What events occur during the end times?

Definition of “End Times”

The term “End Times” generally refers to the climactic period described in Scripture during which God brings human history, as we currently experience it, to its intended fulfillment. Prophetic portions of Scripture, especially in Daniel, Matthew 24, and the Book of Revelation, depict a future sequence of events culminating in the transformation of creation itself, the ultimate judgment of humanity, and the establishment of an eternal state under God’s perfect rule.

Key Scriptural Passages

• Daniel 7, 9, 12 for Old Testament prophecies.

• Matthew 24–25 and Mark 13 for Jesus’ teaching on the last days.

• 1 Thessalonians 4–5 and 2 Thessalonians 2 for apostolic insight on Christ’s return.

• Revelation 6–22 for a detailed vision of final events.

Signs Preceding the End Times

According to Scripture, certain signs will become evident before the culminating events fully unfold. Jesus foretold:

• An increase in false messiahs, wars, and rumors of wars (Matthew 24:6–11).

• Global turmoil, including famine, disease, and earthquakes (Matthew 24:7).

• Widespread proclamation of the gospel to all nations: “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world… and then the end will come” (Matthew 24:14).

Historical evidence shows that Jesus’ words have been preserved reliably in manuscripts such as the Dead Sea Scrolls confirming Old Testament prophecy, and in early New Testament papyri such as the Chester Beatty Papyri. These textual discoveries reinforce the authenticity of the prophetic record that speaks about coming end-times events.

The Rapture

Many readers interpret 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17 and 1 Corinthians 15:51–52 to describe an event in which believers in Christ are caught up:

“For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a loud command… and the dead in Christ will be the first to rise. After that, we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds…” (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17).

Interpretations vary on whether this “catching up” happens before or during a period of great suffering on earth. One prevalent view argues for a Pre-Tribulation Rapture, suggesting that believers will be taken to be with the Lord prior to a seven-year global trial.

The Tribulation (Daniel’s 70th Week)

Daniel’s prophecy speaks of “seventy weeks” (Daniel 9:24–27), understood by many to be seventy “weeks” of years. The final week—seven years—matches the time period described in various passages, including Revelation 6–19, where catastrophic earthly events, judgments, and divine wrath unfold.

During the first half of these seven years, biblical text points to a deceptive peace orchestrated by a prominent world leader—often referred to as the Antichrist (2 Thessalonians 2:3–4). Signs such as global conflict, economic distress, and the emergence of counterfeit miracles will pave the way. The midpoint of this seven-year period involves the desecration of a holy place (Matthew 24:15), a moment recognized by many as the “abomination of desolation” prophesied by Daniel.

The Great Tribulation

The latter half of the seven-year period is called the Great Tribulation, a time of unparalleled distress (Matthew 24:21). Cataclysmic judgments such as those detailed in Revelation (the Bowl Judgments and Trumpet Judgments) affect every aspect of life on earth. Despite the calamities, these events repeatedly spotlight God’s sovereignty—He is not absent but actively orchestrating history toward its rightful conclusion.

The Second Coming of Christ

At the climax of the Tribulation period, Scripture portrays the triumphant return of Jesus Christ. Revelation 19:11–16 describes heaven opening, a white horse appearing, and the One called “Faithful and True” descending to judge and wage war against evil. Unlike the possible hidden aspect of the Rapture, this event is universally visible:

“Then I saw heaven standing open, and there before me was a white horse. And its rider is called Faithful and True…” (Revelation 19:11).

The armies of heaven follow, and Christ’s feet stand on the Mount of Olives (Zechariah 14:4).

The Battle of Armageddon

Revelation 16:16 depicts the gathering of the world’s armies in a place called Armageddon, culminating in a direct confrontation between these earthly forces and divine intervention. This confirms Old Testament prophecies like Joel 3:2, where the nations gather in opposition but are ultimately overthrown.

The Millennial Kingdom

Following Christ’s second coming, Satan is bound for a thousand years, and Christ reigns on earth—an era widely referred to as the Millennium (Revelation 20:1–6). Passages such as Isaiah 2:2–4 and Isaiah 11:6–9 paint a picture of peace and harmony. Many understand this literal thousand-year period as a fulfillment of promises made to Israel and a foretaste of eternal peace under God’s rule.

Archaeological discoveries in Israel, including references to ancient cities and places mentioned in millennial prophecies, add historical weight to these Scriptures. The continuity of biblical manuscripts across millennia, confirmed by finds such as the Qumran scrolls, underscores that these promises have been consistently preserved.

The Release of Satan and Final Revolt

At the end of the Millennium, Satan is released to deceive the nations once more (Revelation 20:7–10). A final rebellion ensues, swiftly ended by divine judgment as fire comes down from heaven. This event demonstrates both God’s utter sovereignty and the reality that some hearts, even in ideal conditions, can still be drawn astray until the final judgment.

The Great White Throne Judgment

Scripture then describes the judgment of all humanity before God’s great white throne (Revelation 20:11–15). The dead are raised, “books” are opened, and judgment is rendered. Those not found in the Book of Life are cast into the lake of fire. This sobering moment underscores individual accountability before a holy God and fulfills Jesus’ words that there will be a final division of the righteous and the unrighteous (Matthew 25:31–46).

New Heavens and New Earth

After evil is decisively dealt with, Revelation 21–22 depicts a new heaven and a new earth, free from sorrow, death, or pain (Revelation 21:1–4). God dwells among people in a restored creation, often referred to as the Eternal State or the consummation of all things.

Scientific evidence of the fine-tuning of our universe, found in studies of cosmology and biology, can be understood to point back to a wise Creator—a strong apologetic theme found in references like Romans 1:20. Scripture’s vision of an ultimate restoration aligns with God’s nature to create and redeem.

Conclusion

The End Times events constitute a grand narrative of God’s redemptive plan moving toward a new beginning. The Bible speaks of signs, tribulation, Christ’s return, and final judgments, all culminating in the everlasting kingdom where God and humanity dwell in perfect communion.

Various archaeological finds, manuscript discoveries, and the historical veracity of biblical texts confirm that the words describing these future events have been reliably passed down through centuries, affirming Scripture’s trustworthiness. While different interpretations exist regarding the specific flow of events, all point to the same core conclusion: the ultimate triumph of God over evil and the establishment of His eternal kingdom.