Have you turned on the news lately? It’s getting wild out there. Wars. Rumors of Wars. Earthquakes. Famines. Sickness. Pestilence. Persecution. And do you know what these all have in common? They’re all signs of the end times.
It seems as if everyone, everywhere, on every continent is growing increasingly curious and concerned about the topic of the end times. So, join us as we discover what eschatology is, why the end times matter, what Jesus actually said about the end of days, and how you can prepare for the end times without fear.
What Does Eschatology Mean?
Eschatology is a Greek word to describe the theology and philosophy around the end of the world or the end of the age. Christians have been studying eschatology for centuries, but with every passing year – curiosity, anxiety, and debate grows regarding the topic of eschatology and when Jesus is coming back. However, the simplest way to have peace about the end-times and the study of eschatology, is to know where you’ll be going when that day comes.
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Why Do The End Times Matter?
If everything will eventually come to an end, why do the end times matter? The study of eschatology isn’t a way to predict the future through a Biblical lens – rather, it’s an eternal hope that’s essential to the core of Christianity. The end times do more than give us a glimpse at the days ahead; they actually remind us of God’s faithfulness.
For example, the Old Testament prophesies about the end times in passages like Zechariah 14, Malachi 4:5, Joel 2:1, and Isaiah 46:10.
And the Lord will be king over all the earth. On that day the Lord will be one and this name one.
– Zechariah 14:9
The New Testament also consistently points the reader forward towards the end of the age where Jesus will restore, redeem, and renew the heavens and the earth. When Jesus returns, the dead will be resurrected, creation will experience redemption, and the final judgement will take place. New Testament Bible passages like Matthew 24-25, Revelation 19, 21–22, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, and 1 Corinthians 15 show us in detail what the end times will be like.
The end times also matter to Christians because Jesus himself taught his disciples about the end of the age. His disciples endured hardship, persecution, suffering, and ridicule, with full faith that the end of the age was on the way and the glorious return of Jesus was fast approaching. The posture for Christians should remain the same – whether we are rich, poor, prosperous, or persecuted – the longing for Jesus to come back is at the core of end times prophecy and eschatology.
What Did Jesus Actually Say About the Signs of the End?
When it comes to learning what the Bible says about the end times, it’s best to read the direct words of Jesus to understand the Biblical themes. Here are some of Jesus’ famous sayings about the signs of the end of the age and the end times:
“For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray. And 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 24:5-6
One of the key signs of the end times will be the rise of false messiahs or antichrists. At the same time this is happening, wars and rumors of wars will fill the earth. Jesus warning to us? See to it that you’re not alarmed! Even in the midst of fearful or anxious situations, Jesus offers peace that can only come from Him.
Learn about the supernatural peace of God in our blog: How to Have Joy & Peace in Difficult Times
“For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are but the beginning of the birth pains.”
– Matthew 24:7-8
In addition to wars, Jesus tells us that the end times will be marked by famines and earthquakes in various places. Jesus also refers to the end times as the beginning of the birth pains. Just as a woman who is in labor experiences pain and suffering, when her child is born, none of the pain will matter in the end because her promise has finally arrived.
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“And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.”
– Matthew 24:12-14
When Jesus discussed the end times with His disciples, he warned them that lawlessness would increase. Because of lawlessness growing on the earth, the love of many believers will grow cold. However, the good news is that faithful believers in Jesus will tell others about God’s love and the whole world will know about Jesus. Once everyone on earth has had the chance to hear the Gospel, then the true end time will come.
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“For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be.”
– Matthew 24:21
When Jesus talked about the end times, He didn’t shy away from warning people about the great tribulation. Trials, testing, pain, and persecution are guaranteed during the end of the age. But thankfully, Jesus has promised to return to the earth, where He will split the sky and bring everything under His perfect rule.
Related Post: How to Trust God When the World Is Falling Apart
“For as the lightning comes from the east and shines as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.”
– Matthew 24:27
When Jesus returns, it will be glorious. Jesus told us that when He returns, it will be sudden, as suddenly as a flash of lightning. Because of this, Christians are called to live holy lives that honor God, and they’re commissioned to live each day with Jesus’ return in mind.
Want to know all that Jesus said about the end times? Read Matthew 24 & Matthew 25.
No One Knows the Day or Hour
In addition to telling us the about the signs, warnings, and patterns of the end times, the Bible offers a direct challenge to those who would attempt to set the date and time of the end of the age. In Matthew 24, Jesus warns His followers:
“But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only. For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.”
– Matthew 24:36-37
So, no matter what you see on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, or the news: no one knows the day or hour when Jesus will return. Instead, you can focus your energy on loving God, loving others, sharing your faith with those around you, and staying steadfast in the place of prayer.
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Conclusion
As you can see, the topic of the end times is all throughout the Bible, and the end times aren’t something to be feared. Neither are the end times meant to be a source of division or dread, but a constant reminder that Jesus is a faithful judge, perfect King, and awesome redeemer who will rule and reign on the earth. Believers across all traditions — Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant, Evangelical, and Pentecostal — all agree that watchfulness, faithfulness, and living as disciples of Jesus are essential, needed, and required for the end times.
Even though we’re getting closer and closer to Jesus’ appearing, don’t get caught up in prediction schemes. Rather, live today as if Christ could return at any moment, choosing to love God, love your neighbor as yourself, and pray that all across the globe would have the chance to receive Jesus as Lord.
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