The Bible speaks about the end times and events that will unfold before Jesus’ return. Today, we’ll explore what Scripture says about the end of days and the hope we have in God’s promises.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Moving Forward
What Does The Bible Say About The End Of Days
Matthew 24:36
“But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”
This verse emphasizes that the exact timing of the end of days is known only by God the Father. It reminds us that speculation and attempts to predict the end times are futile, and we should focus on living faithfully and being prepared for Christ’s return.
We are called to trust in God’s sovereignty and not be consumed by anxiety or fear about the end times. Instead, we should be vigilant, living each day in obedience to God’s Word and sharing the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ.
2 Peter 3:10
“But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare.”
This verse describes the sudden and cataclysmic nature of the end of days. It serves as a reminder that the present world is temporary and will ultimately be destroyed. Therefore, we should not place our ultimate hope and fulfillment in earthly things but in the eternal promises of God.
The imagery of the heavens disappearing with a roar and the elements being destroyed by fire conveys the magnitude and finality of God’s judgment. It compels us to live with a sense of urgency, knowing that we will one day face the scrutiny of a righteous and holy God.
1 Thessalonians 5:2
“For you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.”
This verse compares the second coming of Christ to a thief in the night, highlighting the element of surprise. It reminds us that we do not know when the end of days will occur, and therefore, we should always be ready for His return.
Just as a thief strikes unexpectedly, the day of the Lord will come without warning. This challenges us to live in a state of constant preparedness, faithfully serving God, and eagerly anticipating the fulfillment of His promises.
1 Corinthians 15:52
“In a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.”
This verse offers a glimpse into the transformative power of the end times. It reveals that at the last trumpet, believers will experience a miraculous change, being raised imperishable and transformed into a glorified state.
The imagery of the trumpet emphasizes the grandeur and momentous nature of this event. It signifies the announcement of Christ’s victory over death and the culmination of His redemptive work. As believers, we can find solace and hope in the assurance of our future resurrection and ultimate transformation.
2 Timothy 3:1
“But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days.”
This verse warns us that the last days will be characterized by difficult and challenging circumstances. It serves as a sober reminder that the world will increasingly stray from godly values and be marked by moral decay and spiritual deception.
As Christians, we are not to be caught off guard by such times but rather be discerning and vigilant. We are called to hold fast to our faith and be a shining light amidst the darkness, standing firm in God’s truth and actively pursuing righteousness in a fallen world.
Revelation 21:1
“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea.”
This verse paints a glorious picture of the new heaven and earth that will be created at the end of days. It signifies the ultimate fulfillment of God’s plan of redemption, where all things will be made new and perfect.
The absence of the sea in this new creation symbolizes the absence of chaos and turmoil. It represents the restoration of peace, harmony, and the complete elimination of all evil and suffering. This vision gives us hope and assurance that, despite the trials and tribulations of this present age, there is an eternal and glorious future awaiting those who trust in Christ.
2 Peter 3:9
“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”
This verse reveals the reason behind the apparent delay of the end times. It reminds us of God’s patience and His desire for all people to have the opportunity to turn to Him in repentance and experience salvation.
God’s timeline is not bound by human understanding, and His delay is an expression of His mercy and grace. It serves as an invitation for us to join in His redemptive work, sharing the gospel and extending the offer of salvation to all, so that as many as possible may be saved before the end comes.
Luke 21:25-26
“There will be signs in the sun, moon, and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken.”
This verse depicts the signs and events that will precede the end of days. It describes a time of great tumult and distress, both in the natural and human realms. The cosmic disturbances and the turmoil among nations signify the convulsions that will occur before the final judgment.
While these signs may evoke fear and uncertainty, as believers, we are to be steadfast in our faith, knowing that these events are part of God’s ultimate plan of redemption. We can find peace and hope in the midst of chaos, trusting in the sovereign control of our Heavenly Father.
Matthew 24:42
“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of vigilance and readiness for the second coming of Christ. It underscores the unpredictability of the end times and highlights the need for us to be spiritually alert and prepared
As believers, we are called to live with an eternal perspective, recognizing that every day could be the day that Christ returns. This exhortation compels us to prioritize our relationship with God, seek His guidance, and live in a manner worthy of His calling.
2 Timothy 4:8
“Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing.”
This verse speaks of the reward awaiting those who eagerly await the return of Christ. It mentions the crown of righteousness, which represents the ultimate reward of eternal life in the presence of God.
As believers, our longing for Christ’s appearing is a reflection of our genuine faith and hope in Him. We are encouraged to persevere in our faith and steadfastly fix our eyes on the eternal prize that awaits us, knowing that it will far surpass any temporal suffering or hardship we may face.
Matthew 25:13
“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.”
Similar to the previous verse, this passage highlights the need for ongoing vigilance and readiness for Christ’s return. It reminds us that the time of His coming remains unknown to us, and therefore, we are called to live in a state of constant readiness.
This admonition challenges us to examine our lives and ensure that we are faithfully living out our commitment to Christ. It prompts us to prioritize spiritual preparedness, making necessary adjustments and seeking to be found faithful when He returns.
Revelation 22:12
“Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done.”
This verse depicts the imminent return of Christ and highlights the fact that with His coming, He brings rewards for each person based on their deeds and faithfulness.
It serves as a reminder that our actions and choices in this life have eternal significance. As believers, our motivation for obedience and diligent service should flow from a sincere desire to honor and please God, knowing that He is a just and faithful rewarder. This verse underscores the divine accountability that awaits us and should inspire us to live with intentionality and purpose.
1 Peter 4:7
“The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray.”
This verse conveys the urgency of the times and calls us to be watchful and spiritually focused. It encourages us to maintain a clear and sober mind in order to pray and seek God’s guidance during these last days.
In the face of unprecedented challenges and temptations, we are reminded of the importance of prayer as a means of staying connected to God, receiving His wisdom, and finding strength to overcome the adversities of this fallen world. Through prayer, we can also intercede for others, sharing the hope of the gospel and seeking their salvation.
Hebrews 10:25
“Not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
This verse underscores the significance of gathering together as believers, especially as the end of days draws near. It highlights the importance of fellowship, mutual encouragement, and support in our Christian journey.
In a world where many may abandon the faith or grow weary due to the increasing challenges and persecution, it is crucial to stand together as a community of faith, strengthening and uplifting one another. As the Day of Christ’s return approaches, our unity and love for one another will serve as a powerful testimony to the world of the transformative power of the gospel.
Mark 13:32-33
“But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come.”
This passage reinforces the uncertainty surrounding the timing of Christ’s return. It highlights the importance of remaining watchful and alert, as the end times can come unexpectedly.
As believers, we are called to live each day in light of eternity, faithfully serving God and fulfilling our purpose. This requires a deliberate and conscious effort to align our hearts and minds with God’s will, making the most of every opportunity to proclaim the gospel and impact the world for Christ.
1 Peter 1:13
“Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming.”
This verse urges us to cultivate a mindset that is alert, clear-minded, and focused on the hope of Christ’s return and the grace that will be fully revealed on that day.
In a world that often distracts and entices us away from our heavenly hope, we are called to fix our gaze on Christ and His redemptive work. By keeping our hope firmly anchored in Him, we can navigate the challenges and uncertainties of the present age with perseverance and unwavering faith.
2 Thessalonians 2:3-4
“Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction. He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God’s temple, proclaiming himself to be God.”
This verse provides insights into the events that will precede the end of days. It warns against deception and foretells the rise of a figure known as the “man of lawlessness” who will oppose God and seek to exalt himself as the object of worship.
This passage serves as a sober reminder that spiritual deception will be rampant leading up to the end times. It compels us to be discerning, rooted in God’s Word, and steadfast in our allegiance to Christ alone. By equipping ourselves with the truth, we can stand firm against the deceptive schemes of the enemy and remain faithful to the end.
Matthew 24:37-39
“As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.”
This passage draws a parallel between the days of Noah and the coming of the Son of Man, emphasizing the unexpected nature of Christ’s return. It reveals that just as people in Noah’s time were engrossed in their daily activities, unaware of the impending judgment, so it will be when Christ returns.
These verses serve as a cautionary message, urging us not to be complacent or distracted by worldly pursuits but to live with an eternal perspective. It challenges us to be spiritually prepared, diligently seeking God and proclaiming the gospel, so that we may be found faithful when the Day of Christ’s return arrives.
2 Peter 3:7
“By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly.”
This verse affirms that the current heavens and earth are reserved for destruction by fire on the day of judgment. It reminds us that the temporary world we inhabit will ultimately be subjected to God’s righteous judgment.
As believers, we are called to recognize the futility of putting our ultimate hope in the transient things of this world and instead fix our hope on the eternal promises of God. It prompts us to live with an eternal perspective, prioritizing the pursuit of godliness and investing our lives in that which has eternal value.
Matthew 24:44
“So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”
This verse reiterates the need for readiness and preparedness for Christ’s return, underscoring that His coming will be sudden and unpredictable.
It calls us to examine our lives and ensure that we are living in a manner that reflects our belief in His imminent return. By keeping our hearts and minds focused on Christ, cultivating a lifestyle of faithfulness, and being intentional in sharing the gospel, we can be prepared for His coming and eagerly await the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan.
1 John 2:18
“Dear children, this is the last hour; and as you have heard that the antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come. This is how we know it is the last hour.”
This verse affirms the reality that we are living in the last hour, characterized by the presence of antichrists who oppose Christ and His gospel.
It serves as a reminder of the spiritual battle we are engaged in and the need to stand firm in our faith, holding fast to the truth of God’s Word. As followers of Christ, we are called to discern and expose the deceptive teachings of the antichrist spirit, shining the light of Christ’s truth even in the midst of opposition.