The concept of the "End Times" refers to a future period described in the Bible, characterized by significant events leading up to the return of Jesus Christ and the final judgment. Various passages throughout the Scriptures provide insights into the signs that will precede these events. These signs are often interpreted as indicators of the approaching culmination of history as ordained by God.

Biblical References

1. Wars and Rumors of Wars: In the Olivet Discourse, Jesus speaks to His disciples about the signs of the end times. He warns, "You will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet" (Matthew 24:6). This suggests a period of global conflict and unrest.

2. Natural Disasters: Jesus also mentions natural calamities as precursors to the end times: "There will be famines and earthquakes in various places" (Matthew 24:7). These events are described as "the beginning of birth pains" (Matthew 24:8), indicating that they are initial signs of the approaching end.

3. Persecution of Believers: The Bible foretells increased persecution of Christians: "Then they will deliver you over to be persecuted and killed, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name" (Matthew 24:9). This persecution is seen as a test of faith and endurance for believers.

4. False Prophets and Deception: Jesus warns of the rise of false prophets and widespread deception: "For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders that would deceive even the elect, if that were possible" (Matthew 24:24). This highlights the need for discernment among believers.

5. Increase in Wickedness: The apostle Paul writes about moral decline in the last days: "But understand this: In the last days, terrible times will come. For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy" (2 Timothy 3:1-2). This moral decay is seen as a sign of the times.

6. The Gospel Preached to All Nations: A positive sign of the end times is the global proclamation of the Gospel: "And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come" (Matthew 24:14). This indicates the fulfillment of the Great Commission.

7. The Abomination of Desolation: Jesus refers to a specific event known as the "abomination of desolation," spoken of by the prophet Daniel: "So when you see standing in the holy place ‘the abomination of desolation,’ described by the prophet Daniel (let the reader understand)" (Matthew 24:15). This event is often associated with the desecration of a holy site.

8. Signs in the Heavens: Cosmic disturbances are also mentioned as signs: "There will be signs in the sun and moon and stars, and on the earth dismay among the nations, bewildered by the roaring of the sea and the surging of the waves" (Luke 21:25). These celestial signs are seen as harbingers of the end.

9. The Rise of the Antichrist: The apostle John speaks of the Antichrist, a figure who will oppose Christ and deceive many: "Children, it is the last hour; and just as you have heard that the antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have appeared. This is how we know it is the last hour" (1 John 2:18).

10. The Gathering of Israel: Prophecies concerning the regathering of Israel are often linked to the end times. Ezekiel speaks of a future restoration: "For I will take you from among the nations, gather you out of all countries, and bring you into your own land" (Ezekiel 36:24).

Interpretation and Application

The signs of the end times have been the subject of much interpretation and debate among theologians and scholars. While some view these signs as symbolic or allegorical, others see them as literal events that will unfold in the future. Believers are encouraged to remain vigilant, faithful, and discerning, as they anticipate the fulfillment of God's promises and the return of Jesus Christ.Matthew 24:21-22
For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.
Topicalbible.org

Matthew 24:7
For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.
Topicalbible.org

Matthew 24:6
And you shall hear of wars and rumors of wars: see that you be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.
Topicalbible.org

4592. semeion -- a sign
... 4592 ("sign") then emphasizes the end-purpose which exalts the one ... Accordingly, it
is used dozens of times in the NT ... mark (1), miracle (2), sign (35), signs (39 ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4592.htm - 7k

The Signs of the Times
... to answer; the times of the Messiah; the times ordained before ... death of the cross,"
to the end that whosoever ... This was the important time the signs whereof the ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 66 the signs of.htm

The Signs of the Redeemer's Return
... in our hearts." The prophets of Old Testament times are commended ... If we know that
the end of the Age itself ... Yet, we repeat, the various Signs to which we shall ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the redeemers return/chapter six the signs of.htm

On the Clause, and Shall Come in Glory to Judge the Quick and the ...
... For it is not for you, He says, to know times or seasons, which the Father hath
put ... But since it was needful for us to know the signs of the end, and since ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture xv on the clause.htm

Signs and Wonders.
... in many times"perhaps to us in these modern times. ... when they are in danger"Requiring
signs and wonders ... and will be, perhaps, to the end; shewing themselves ...
/.../kingsley/westminster sermons/sermon xix signs and wonders.htm

Concerning those who Come in the Name of Christ the Terrible Signs ...
... Now, let us see what are the signs which He ascribes to the times. ... begin to be compassed
with armies," [5040] He described the signs of the end of all things ...
/.../the five books against marcion/chapter xxxix concerning those who come.htm

The Destruction of Jerusalem and the Coming of Christ. Ch. 21:5-38
... this state of the holy city is to continue until "the times of the ... proof that the
age is near its end; for this end there will be definite signs as Jesus ...
/.../erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/i the destruction of jerusalem.htm

Steadfast unto the End
... devices. As the end of all things earthly should approach, there would be
faithful ones able to discern the signs of the times. While ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 52 steadfast unto the.htm

The Thessalonian Letters
... "Of the times and the seasons," he said ... They seek to quiet all apprehension, while
at the same time the signs of the end are rapidly fulfilling, and the ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 25 the thessalonian letters.htm

Of the Times of Christ's Birth and Passion, and of Jerusalem's ...
... of the times prescribed, and of competent signs and operations ... built into height
and entrenchment, and the times shall be ... as in a deluge, until (the) end of a ...
/.../tertullian/an answer to the jews/chapter viii of the times of.htm

Another Instance of Marcion's Tampering with St. Paul's Text the ...
... succession of times which constitutes an age; who also ordained, as "signs" of time ...
the revelation of His Son should be postponed to the end of the times. ...
/.../the five books against marcion/chapter iv another instance of marcions.htm

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