What is the end times timeline?

The end times refer to the final period of human history before the return of Jesus Christ. While the exact timeline is unknown, the Bible provides many details about the events that will take place leading up to and during this time. Here is an overview of the key events described in Scripture that will unfold during the end times:

The Rapture

The rapture refers to the event where believers in Christ will be “caught up” to meet the Lord in the air (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). At this time, Christians who have died and those still living will receive their immortal bodies and be taken to heaven before the start of the tribulation period on earth. The timing of the rapture in relation to the tribulation is debated among Christians.

The Tribulation

The tribulation is a 7-year period of great suffering and turmoil on earth. During this time, the Antichrist will rise to power and will deceive many into following him (2 Thessalonians 2:1-12). The tribulation will include a series of judgements from God in the form of seals, trumpets, and bowls of wrath as described in the book of Revelation. These judgments include widespread war, famines, plagues, natural disasters, and astronomical phenomena. The purpose of this tribulation is for God to pour out His righteous judgements on an unbelieving world.

The Abomination of Desolation

In the middle of the tribulation, the Antichrist will put a stop to temple sacrifice and set up an image of himself to be worshipped in the temple (Daniel 9:27, Matthew 24:15). This act is called the Abomination of Desolation and signifies the beginning of severe persecution of Jews and Christians during the last 3.5 years of the tribulation.

The Mark of the Beast

During the tribulation the Antichrist will require all people to receive a mark on their hand or forehead in order to buy or sell goods (Revelation 13:16-17). Those who refuse to take this mark will be considered enemies of the state. Taking this mark demonstrates allegiance to the Antichrist and will result in God’s wrath.

The Second Coming

At the end of the tribulation, Jesus Christ will return to earth in power and glory to defeat the Antichrist’s forces at the Battle of Armageddon (Revelation 19:11-21). All the nations of the earth will mourn at Christ’s return as He comes to judge the world in righteousness. The Antichrist and his False Prophet will be cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 19:20). Satan will be bound and thrown into the bottomless pit for 1,000 years (Revelation 20:1-3).

The Millennial Kingdom

With Satan bound and righteousness established worldwide, this 1,000 year period will be a time of peace on earth as Christ reigns on David’s throne in Jerusalem (Revelation 20:4-6). The curse on nature will be lifted and even carnivorous animals will live in harmony with humans and each other (Isaiah 11:6-9). However, not all will submit themselves to Christ’s authority during this time. At the end, Satan will be released from bondage and will deceive many people into rebelling against Jesus once more (Revelation 20:7-10).

The Final Rebellion and Judgement

After the 1,000 years, Satan will be released and will gather a great army to rebel against Jesus and his people, showing that even under ideal conditions, the depravity of the human heart remains. Fire from heaven will consume the rebels. Satan will then be thrown into the lake of fire to be tormented forever (Revelation 20:7-10). The dead will stand before God at the great white throne judgement where they will be judged according to their deeds and then thrown into the lake of fire, which is the second death (Revelation 20:11-15).

The New Heaven and New Earth

God will create a new heaven and new earth free from sin and all its effects (Revelation 21:1-5). The New Jerusalem will descend from heaven adorned as a bride for her husband. God’s dwelling will be with man as He wipes away every tear and makes all things new. Those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life will inhabit this perfect paradise restored for eternity.

While the specifics surrounding the end times and return of Christ remain a mystery, these key events provide an overview of what Scripture says will take place in the final years of human history. As we study biblical prophecy, we must remember Jesus’ words in Acts 1:7, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority.” No one knows the day or hour of Christ’s return (Matthew 24:36). We must live in readiness for His appearing, faithfully fulfilling our purpose in the time we’ve been given.

Precursors to the End Times

In addition to describing specific end time events, the Bible also refers to general conditions in the world that will characterize the end times prior to the tribulation period. These include but are not limited to:

• False christs and false prophets will arise performing signs and wonders to deceive people (Matthew 24:5, 11, 24).
• Wars, rumors of wars, famines, and earthquakes in various places signaling the beginnings of birth pains (Matthew 24:6-8).
• Persecution of believers will increase along with betrayal, hatred, and lawlessness (Matthew 24:9-12).
• The gospel will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations (Matthew 24:14).
• There will be a great falling away from the faith as people follow deceitful spirits and false teachings (1 Timothy 4:1-3, 2 Timothy 4:3-4).
• People will be lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God having a form of godliness but denying its power (2 Timothy 3:1-5).
• Scoffers will come mocking the promise of Christ’s return saying things have remained the same since the beginning (2 Peter 3:3-4).
• Israel will be regathered as a nation and will prosper materially as in the days of Daniel (Ezekiel 37-38).
• Technology will increase allowing for greater potential for deception through false wonders (Revelation 13:13-14).
• Apostasy or falling away from biblical faith within the church as it conforms to the world’s standards (2 Thessalonians 2:3).

While there have always been anti-Christs, wars, apostasy, and other signs throughout history, the Bible indicates these things will intensify and work together as birth pains signaling Christ’s return is drawing near. We must be spiritually alert, watching and praying as we await our Lord’s second coming.

Old Testament Prophecies about the End Times

The Old Testament contains many prophecies and foreshadows regarding the end times and second coming of the Messiah. Here are some key passages:

• Isaiah 13:6-13 – The day of the Lord bringing wrath and destruction.
• Jeremiah 30:4-11 – Time of Jacob’s trouble but he will be delivered.
• Ezekiel 38-39 – Prophecy that Gog of Magog will attack Israel but be defeated.
• Daniel 2:31-45 – Prophecy of four kingdoms ending in everlasting kingdom.
• Daniel 7:1-28 – Visions of four beasts representing four kingdoms with the Son of Man reigning forever.
• Daniel 9:24-27 – Prophecy of 70 weeks including tribulation and reign of Antichrist.
• Daniel 11:36-12:13 – Kings of North and South, the great tribulation, and resurrection.
• Joel 2:28-32 – Prophecy of cosmic signs and all who call on the Lord saved.
• Zechariah 12:1-14:21 – Attack on Jerusalem, the Lord defends them, His return.
• Malachi 4:1-6 – The day of the Lord bringing judgement and later restoration.

The Old Testament provides the conceptual framework through prophecy and types foreshadowing the end time events that are later described in greater detail in the New Testament. Studying Old Testament prophecy helps us see God’s grand plan unfolding throughout human history.

New Testament Teachings on the End Times

Jesus and the apostolic writers expound upon Old Testament prophecy providing further revelation about end time events. Here are some key New Testament passages:

• Matthew 24-25 – Olivet Discourse on signs, tribulation, second coming, and preparedness.
• 1 Corinthians 15:50-58 – The resurrection of the righteous at Christ’s coming.
• 1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:11 – The Rapture, the Day of the Lord, and being watchful.
• 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12 – The Apostasy, the Man of Lawlessness and his defeat.
• Revelation 4-22 – Visions of the throne room of heaven, tribulation judgements, second coming, Millennium, final rebellion, new creation.
• 2 Peter 3:1-18 – Coming cosmic destruction, patience as we await the Day of the Lord.
• 1 John 2:18-29 – Antichrists coming, but we have an anointing to know the truth.
• Jude 1:14-23 – Prophecy of Christ’s return and exhortation to persevere in the faith.

Drawing heavily on Old Testament prophecy, New Testament passages provide critical details about the Antichrist, the tribulation, the rapture, the resurrections, the judgements, and the coming eternal state. They call us to live holy lives, evangelize, and eagerly watch for Christ’s return.

How to Have Hope Despite Troubled Times

For Christians, properly understanding Bible prophecy offers hope despite the inevitably difficult seasons during the end times. Here are some ways believers can maintain hope and persevere through coming global chaos:

• Recognize that God is completely sovereign over the future and will fulfill His perfect plans (Isaiah 46:10).
• The troubles ahead are birth pains leading to Christ’s return and a new creation (Matthew 24:8, Romans 8:22-23).
• Jesus promised to return and receive believers to Himself in glory (John 14:3).
• The Holy Spirit empowers us to be Jesus’ witnesses even in persecution (Acts 1:8).
• We can pray unceasingly to receive strength, protection, and guidance (Ephesians 6:18-20).
• Believers can encourage each other daily while it is called “today” (Hebrews 3:13).
• The Judge of all the earth will do what is right in punishing evil and rewarding righteousness (Genesis 18:25).
• God will wipe away every tear, death shall be no more, no more pain (Revelation 21:4).
• Our resurrection bodies and home in heaven far outweigh present sufferings (2 Corinthians 4:16-5:1).
• We know the One who holds the future – Jesus Christ the same yesterday, today and forever!

Despite widespread wickedness, violence, disasters, and persecution, believers must cling to God’s faithfulness and the hope we have in Christ. He will give us strength to shine as lights until He returns.

Signs That Indicate the End Times May Be Near

While no one knows the day or hour of Christ’s return, Jesus told us to watch for signs that the end is drawing near and to be prepared (Matthew 24:42-44). Here are some key indicators that many Bible scholars believe suggest we may be living in the season of His return:

• Increased “birth pains” – more frequent natural disasters, wars, famines, disease (Matthew 24:7-8).
• Israel restored as a nation and in control of Jerusalem (Luke 21:24).
• Gospel being preached globally (Matthew 24:14).
• Instant worldwide communication and information via the Internet (Revelation 11:9-10).
• Technology for a cashless society and mark of loyalty (Revelation 13:16-17).
• Pursuit of a one-world government e.g. the UN (Daniel 7:23-26).
• Efforts toward a unified global religion e.g. ecumenical movement (Revelation 17:1-2).
• Rise of immorality, idolatry, and spiritual apathy (2 Timothy 3:1-7).
• Denial of creation and flood, scoffers doubting God’s intervention (2 Peter 3:3-7).
• Disregard for biblical marriage, gender, and human life (2 Timothy 3:1-5).
• Heightened demonic activity (Revelation 16:12-16).

While these signs have characterized the entire Church age to some degree, the convergence of multiple signs in greater measure is reason to believe the end times are nearer. At the same time, no signs precede the Rapture. It appears imminent and could occur at any moment.

Potential Timeline According to One End Times View

There are several biblical interpretations regarding the sequence and timing of end times events. Here is one plausible timeline from a premillennial, pretribulation rapture perspective:

1. Increasing turmoil globally – wars, natural disasters, lawlessness.
2. Rapture of all believers in Christ to heaven.
3. Rise of Antichrist and the beginning of the 7-year tribulation.
4. Antichrist makes peace treaty with Israel for first 3.5 years.
5. Two witnesses prophesy in Jerusalem with miracles (Revelation 11).
6. Antichrist breaks covenant with Israel, puts a stop to sacrifices.
7. Antichrist declares himself God, begins persecuting Jews/Christians.
8. Bowls of wrath judgement poured out, natural catastrophes intensify.
9. Marriage supper of the Lamb with raptured believers in heaven.
10. Jesus returns, defeats Antichrist at Armageddon.
11. Antichrist and False Prophet thrown into lake of fire.
12. Satan bound, and millennium begins on earth.
13. Satan loosed, nations rebel, fire from heaven consumes them.
14. Satan thrown into lake of fire, great white throne judgement.
15. Current heavens and earth destroyed, new creation established.
16. New Jerusalem comes down, eternity begins!

Of course, other Scriptural interpretations exist for the order of events, particularly regarding the timing of the rapture. But regardless of one’s view, all believers can find hope knowing God is sovereign over the future and Christ will return as He promised.

Conclusion

Understanding the biblical timeline of the end times provides valuable insight into God’s prophetic plans for the future. While challenging days lie ahead, Christians can take confidence knowing who holds the future. Jesus Christ will bring His purposes to pass in the perfect timing of the Father. God’s plans cannot be thwarted. The best response is to walk with God today, living holy lives that honor Him while anticipating the return of our Redeemer who is drawing ever closer. Though the exact timing is uncertain, the covenant promises of God are sure. The Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout of victory, defeat all His foes, and usher in a renewed world upon His holy mountain where righteousness will reign forever.