which is also the final judgment, will come by fire. In order to be saved from the wrath of God, which is eternal damnation, we need to make sure that we receive Jesus as our Lord and Savior. We need to believe that God sent His son to die for our sins. Take note that God’s clock has been ticking for two thousand years already. The Bible says that “the time is near” (Revelation 1:3). Although a thousand years may seem like a very long time for us humans, it is not a long time for God.

Some Churches Will Turn Away from God

Unfortunately, some churches will turn away from the faith during the end times. The church of Ephesus was doing the right things, but in Revelation 2:4 (ESV), it is said that they had “left their first love”. This is a warning to modern-day Christians not to forget our first love, which is Jesus Christ. The believers in Ephesus were instructed to repent. This warning definitely applies to churches today. Jesus’s door of mercy and repentance is still open: “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers, I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God” (Revelations 2:7 (ESV)). 

It is also said that some churches will tolerate immorality and idolatry. The sad thing is, this is actually happening right now. Liberal churches are now approving same-sex marriage. Many pastors are saying that “abortion” is okay and that we need to respect the beliefs of other people.  The true church of Christ should stand firm. It is important that we go to a church that overcomes evil and immorality: “The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the book of life. I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” (Revelation 3:5-6 (ESV)).

Revelation 3:19-20 (ESV)

“Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.” . 

It is critical that we accept the discipline of the Lord. We need to repent of our sins before it’s too late. And before the end times begin, we will see signs that signal Jesus’ return. Jesus said in Matthew 24:6, “And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won’t follow immediately.” Another event that signals the beginning of the end is found in Luke 21:25-28: “There will be signs in the sun, moon, and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken.  At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads because your redemption is drawing near.” The Bible also tells us that once “the gospel of the kingdom is proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” (Matthew 24:14 (ESV)).

The Enemy, Two Witnesses, and the Beast

During the end times, it is said that an enemy will come.  This enemy is the Antichrist. “A rider with a bow and a crown, on a white horse, goes out to conquer.” (Revelation 6:1-2 (ESV)). This prince of darkness will arise and will kill and destroy Christians or the holy people of God. There will be hatred and rebellion on earth. God will send two witnesses to proclaim the Gospel of Christ. These witnesses will have an amazing power from the Almighty God (Revelation 11:3-6 (ESV)). It is also mentioned in the Bible that a beast will be unleashed. In order for people to eat, drink, and survive, they need to have their right hand or forehead inscribed with the number 666 or the mark of the beast (Revelation 13). “And no one could buy or sell anything without that mark, which was either the name of the beast or the number representing his name” (Revelation 13:17 (ESV)).

The Heavenly Warrior Defeats the Beast

 (Revelation 19:11 (ESV)).

“I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and wages war.”  

The armies of our Lord are dressed in white linen, which is us. The enemy, the beast, the rulers of the earth, and their armies will be ready to fight, but God is more powerful than all the rest of them combined. “Coming out of his mouth is a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. He will rule them with an iron scepter.” He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty (16). On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.” (Revelation 19:15-16 (NIV)).

The angel of the Lord will seize the beast and the false prophets, who will be thrown into the lake of fire. The rest of their armies will be killed by the sword of our King, who is Jesus. As Christians, it is important that we are prepared. We need to have strong faith in order to survive such tribulations. It is vital that we do not succumb to the enemies, but instead trust that Jesus will bring victory. When the end times come, put your peace in Jesus. Take heart, for He has conquered the world (John 16:33).