Explore what the Bible says about the end times, including key prophecies, signs of the last days, judgment, resurrection, and the hope of God’s Kingdom.
The End Times – What Are They?
The End Times in the Bible: Prophecy, Signs, and What to Expect
1. What Are the End Times in the Bible?
The Bible describes the end times as the conclusion of the present system.
Importantly, Jesus called this period “the conclusion of the age” (Matthew 24:3).
Therefore, the end times involve major global and spiritual changes.
Moreover, these events prepare the way for God’s Kingdom rule.
2. Signs of the Last Days
Jesus listed clear signs marking the last days.
For example, he said, “Nation will rise against nation” (Matthew 24:7).
Additionally, the Bible mentions food shortages, earthquakes, and disease.
Thus, these conditions signal an approaching climax.
3. Moral and Religious Conditions
The Bible foretold declining morals during the end times.
Notably, it says people will be “lovers of themselves” (2 Timothy 3:2).
Furthermore, many would have “a form of godliness” without true devotion.
Consequently, true worship becomes harder to find.
4. The Preaching Work in the End Times
Despite worsening conditions, a global preaching work occurs.
Jesus stated, “This Good News of the Kingdom will be preached” (Matthew 24:14). The Bible is God’s voice and the Bible has been teaching those searching for centuries. This is still being accomplished today. The Kingdom is being preached by the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. It is also being preached by the apostle Paul also. The Bible is a guidebook for our day.
Meanwhile, this message reaches all nations. Refer to Matthew 28:19,20 revealing how the disciples testimonies reach out even to our times.
Therefore, people are given an opportunity to respond. Beware however, as false religions who claim to come in Jesus name mislead. This is a stark warning from Jesus. Luke 21:8.
5. Judgment During the End Times
The Bible connects the end times with divine judgment.
For instance, Acts 17:31 says God “has appointed a day” for judgment.
However, judgment is based on righteousness and justice.
Thus, God’s standards remain fair and consistent.
6. Resurrection and Hope for the Future
The end times include hope, not just destruction.
Jesus promised, “All who are in the tombs will hear his voice” (John 5:28).
Moreover, the Bible teaches a resurrection to life.
Therefore, faithful ones have a future beyond death.
7. Jesus Will Resurrect the Dead on the Last Day
Jesus promised a global resurrection. John 5:28 says, “All who are in the tombs will hear his voice.” He said this will occur on the “last day” (John 6:40). Jesus showed this power during his ministry. As a result, our hope for the future is certain.
7. God’s Kingdom Brings the End Times to a Close
The end times lead directly to God’s Kingdom rule.
Daniel 2:44 says God’s Kingdom “will never be destroyed.”
Then, human suffering will end permanently.
Finally, God’s purpose for the earth will be fulfilled.
Events to Look Out For – Keeping on the Watch
The End Times in the Bible: Prophecy, Signs, and What to Expect
1. Watch for Deception in the End Times
Jesus first warned about widespread religious deception.
He said, “Be careful that no one leads you astray” (Matthew 24:4).
Therefore, discernment becomes essential during the last days.
If you ask a Jehovah’s Witness for example if they are the only group preaching the end times door to door they will say yes. Now read Luke 21:8. He replied: “Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Do not follow them.
The fact is that all religions no matter who or what they are will use certain truths to lure you in. However, they also add their own doctrines that encourage you to break God’s commandments such as idolatry. An example of this is bowing to an image of the cross. See Exodus 20:4.
2. Global Signs Foretold in Matthew 24
Jesus outlined visible signs marking the end times.
For example, “Nation will rise against nation” (Matthew 24:7).
Additionally, food shortages and earthquakes increase worldwide.
3. Increasing Lawlessness and Loss of Love
Jesus warned that lawlessness would intensify.
He stated, “The love of many will grow cold” (Matthew 24:12). Also see 2 Timothy 3:1-5.
Consequently, true Christian love becomes increasingly rare.
4. The Cry of “Peace and Security”
The Bible foretells a deceptive announcement of stability.
It says, “When they are saying, ‘Peace and safety,’ then sudden destruction comes” (1 Thessalonians 5:3).
Thus, apparent calm precedes divine judgment.
5. The Fall of Babylon the Great
Revelation describes the collapse of false religion.
Babylon the Great is called “the great city” (Revelation 17:18).
Then, God commands, “Come out of her, my people” (Revelation 18:4).
6. The Disgusting Thing Causing Desolation
Jesus warned about a shocking sign in a holy location.
He said, “The abomination of desolation… standing in the holy place” (Matthew 24:15).
Many understand this as involving Jerusalem.
7. Persecution of True Followers
Jesus foretold severe opposition to his disciples.
He said, “You will be hated by all nations” (Matthew 24:9).
However, endurance becomes a mark of true faith.
8. Staying Awake Spiritually
Jesus emphasized constant spiritual alertness.
He said, “Watch therefore, for you don’t know what hour” (Matthew 24:42).
Therefore, complacency becomes dangerous.
9. Lessons From the Faithful and Evil Slaves
Jesus contrasted faithful and unfaithful servants.
The faithful slave stays busy doing God’s will (Matthew 24:45–47).
Meanwhile, the evil slave becomes careless and unprepared. Therefore, if we keep on the watch and follow God’s commandments, we will be ready for the day of the master’s arrival. If we fail to do so, we could be condemned for eternity and put to death.
10. Parables Stress Readiness and Action
Jesus’ parables stress preparation and obedience.
The virgins needed oil to stay ready (Matthew 25:1–13).
Likewise, the talents parable highlights active faith (Matthew 25:14–30).
Useful Links
The End Times in the Bible: Prophecy, Signs, and What to Expect
Useful Scriptures
The End Times in the Bible: Prophecy, Signs, and What to Expect
General Warnings About the End Times
Matthew 24:3
“Tell us, when will these things be? What is the sign of your coming, and of the end of the age?”
Daniel 12:4
“Many shall run back and forth, and knowledge shall be increased.”
2 Timothy 3:1
“But know this, that in the last days, grievous times will come.”
Signs Given by Jesus in Matthew 24
Matthew 24:4–5
“Be careful that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name.”
Matthew 24:6–7
“You will hear of wars and rumors of wars… Nation will rise against nation.”
Matthew 24:8
“But all these things are the beginning of birth pains.”
Matthew 24:12
“Because iniquity will be multiplied, the love of many will grow cold.”
Matthew 24:14
“This Good News of the Kingdom will be preached in the whole world.”
Moral and Spiritual Conditions of the Last Days
2 Timothy 3:1–5
“Men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money… having a form of godliness, but denying its power.”
2 Peter 3:3–4
“Mockers will come… saying, ‘Where is the promise of his coming?’”
Deception and False Worship
Matthew 24:11
“Many false prophets will arise, and will lead many astray.”
Revelation 12:9
“The whole world was deceived.”
The Cry of “Peace and Security”
1 Thessalonians 5:3
“When they are saying, ‘Peace and safety,’ then sudden destruction comes on them.”
Babylon the Great and Her Fall
Revelation 17:5
“Babylon the Great, the mother of the prostitutes and of the abominations of the earth.”
Revelation 17:18
“The woman whom you saw is the great city.”
Revelation 18:2
“Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great.”
Revelation 18:4
“Come out of her, my people.”
The Disgusting Thing Causing Desolation
Matthew 24:15
“The abomination of desolation… standing in the holy place.”
Luke 21:20
“When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation is at hand.”
Daniel 9:27
“On the wing of abominations will come one who makes desolate.”
Persecution and Endurance
Matthew 24:9
“You will be hated by all nations for my name’s sake.”
Matthew 24:13
“But he who endures to the end will be saved.”
Revelation 14:12
“Here is the endurance of the saints.”
Watchfulness and Spiritual Alertness
Matthew 24:42
“Watch therefore, for you don’t know in what hour your Lord comes.”
Matthew 24:44
“Be ready, for the Son of Man comes at an hour you don’t expect.”
Luke 21:36
“Be watchful at all times, praying.”
Parables Emphasising Readiness (Matthew 24–25)
Matthew 24:45
“Who then is the faithful and wise servant?”
Matthew 25:10
“Those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast.”
Matthew 25:21
“Well done, good and faithful servant.”
The Role of Scripture in the Last Days
2 Timothy 3:16
“Every Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching.”
2 Timothy 3:17
“That the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
Psalm 119:105
“Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light for my path.”