The “last days” is a phrase that appears throughout the Bible, signaling events that point to the end of time. These scriptures offer signs, guidance, and encouragement for believers as they prepare for what’s to come. Learn more about the Bible’s perspective on the final days and what it means for the future.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Church
What Does The Bible Say About The Last 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 the mystery surrounding the exact timing of the last days. It reminds us that no one, not even Jesus Himself, has knowledge of the day or hour when it will come.
It encourages believers to focus on living faithfully rather than speculating about the timing of the end times.
Matthew 24:14
“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.”
This verse highlights the importance of global evangelism in relation to the last days. It tells us that before the end comes, the gospel must be proclaimed to all nations as a testimony.
It serves as a reminder for believers to actively engage in sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with people from every nation, tribe, and tongue.
2 Timothy 3:1-5
“But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God—having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.”
This passage describes the characteristics of people in the last days. It warns of the prevalence of various negative traits and behaviors, urging believers to be discerning and to distance themselves from such individuals.
It serves as a reminder for Christians to pursue godliness and to avoid being influenced by the moral decay of the world.
2 Peter 3:3-4
“Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, ‘Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.'”
This passage warns of the skepticism and mocking that will occur in the last days. It highlights how some people will ridicule the idea of Christ’s return, pointing to the fact that everything appears to continue as it has from the beginning.
It reminds believers to stay steadfast in their faith and not be swayed by the doubts and cynicism of others.
1 Timothy 4:1-2
“The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron.”
This verse warns of the rise of false teachings and the departure from the faith in the last days. It alerts believers to be vigilant against the seduction of deceptive spirits and teachings propagated by those who have become morally corrupted.
It reminds Christians to test every teaching against the truth of God’s Word and to hold fast to the genuine 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 passage speaks about the rise of the man of lawlessness in the last days. It warns believers not to be deceived and reveals that this individual will set himself up against everything that is called God, even proclaiming himself to be God.
It serves as a cautionary reminder for Christians to stay alert, discern truth from falsehood, and not be swayed by the deceptive influences of the enemy.
Mark 13:22
“For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.”
This verse highlights the deception that will be prevalent in the last days. It warns that false messiahs and prophets will emerge, displaying signs and wonders in an attempt to deceive even the elect, the chosen followers of Christ.
It prompts believers to be discerning, rooted in the truth of Scripture, and reliant on the guidance of the Holy Spirit to avoid falling into deception.
2 Thessalonians 1:7-10
“…and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well. This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels. He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might on the day he comes to be glorified in his holy people and to be marveled at among all those who have believed.”
This passage speaks of the future judgment and punishment of those who reject God and refuse to obey the gospel. It describes the glorious return of Jesus, accompanied by His powerful angels, to bring relief to His troubled followers and to enact justice upon those who are disobedient.
It should encourage believers to remain steadfast in their faith, knowing that God will ultimately bring justice and deliverance.
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.”
In this verse, Jesus declares that He is coming soon and that He will bring rewards for each person according to their actions. It implies that there will be an eternal judgment based on the deeds and choices made in this life.
This verse serves as a reminder for believers to live in a manner that is pleasing to God and to align their actions with His will, knowing that there will be a day of accountability and recompense.
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 emphasizes God’s patience and His desire for all people to come to repentance and salvation. It counters the notion that the delay in Christ’s return indicates a lack of fulfillment or divine apathy.
The verse encourages believers to share the gospel and demonstrate God’s love and compassion, knowing that His patience provides an opportunity for more people to turn to Him in repentance.
Matthew 25:13
“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.”
This verse admonishes believers to be vigilant and watchful, as the exact timing of Christ’s return remains unknown. It reminds us not to become complacent or negligent in our faith.
It serves as a call to readiness and preparedness, urging believers to live with a sense of urgency, always anticipating and eagerly awaiting the return of our Lord.
1 Peter 5:8
“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”
In this verse, Peter warns believers to be vigilant and mentally focused. He describes the devil as a roaring lion, constantly seeking to devour and destroy those who are not vigilant.
It reminds believers to stay spiritually alert, equipped with the armor of God, and to resist the schemes of the enemy, staying firmly rooted in Christ.
1 Thessalonians 5:2-3
“…for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, ‘Peace and safety,’ destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.”
This passage describes the unexpected nature of the day of the Lord, comparing it to a thief in the night. It reminds believers that while people may be proclaiming peace and safety, sudden destruction will come upon the world.
It reinforces the need for readiness and a constant state of spiritual preparedness, as we do not know when the end will come and it can catch people off guard.
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 speaks of the transformative event that will occur at the last trumpet. It describes how, in an instant, the dead will be raised imperishable and believers will be transformed.
It offers hope and assurance to believers, highlighting the promise of resurrection and eternal life in Christ.
Luke 21:36
“Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.”
Jesus instructs His followers to be watchful and prayerful, seeking to escape the tribulations and trials that will occur in the last days. He encourages them to stand firm in their faith and remain obedient in order to be counted worthy to stand before the Son of Man.
This verse serves as a call to spiritual vigilance and to have an active prayer life, relying on God’s strength and guidance to navigate the challenges of the last days.
Revelation 1:7
“Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and all peoples on earth will mourn because of him. So shall it be! Amen.”
This verse foretells the visible and universal return of Christ, where every eye will witness His coming. It also speaks of the reaction of the people on earth, who will mourn when they recognize the significance of His arrival.
It reaffirms the certainty of Christ’s return and reminds believers to live in a way that honors Him, understanding the profound impact His coming will have on all of humanity.
1 Thessalonians 4:16-17
“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.”
This passage describes the glorious event of the Rapture, where believers will be caught up to meet the Lord in the air. It speaks of the resurrection of those who have died in Christ and the transformation of those who are still alive.
It provides hope and assurance to believers, reminding them of the promise of eternal union with the Lord and the reunion with loved ones who have gone before them.
Matthew 24:42-44
“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”
Jesus emphasizes the need for constant vigilance and readiness, not knowing the precise hour or day of His return. He employs the analogy of a thief to highlight the element of surprise and emphasizes the importance of being prepared.
It serves as a reminder for believers to be spiritually watchful, guarding against spiritual apathy and staying prepared for the imminent return of 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.”
In this verse, Peter describes the cataclysmic events that will accompany the day of the Lord’s coming. It speaks of the dissolution of the heavens, the destruction of the elements by fire, and the exposure of everything on earth.
It serves as a reminder of the temporary nature of worldly things and urges believers to focus on eternal values and the need to be prepared for the judgment that will take place.
Luke 17:26-27
“Just as it was in the days of Noah, so also will it be in the days of the Son of Man. People were eating, drinking, marrying and being given in marriage up to the day Noah entered the ark. Then the flood came and destroyed them all.”
Jesus draws a parallel between the people’s behavior in Noah’s time and the state of affairs in the last days. He emphasizes that people were engaged in ordinary activities without any awareness of the impending judgment.
It serves as a cautionary reminder for believers to remain vigilant and not be consumed by worldly distractions, instead keeping a focus on spiritual matters and the eternal kingdom of God.
Revelation 16:15
“Look, I come like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake and remains clothed, so as not to go naked and be shamefully exposed.”
In this verse, Jesus declares that He will come unexpectedly, like a thief. He encourages those who are watchful and prepared to be blessed, while warning against spiritual complacency and the shame of being unprepared.
It serves as a reminder for believers to live in a state of readiness, clothed in the righteousness of Christ, and to not be caught off guard by His sudden coming.
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.”
Jesus reiterates the need for believers to be prepared and in a constant state of readiness, as the Son of Man will come at an unexpected time.
It serves as a call to live with an awareness of His imminent return, to prioritize our faith, and to ensure that we are always walking in obedience and intimacy with Him.