What does the Bible say about the end times?

Definition and Key Themes

The phrase “end times” broadly refers to events and conditions in Scripture that culminate in the return of the Messiah, final judgment, and the restoration of all things. This theme appears throughout the Bible, weaving together prophecy, spiritual preparedness, and the ultimate triumph of good over evil. In considering these matters, Scripture provides prophetic outlines and exhortations for believers to stay vigilant (cf. 1 Peter 4:7: “The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear-minded and sober, so that you can pray.”).

Old Testament Foundations

The Old Testament lays significant groundwork regarding the end times. In the Book of Daniel, there are explicit predictions about future kingdoms, the rise of rulers opposed to God, and the eventual establishment of God’s eternal kingdom (cf. Daniel 2:44: “In the days of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed…”).

Daniel’s visions (especially in chapters 7, 9, and 12) introduce imagery of final judgment, resurrection, and the ultimate triumph of God’s people. Archaeological evidence from the Dead Sea Scrolls, discovered at Qumran (dating to around the second century BC), includes fragments of the Book of Daniel that attest to the integrity of the text as we have it today.

New Testament Overview

New Testament writers draw on these Old Testament concepts and expand them through the lens of Christ’s first coming, crucifixion, and resurrection. A prominent discourse on the end times is found in Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21—often called the Olivet Discourse.

In Matthew 24:6–7, Jesus foretells, “You will hear of wars and rumors of wars… Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.” He includes other signs such as famines, earthquakes, and the persecution of believers. These events serve as precursors, calling believers to faithfulness rather than fear.

The New Testament also details a coming apostasy (falling away from the faith) and the rise of false Christs and false prophets (cf. 2 Thessalonians 2:3–4). In addition, the writings of Peter and John underscore themes of divine patience, urging repentance before the final judgment arrives (2 Peter 3:9).

The Return of Christ (Second Coming)

Central to the end times narrative is the certainty of the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. Acts 1:11 recounts the angelic message after Christ’s ascension: “This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen Him go into heaven.”

Elsewhere, 1 Thessalonians 4:16 promises, “The Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a loud command, with the voice of an archangel and with the trumpet of God…” This climactic event embodies hope for believers, as Christ triumphs over evil and gathers His followers to Himself.

Key Events Leading to the End

1. Increased Turmoil and Persecution: Jesus, Paul, and John all speak of intensified tribulations (Matthew 24:9; Revelation 6–7).

2. Rise of Antichrist-Like Figures: A significant adversary—often referred to as the “man of lawlessness” (2 Thessalonians 2:3–4) or associated with the “beast” imagery in Revelation—will oppose God.

3. Great Tribulation: Daniel describes a final period of distress (Daniel 12:1); Jesus calls it a time “unequaled from the beginning of the world” (Matthew 24:21).

4. Cosmic Signs: Scripture describes celestial disturbances, including darkened sun and moon and falling stars (Matthew 24:29; Revelation 6:12–14).

5. Final Judgment: After Christ’s return, God judges both the living and the dead. Revelation 20:12 says, “And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne—and there were open books…”

The Book of Revelation

Revelation is a cornerstone for understanding the culmination of history, revealed to the Apostle John while exiled on Patmos. The text portrays symbol-laden visions:

• Letters to seven churches, highlighting the spiritual condition of believers.

• Descriptions of tribulation, trumpets, bowls of wrath, and the final destruction of evil.

• The defeat of Satan, the establishment of Christ’s reign, and ultimately the new heaven and new earth (Revelation 21–22).

Archaeological findings on Patmos and early Christian testimony corroborate John’s residence there, adding historical context to the composition of Revelation.

Millennial Kingdom

Revelation 20 describes a thousand-year reign of Christ. Christians have proposed different views regarding the nature and timing of this millennial rule (premillennial, amillennial, postmillennial). Across these interpretations, Scripture consistently affirms God’s rightful rule and the final victory of Christ.

Revelation 20:4 states, “They came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.” This passage contributes to the understanding of future events and encourages believers that Christ ultimately consummates His kingdom.

Preparation and Discernment

Though prophecy may seem complex, the Bible repeatedly stresses a heart of readiness. Jesus exhorts in Matthew 24:42: “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day on which your Lord will come.”

Spiritual preparedness includes:

• Faith in Christ’s atoning work and resurrection (1 Corinthians 15).

• Ongoing repentance and holiness (2 Peter 3:14).

• Discernment against false teachings (1 John 4:1).

• Encouragement of fellow believers (Hebrews 10:24–25).

Hope and Comfort in End Times Teachings

Scripture’s teaching on the end times promotes a hope-filled perspective, offering comfort to believers that injustice will not last forever, and suffering will yield to eternal glory. Paul assures believers in Titus 2:13 to be “awaiting our blessed hope, the glorious appearance of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.”

This forward-looking viewpoint fuels perseverance, reminding the faithful that God’s sovereign plan will be fulfilled. It also draws readers toward personal transformation, echoing 1 John 3:2–3: “When He appears, we shall be like Him… Everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself…”

Conclusion

In answering what the Bible says about the end times, Scripture consistently points to God’s sovereignty, Christ’s victorious return, and the believer’s call to vigilance, faith, and holiness. While details of prophecy may spark different interpretations, the central message remains: all things move under the guidance of an eternal, just God, who will restore creation and bring lasting peace for His people.

Regardless of cultural shifts or geopolitical events, biblical prophecy and practical exhortations work together, urging every believer to remain watchful and live in the hope of Christ’s imminent return. As Revelation 22:20 declares, “He who testifies to these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!”