The Bible contains numerous prophecies about the Last Days and the return of Jesus, providing us with a roadmap to understanding the sequence of these pivotal events. From the Rapture to the creation of a new heaven and earth, we will take a journey to the key elements that make up this timeline.
You Will Learn Today
- Deeper understanding of the end times prophecy timeline.
- Explore the sequence of events leading up to Jesus’ return.
- Discover the significance of the Rapture and the Tribulation.
- Learn about the Second Coming and the establishment of Christ’s kingdom on earth.
- Understand the hope and joy found in the creation of a new heaven and earth.
Timeline of the End Time Prophecy
The Rapture – Jesus Takes His Church to Be With Him
The concept of the Rapture, as described in biblical end times prophecy, is a highly anticipated event among believers. It signifies the moment when Jesus will gather His Church, both the living and the dead, to be with Him in the air. This event marks the beginning of the end times and precedes the seven-year Tribulation period.
The Rapture is a time of great hope and joy for the Church. It is a moment of reunion with loved ones who have gone before us in faith and an escape from the impending judgment and suffering of the Tribulation. As believers, we eagerly anticipate being caught up in the clouds to meet our Lord and Savior.
“For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.” – 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17
The exact timing and details of the Rapture are the subject of much debate. Some believe it will occur before the Tribulation, allowing believers to escape its horrors entirely.
Others propose a mid-Tribulation or pre-Wrath Rapture, suggesting that believers will be taken up during a time of intense persecution. Regardless of these differing viewpoints, the central message remains the same: Jesus will come to gather His Church and bring us into His presence.
| Key Points | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | The Rapture: Jesus taking His Church to be with Him |
| Timing | Debate among theologians: pre-Tribulation, mid-Tribulation, or pre-Wrath |
| Participants | Believers who are alive and those who have died in Christ |
| Hope | A moment of reunion, escape from Tribulation, and being with the Lord forever |
As we await the Rapture, it is important for us to live in readiness and anticipation. We should strive to walk in obedience, share the Good News, and worship God with all our hearts.
The Tribulation – Unrestrained Evil
The Tribulation, also known as the Great Tribulation, is a period of intense suffering and chaos that will occur after the Rapture. It will be a time of unrestrained evil and unprecedented global turmoil.
The Bible describes this period as a time when God’s judgment will be poured out on the wicked, and Satan will have temporary authority over the earth.
During the Tribulation, the Antichrist will rise to power and deceive many with false signs and wonders. He will establish a one-world government and promote a global religion that opposes the truth of God.
The world will experience natural disasters, wars, and famines on an unimaginable scale. Believers who are left behind will face severe persecution and will be forced to make a choice between renouncing their faith or facing death.
The Tribulation will be a time of testing and purification for those who endure it. It is a sobering reminder of the reality of evil and the consequences of rejecting God’s salvation. However, amidst the darkness, there is hope.
The Bible tells us that even in the midst of the Tribulation, God will preserve a remnant of faithful believers who will stand firm in their faith and ultimately be victorious.
The Signs of the End Times
The Tribulation is one of the key signs of the end times. Jesus Himself warned of these events in Matthew 24, saying that they would be a prelude to His second coming. As we see the signs of the end times unfolding around us, it is crucial to be aware and prepared.
- Matthew 24:4-5 – Jesus warns of deception: “Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and will deceive many.”
- Matthew 24:6-7 – Wars and rumors of wars: “You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.”
- Matthew 24:9-10 – Persecution and apostasy: “Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other.”
- Matthew 24:11 – The rise of false prophets: “And many false prophets will appear and deceive many people.”
- Matthew 24:12 – Increase of wickedness: “Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold.”
- Matthew 24:14 – The Gospel preached to all nations: “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.”
- Matthew 24:21-22 – The Great Tribulation: “For then there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now—and never to be equaled again. If those days had not been cut short, no one would survive, but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened.”
- Matthew 24:29-31 – Signs in the heavens and the coming of the Son of Man: “Immediately after the distress of those days ‘the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.’ Then will appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven. And then all the peoples of the earth will mourn when they see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory.”
| Key Events of the Tribulation | Descriptions |
|---|---|
| Antichrist’s Rise to Power | The Antichrist will emerge as a charismatic leader, deceiving many and establishing a one-world government. |
| Natural Disasters | The world will experience unprecedented natural disasters, including earthquakes, famines, and plagues. |
| Persecution of Believers | Those who refuse to worship the Antichrist will face severe persecution and will be forced to choose between renouncing their faith or facing death. |
| Great Tribulation | The second half of the Tribulation, known as the Great Tribulation, will be a time of even greater suffering and chaos. |
| Final Battle | The Tribulation will culminate in the final battle between the forces of evil and the return of Jesus Christ. |
The Second Coming – To Judge the World
The Second Coming of Jesus is a very significant event in the end time predictions. It is the moment when Jesus will return to earth in glory and power.
This event marks the completion of God’s plan for redemption and the ultimate fulfillment of biblical prophecies. Jesus will come to judge the world, bringing justice and righteousness to all nations.
During the Second Coming, Jesus will defeat the Antichrist, the embodiment of evil and deception. He will establish His kingdom on earth and reign as the rightful King.
This period of His reign is often referred to as the Millennial Kingdom, lasting for a thousand years. It will be a time of peace, harmony, and restoration, as Jesus brings about a new era of righteousness.
The Fulfillment of Prophecy
“Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of Him. Even so. Amen.” – Revelation 1:7
This quote from the book of Revelation highlights the certainty of the Second Coming. It emphasizes that every person will witness this glorious event, regardless of their beliefs or actions.
The Second Coming is the culmination of God’s plan for redemption and serves as a reminder of His faithfulness to His promises.
| Signs of the Second Coming | References |
|---|---|
| The increase in global turmoil and unrest | Matthew 24:6-8 |
| The rise of false prophets and deception | Matthew 24:11 |
| The preaching of the Gospel to all nations | Matthew 24:14 |
| The restoration of Israel | Matthew 24:32-34 |
| The signs in the heavens | Luke 21:25-26 |
| The increase of wickedness and love growing cold | Matthew 24:12 |
| The persecution of believers | Matthew 24:9-10 |
| The great tribulation | Matthew 24:21-22 |
The Millennium – To Rule the World
As we continue to understand the end time prophecy timeline, we come to a significant period known as the Millennium.
This thousand-year era represents a time when Christ will rule on earth and fulfill God’s promises to His people. It is a time of unprecedented harmony, righteousness, and prosperity.
During the Millennium, believers will share in Christ’s reign and experience the blessings of His kingdom. This period marks the ultimate victory over sin and evil, as Christ establishes His righteous rule over the earth.
It is a time of restoration, where the effects of the fall are reversed and creation is brought back into perfect alignment with God’s original design.
The Millennium is not just a literal thousand years, but it symbolizes a period of completeness and fulfillment. It represents the culmination of God’s plan for redemption and the ultimate triumph of His kingdom.
The Fulfillment of Prophecy
One of the remarkable aspects of the Millennium is its fulfillment of biblical prophecy. Throughout the Old Testament, numerous prophecies point to a time of peace and prosperity under the reign of the Messiah.
The Millennium represents the fulfillment of these prophetic promises, demonstrating the faithfulness of God to His Word.
It is important to note that the details of the Millennium are not outlined with great specificity in the Bible. However, we can trust that it will be a time of incredible joy, abundant blessings, and unhindered fellowship with God.
As we reflect on the Millennium and its significance within the end time prophecy timeline, let us hold onto the hope and assurance that Christ will one day rule over all creation. It is a time when righteousness and justice will prevail, and we, as believers, will share in the glorious reign of our Savior.
| Prophecy | Scripture Reference |
|---|---|
| Peaceful Reign of the Messiah | Isaiah 2:4 |
| Abundance and Prosperity | Isaiah 65:21-23 |
| Restoration of Creation | Isaiah 11:6-9 |
A New Heaven and a New Earth
The end times culminate with the creation of a new heaven and a new earth, as prophesied in the Bible. This glorious event marks the ultimate fulfillment of God’s plan for the world and brings an end to sin and suffering.
While the physical properties of this new creation are not described in detail, it represents a beacon of hope and joy for believers, waking us of the eternal joy and peace that await us.
“And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.'” – Revelation 21:3-4
Just as the new heaven and earth represent the ultimate fulfillment of God’s plan, they also remind us of the importance of living with an eternal perspective.
While we are still in this present world, we are called to set our hearts and minds on things above. This means prioritizing our relationship with God, seeking His kingdom, and living in accordance with His Word.
Living with a Future Hope
| Key Points |
|---|
| The creation of a new heaven and a new earth is the ultimate fulfillment of God’s plan. |
| While the physical properties of the new creation are not described, it represents a source of hope and joy for believers. |
| Living with an eternal perspective involves prioritizing our relationship with God and seeking His kingdom. |
| We are called to be ambassadors of God’s kingdom in the present, spreading the message of redemption and making a positive impact in the world. |
| The creation of a new heaven and a new earth motivates us to live faithfully and work diligently to advance God’s kingdom. |
Walk Submissively
The book of Revelation tells us of the importance of obedience to God’s Word amidst the events unfolding in the last days. Obedience is not just a mere formality; it is a crucial element in preparing for the end times and staying faithful to God’s teachings.
Walking submissively entails distancing ourselves from the rebellion of the world and aligning our lives with God’s truth. It requires surrendering our will to God’s will and seeking His guidance in every area of our lives.
In a world that encourages self-reliance and promotes autonomy, submissiveness to God’s Word may seem countercultural. However, it is through obedience that we find true freedom and experience the blessings and protection of God.
“If you love me, keep my commandments.” – John 14:15
Walking submissively also involves humbling ourselves before God and acknowledging His authority over our lives. It is a posture of humility and reverence, recognizing that He is the ultimate source of wisdom and guidance.
In the midst of the chaos and uncertainty of the end times, a submissive heart allows us to navigate through the challenges with confidence, knowing that we are following the path set by our loving and all-knowing God.
| Benefits of Walking Submissively | Scripture References |
|---|---|
| Peace and security in God’s guidance | Proverbs 3:5-6 |
| Protection from deception | Matthew 7:15 |
| Closeness to God | James 4:8 |
| Blessings and favor from God | Deuteronomy 28:1-14 |
Worship Triumphantly
In the midst of the biblical end times, as signs of the end times become more evident, it is crucial for believers to embrace the practice of worshiping triumphantly.
Praise and worship are powerful expressions of our faith and devotion to God, and they play a vital role in our relationship with Him. As we engage in heartfelt worship, we acknowledge God’s sovereignty and goodness, and we align our hearts with His purposes.
Worshiping triumphantly involves more than just going through the motions. It requires a genuine outpouring of praise from the depths of our souls. As the book of Revelation reveals, worship in heaven is marked by exuberance and conviction.
We are called to join in this heavenly chorus, lifting our voices and hearts in adoration of the One who is worthy of all glory and honor.
Through worship, we find strength and encouragement in the presence of God. It is a time to lay down our burdens, fears, and anxieties and instead focus on the majesty and faithfulness of our Heavenly Father.
In worship, we also experience a deep sense of intimacy with God, as His Spirit fills our hearts and minds with peace, joy, and renewed purpose.
Benefits of Worship:
- Renewal of our spirit and connection with God
- Ability to find peace and joy amidst troubling times
- Opportunity to express gratitude and adoration towards God
- Strengthening of our faith and trust in God’s sovereignty
- Encouragement and comfort in the presence of God
| Benefits of Worship | Scripture References |
|---|---|
| Renewal of our spirit and connection with God | Psalm 63:1-4 |
| Ability to find peace and joy amidst troubling times | Philippians 4:6-7 |
| Opportunity to express gratitude and adoration towards God | Psalms 100:4 |
| Strengthening of our faith and trust in God’s sovereignty | Psalm 13:5-6 |
| Encouragement and comfort in the presence of God | Isaiah 41:10 |
Witness Urgently
As we flow through the signs of the end times and the predictions outlined in the book of Revelation, one thing becomes abundantly clear – the need to witness urgently.
The urgency stems from the understanding that time is running out and the eternal destiny of souls is at stake. It is our responsibility as believers to share the Good News of redemption through Jesus Christ.
Evangelism becomes paramount during these end times as we recognize the imminent return of Christ. The world around us is in desperate need of hope and salvation, and we have been entrusted with a message that can bring life-changing transformation.
We must be bold and courageous, proclaiming the Gospel with conviction and compassion.
Jesus Himself gave us the Great Commission to go into all the world and make disciples of all nations. This command is not optional, but rather an imperative that should drive us to action.
We can no longer remain silent or complacent. The urgency to witness urgently compels us to step out of our comfort zones and reach those who have yet to experience the love and grace of our Savior.
Table: The Importance of Witnessing Urgently
| Reasons | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Impending Judgment | The signs of the end times indicate that judgment is coming. Urgent witnessing allows more people to find salvation and escape eternal punishment. |
| Love for Others | Our love for others should motivate us to share the Gospel urgently. We do not want anyone to perish but to have everlasting life in Christ. |
| Fulfilling Our Purpose | One of our main purposes as believers is to bring glory to God by fulfilling the Great Commission. We are called to be ambassadors of Christ, sharing His message with the world. |
Work Fervently
As believers, we have a limited amount of time to make a difference in the world and share the Good News of Jesus Christ. The return of Christ could happen at any moment, and it is our responsibility to use our time effectively for the Kingdom.
Advancing the Gospel requires dedication and effort. It involves actively spreading the message of redemption to those who have yet to hear it. This can be done through various means, such as personal evangelism, missions work, or supporting organizations that are committed to sharing the Gospel.
Each of us has a role to play in fulfilling the Great Commission, and it is essential that we work fervently to fulfill our part.
While working fervently for the Gospel, we must also remember the importance of prayer. Prayer is a powerful tool that enables us to connect with God and seek His guidance and empowerment.
It is through prayer that we can discern His will and receive the strength and wisdom to carry out the work He has called us to do. Making prayer a priority in our lives will ultimately fuel our fervency for the Gospel and sustain us in our mission.
As we work fervently for the advancement of the Gospel, let us remember the words of the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:58: “Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” Our labor in spreading the Gospel is not in vain; it has eternal significance and impact. Let us, therefore, continue to labor diligently, knowing that our work is for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.
Table: Ways to Work Fervently for the Advancement of the Gospel
| Ways to Work Fervently | Description |
|---|---|
| Personal Evangelism | Engaging in one-on-one conversations to share the Gospel and invite others to experience the love and salvation of Jesus. |
| Missions Work | Participating in local or global mission trips to spread the Gospel in areas where it is less accessible or known. |
| Supporting Gospel Organizations | Financially or through volunteering, supporting organizations dedicated to sharing the Gospel and making disciples. |
| Prayer | Making prayer a priority and interceding for the lost, the spread of the Gospel, and the empowerment of fellow believers. |
| Christian Media | Utilizing various forms of media, such as blogs, podcasts, or social media, to share biblical teachings and inspire others. |
Conclusion
Understanding the end-time prophecy timeline is not only a matter of gaining knowledge but also holds practical significance for our lives. It calls us to walk in obedience, worship God, share the Gospel, and work fervently for the advancement of God’s kingdom. As we live in anticipation of Christ’s return, we should always be ready and prepared.
The prophecy timeline provides us with a clear framework to comprehend the sequence of end time events. It helps us with our walk through the Rapture, the Tribulation, the Second Coming, the Millennium, and the creation of a new heaven and earth. By studying this timeline, we gain a deeper understanding of God’s plan for the world and our role in it.
8 Responses
Several great sermons herein!
This was so powerful and tastefully done. Thank you!!!
Wonderful! This is so eye opening. Thank you.
Such a detailed, clear timeline, thank you for this!
Great job on the end times i really could understand this version of it
My husband and I are believers that Christ Jesus died for the atonement of the sins of all mankind, past, present and for all times, His resurrection and His ascension into Heaven.
I read and absorbed what is written here, and for some reason a question popped into my head. What happens after the 1000 year rule of Christ Jesus? It just occurred to me that after reading the Bible through a few times, I don’t remember that this was addressed? Can you tell me where in scripture I can find the answer to this question?
Thank you for sharing so much good information that I can understand about the end times. We all need to read and study and be prepared for Jesus’ Second Coming. It will be soon and the more we do now , the more God has good plans for us.
Great…
Every one should spiritually prepare for Rapture