Dear Roger, Here’s what I thought of after your series on the end of times: You said that discerning Christians’ will recognize the signs that the end is near… How can I be sure I am a discerning Christian?
Sincerely, S
Dear S, The Bible is filled with signs as to what the end times will look like. Some signs are so specific we can’t miss them. For example, in Matthew 24:15-16 Jesus pointed out one sure sign of the end times: “So when you see standing in the holy place 'the abomination that causes desolation,' spoken of through the prophet Daniel — let the reader understand—then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains…”
Jesus expects His readers to understand the signs of the end and last days of the earth. How will we know what to look for? We study the Scriptures. Let's look at some of the most specific signs of the end times as mentioned in the Bible:
Daniel 7 describes this “abomination” and how to recognize it.
God told the prophet Daniel that when the end is near, many seemingly enigmatic verses will become clear. Probably because as the events prophesied are increasingly fulfilled, the more clear other signs will become.
As Daniel concluded his prophecy in chapter twelve, he asked God to let him in on the timing of the end-time events. God deflected his request in verse four: “But you, Daniel, close up and seal the words of the scroll until the time of the end…” (Notice that when the end is near everything will become more clear).
Daniel then asked the two angels standing nearby, “How long will it be before these astonishing things are fulfilled?” An angel replied in verse seven, “It will be for a time, times, and half a time. When the power of the holy people has been finally broken, all these things will be completed.”
The terms, "time, times and half a time" and the corresponding 3.5 years and 1260 days and 1290 days, are explained in the Book of Revelation. Daniel confessed in verse eight that he still did not understand so once again He asked the Lord, "My Lord, what will the outcome of all this be?"
God replied in verse nine, “Go your way, Daniel, because the words are closed up and sealed until the time of the end…. None of the wicked will understand, but those who are wise will understand."
So, rest assured that discerning spiritual men and women in the Body of Christ will be able to read the signs—and will be happy to share what they see with you. Notice I said, “spiritual men and women.” Jesus predicted that near the end of time many false individuals will confuse many (this, of course, is another sign in itself).
But, don’t stop by depending on the insights of others. Do your own homework. Be a biblical “self feeder” and check these things out for yourself.
So that you won't have to go searching to get started, I've listed below the basic prophetical books and passages in order to help make your study a little easier.
False Messiahs and False Prophets: Jesus warns of many who will come in His name, claiming to be the Christ, and will deceive many (Matthew 24:4-5, 24).
Wars and Rumors of Wars: There will be reports of wars and conflicts, but Jesus advises not to be alarmed, as these things must happen, but the end is not yet (Matthew 24:6-7).
Natural Disasters: Famines, earthquakes, and other natural disasters in various places are described as the beginning of birth pains (Matthew 24:7-8).
Persecution of Believers: Believers will face persecution, be handed over to be put to death, and hated by all nations because of Jesus (Matthew 24:9).
Widespread Apostasy: Many will turn away from the faith, betray, and hate each other. False prophets will appear and deceive many people (Matthew 24:10-11).
Increase in Wickedness: Due to the increase in wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but those who stand firm to the end will be saved (Matthew 24:12-13).
Preaching the Gospel Worldwide: The gospel of the kingdom will be preached throughout the world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come (Matthew 24:14).
The Abomination of Desolation: Jesus refers to the "abomination of desolation" spoken of by the prophet Daniel, which will stand in the holy place, signaling a significant turning point (Matthew 24:15).
Great Tribulation: There will be a time of great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now, and never to be equaled again (Matthew 24:21).
Cosmic Signs: The sun will be darkened, the moon will not give its light, stars will fall from the sky, and heavenly bodies will be shaken (Matthew 24:29).
The Coming of the Son of Man: The sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and all the peoples of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory (Matthew 24:30).
No One Knows the Day or Hour: Despite these signs, Jesus emphasizes that no one knows the exact day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father (Matthew 24:36).
Nations rage, conspiring and plotting against the Lord and His Anointed One, which reflects global rebellion against God.
God laughs at their plans and asserts His sovereignty by proclaiming His King (Messiah) on Zion, His holy hill.
exaltation of Christ as Lord over all nations
Timeline of events from the days of Daniel, 598 B.C. to Palm Sunday, April 6, 30 A.D
The Abomination of Desolation: During this final week, a ruler will set up an abomination in the temple, sparking a period of intense tribulation (Daniel 9:27).
The Kings of the North and South: Daniel 11:36-45 describes a willful king who exalts himself above all gods. This is frequently associated with the Antichrist.
The Great Tribulation: Daniel 12:1 describes a time of unparalleled trouble, followed by the deliverance of those whose names are written in the book. This begins with a peace treaty between Israel and a confederation of European states and ends with the Battle of Armageddon and the return of Christ.
Resurrection and Judgment: Daniel 12:2-3 speaks of a resurrection of the dead and a final judgment.
The prophecy of the return of Jews from all over the world to the land of Israel to reestablish the nation of Israel (the dispersion occurred in 70 A.D. and against all odds, the return took place in 1948 A.D.)
The battle between Gog, from the land of the north (Magog), which is directly north of Jerusalem (Russia?), and the nation of Israel. Gog, who is allied with several African nations, is soundly defeated. The battle probably occurred before the time of the Great Tribulation.
Gathering of Nations: God will gather all nations against Jerusalem. Despite the siege, Jerusalem will be a heavy stone that will injure all who try to move it (Zechariah 12:2-3).
Divine Intervention: God will protect the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and the nations attacking it will be struck with confusion and panic (Zechariah 12:4-9).
Mourning for the Pierced One: The Israelites weep and repent when they see the nail-scarred hands of Christ at the second coming (Zechariah 12:10-14).
Final Battle: All nations will gather against Jerusalem for battle, but the Lord will go out and fight against those nations (Zechariah 14:1-3).
The Mount of Olives: The Mount of Olives will be split in two, providing a way of escape for the people (Zechariah 14:4-5).
Living Waters: Living waters will flow out from Jerusalem, half to the eastern sea and half to the western sea (Zechariah 14:8).
The Lord as King: The Lord will be king over the whole earth, and His name will be the only name worshiped (Zechariah 14:9).
Plague on the Nations: A plague will strike the nations that fought against Jerusalem, affecting their people and livestock (Zechariah 14:12-15).
Worship of the King: Survivors from all nations will go up year after year to worship the King, the Lord Almighty, and to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles. Those who do not go up will face plagues and punishment (Zechariah 14:16-19).
Dead in Christ Rise First: Paul addresses concerns about those who have died, assuring the Thessalonians that they will not miss out on Christ’s return. He explains that the dead in Christ will rise first when Jesus returns (1 Thessalonians 4:13-16)
The Rapture: After the dead in Christ have risen, those who are still alive will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. This event is commonly referred to as the rapture (1 Thessalonians 4:17).
The Timing of the Day of the Lord: The swiftness and stealth of the Second Coming is detailed. Paul states that the exact times and dates are unknown, but the Day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night, unexpectedly (1 Thessalonians 5:1-2).
Sudden Description: While people are saying "peace and safety," sudden destruction will come upon them, like labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape (1 Thessalonians 5:3).
The Antichrist has deceptive tools to fool the world. The coming of the lawless one will be accompanied by Satan’s work, including all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs, and wonders.
Before the Day of the Lord, there will be a rebellion or falling away (apostasy) (2 Thessalonians 2:3).
The "man of lawlessness" (also known as the Antichrist) must be revealed. He will oppose and exalt himself above all that is called God or worshiped, setting himself up in God’s temple and proclaiming himself to be God (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4).
Currently, there is a restrainer holding back the man of lawlessness, preventing him from being revealed until the proper time. This restrainer will be removed, allowing the lawless one to be revealed (2 Thessalonians 2:5-7).
When "that which restrains" (the Holy Spirit or the church) is removed from the earth, the Lord's wrath is unleashed.
Be Alert and Sober: Peter emphasizes that the end of all things is near, urging believers to be alert and sober-minded so that they can pray effectively (1 Peter 4:7).
Peter warns that just as there were false prophets among the people in the past, there will be false teachers among believers. These false teachers will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them, bringing swift destruction on themselves (2 Peter 2:1).
These false teachers are compared to irrational animals, creatures of instinct born only to be caught and destroyed. Like animals, they too will perish (2 Peter 2:12).
The Second Coming time table is right on schedule. God is not delaying.
"The elements will be destroyed by fire."
Jude cites a prophecy from Enoch, the seventh from Adam, about the Lord coming with thousands of his holy ones to judge everyone and convict the ungodly for their deeds and harsh words (Jude 1:14-15).
Jude reminds believers of the predictions made by the apostles of Jesus Christ, warning that in the last times, there will be scoffers who follow their own ungodly desires (Jude 1:17-18).
The Antichrist: Revelation 13 describes a beast rising out of the sea with ten horns and seven heads, with blasphemous names on its heads. The beast is often interpreted as the Antichrist, a figure of immense political and military power (Revelation 13:1-2). The beast speaks arrogant and blasphemous words, and he is given the authority to act for forty-two months (three and a half years). He blasphemes God, His name, His dwelling place, and those who live in heaven (Revelation 13:5-6). The beast wages war against the saints and conquers them. He is given authority over every tribe, people, language, and nation, and all who dwell on the earth will worship him, except those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life (Revelation 13:7-8). A second beast, the false prophet, rises from the earth and performs great signs, deceiving those who dwell on the earth. He forces everyone to worship the first beast and receive his mark on their right hand or forehead (Revelation 13:11-17).
The Battle of Armageddon: The sixth angel pours out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, drying it up to prepare the way for the kings of the East. Demonic spirits gather the kings of the whole world for battle on the great day of God Almighty, at a place called Armageddon (Revelation 16:12-16). Revelation 19 describes Jesus Christ as the rider on a white horse, called Faithful and True. He judges and makes war with justice, and his eyes are like blazing fire. The armies of heaven follow him, and from his mouth comes a sharp sword to strike down the nations (Revelation 19:11-16). The beast and the kings of the earth gather their armies to wage war against the rider on the horse and his army. The beast and the false prophet are captured and thrown alive into the lake of fire, and their armies are killed by the sword coming out of the mouth of the rider (Revelation 19:19-21).
The Great White Throne Judgment: John sees a great white throne and Him who is seated on it. Earth and sky flee from His presence, and no place is found for them (Revelation 20:11). The dead, great and small, stand before the throne, and books are opened. Another book, the book of life, is opened, and the dead are judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books (Revelation 20:12). The sea, death, and Hades give up their dead, and each person is judged according to what they had done. Death and Hades are thrown into the lake of fire, which is the second death. Anyone whose name is not found written in the book of life is thrown into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:13-15).
Tossing Satan into the Abyss of Hell: An angel comes down from heaven, holding the key to the Abyss and a great chain. He seizes the dragon (Satan), binds him for a thousand years, throws him into the Abyss, and locks and seals it to keep him from deceiving the nations (Revelation 20:1-3). After the thousand years, Satan is released for a short time to deceive the nations and gather them for battle. Fire comes down from heaven and devours them. The devil is then thrown into the lake of fire, where the beast and the false prophet are, to be tormented day and night forever (Revelation 20:7-10).
The millennium and the new Heaven and Earth: Those who had been beheaded for their testimony of Jesus and for the word of God are resurrected and reign with Christ for a thousand years. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy are those who share in this first resurrection; the second death has no power over them (Revelation 20:4-6) John sees a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth have passed away. He sees the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God (Revelation 21:1-2). God will dwell with His people, and He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death, mourning, crying, or pain, for the old order of things has passed away (Revelation 21:3-4).
So, "S," to read the signs well and not be deceived, I recommend that you:
Finally, remember that Paul wrote in 1 Thessalonians 5:4: “But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief…”
I hope this helps. Love, Roger
Editor's Note: Pastor Roger Barrier's "Ask Roger" column regularly appears at Preach It, Teach It. Every week at Crosswalk, Dr. Barrier puts nearly 40 years of experience in the pastorate to work answering questions of doctrine or practice for laypeople, or giving advice on church leadership issues. Email him your questions at roger@preachitteachit.org.
This article is part of our larger End Times Resource Library. Learn more about the rapture, the anti-christ, bible prophecy and the tribulation with articles that explain Biblical truths. You do not need to fear or worry about the future!
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