End-time teaching has been the subject of controversy and debate since the days of the Bible.
However, there are seven end-time events that nearly every Bible scholar agrees will happen in the days to come. Most disagreement is over the order or timing of these events. So rather than arguing about the order, I want to look at them as separate events that can be rearranged.
Good, intelligent people have very different views on end-time events, and they can’t all be right. God has ordained in His Word that certain things will happen, no matter what. It really doesn’t matter what you or I believe about them; these events will take place. Neither our faith nor our prayers will change the order or the timing of these events.
We shouldn’t be worried about end-time events at all. The Word says:
Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.” —Luke 21:27-28
Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. —John 14:1
For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him. Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing. —1 Thessalonians 5:9-11
Many Christians have lived and died without knowing much about the end times or having a wrong interpretation, and it did not limit them. Even if we knew the day and the hour of His return, which we do not, we would still have to live from now until then by faith.
Theologians, who were experts in their field, (Scribes and Pharisees) were so rigid in their doctrine they missed the first coming because it was shrouded in mystery. There are elements of the second coming, shrouded in mystery as well.
God knows the future better than we know the past. Some of the prophetic scriptures are simply God going on record so we can look back and see how precise and accurate these promises were.
These events are far too complex for me to get into in this blog. However, my series entitled Seven Undeniable End Time Events goes into much more detail and my Free Study Notes go even deeper into them.
Here are the seven events almost all Bible scholars agree will happen and a few sentences about each one. This is the order I believe they will happen, but if you disagree feel free to rearrange the order as you wish:
The Ezekiel 38 War – The Ezekiel 38 War is a future conflict in which a coalition of nations (believed to be Russia, Turkey, Iran, and possibly Libya and Ethiopia) led by Gog from the land of Magog (Russia), will attack the people of Israel. This war will culminate with God miraculously intervening and protecting Israel and defeating the invading forces while the rest of the world, including the United States, watches from the sidelines. Israel is here to stay!
The Rapture of the Church – The apostle Paul speaks of a future event in 1 Thessalonians 4 in which believers in Christ who have died will be raised from the dead, and those who are alive at that time will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord. This event is referred to as the “Rapture.” It is seen as a moment when all true believers, both the living and the resurrected dead, will be taken up to be with Jesus in the air. 1 Corinthians 15:50-54 adds to this understanding by emphasizing the transformation of believers at the time of the Rapture. It speaks of how the perishable and mortal bodies of believers will be changed into imperishable and immortal bodies, thus preparing them for eternity with Christ.
The Tribulation – The Tribulation will be a period of intense suffering, turmoil, and divine judgment that will occur on Earth after the Rapture of the Church. The duration and specifics of the Tribulation vary among different theological interpretations, but it generally includes cataclysmic events, the rise of a world leader referred to as the antichrist, and a time of great persecution for those unbelievers who remain on Earth. But it is during this time that many who did not believe in Jesus Christ before this time will be saved. Many Christians believe that the Tribulation will ultimately culminate in the return of Jesus Christ to establish His kingdom and bring an end to the suffering.
The Second Coming of Christ – The Second Coming of Jesus Christ is a central event in Christianity, marking the return of Jesus to Earth. It is widely believed to occur following The Tribulation. Jesus will appear in glory and power, bringing judgment upon the world, resurrecting the dead, and establishing His eternal kingdom. The Second Coming is a hope-filled belief for us as Christians and the fulfillment of God’s divine plan.
The Millenium – The Millennium refers to a thousand-year period of peace and righteousness associated with the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. In the Book of Revelation, it is described as a time when we will rule and reign with Christ on Earth and Satan is bound, resulting in a world free from evil and conflict. Interpretations of the Millennium vary among Christian denominations, with some viewing it as a literal thousand-year reign and others seeing it as a symbolic representation of an age of spiritual fulfillment. Ultimately, the Millennium signifies the triumph of God’s sovereignty and the ultimate restoration of creation.
The Great White Throne Judgment – The Great White Throne Judgment is a pivotal event described in the Book of Revelation. It represents the final judgment of all unbelievers after the resurrection of the dead. At the appointed time, all unbelievers will stand before the throne of God, and their deeds will be evaluated. Believers whose names are written in the Book of Life will have already stood before the Judgment Seat of Christ, which is basically a reward ceremony for Christians and will enter eternal life with God. Unbelievers or those who have rejected Jesus will face eternal separation and punishment.
The New Heavens and New Earth – The New Heavens and New Earth is a complete renewal and transformation of the cosmos, where God creates a perfect and eternal dwelling place for believers. In this new creation, there will be no more suffering, death, or sin, and God will dwell with His people. It is the ultimate fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan and the promise of everlasting peace and joy for those who have faith in Him.
The Bible gives us valuable information about the end times that is exciting and encouraging.
We should look at these things without fear or dread. It’s good to eagerly anticipate the coming of the Lord and our graduation to heaven. We’re closer than we’ve ever been, so we should pick up the pace and run faster and harder as we approach the finish line!
In this series, you will learn about seven end-time events that nearly every Bible scholar agrees will happen in the days to come. Most disagreement is over the order of these events, so rather than waste time arguing over what happens when, this encouraging teaching focuses on major events that are sure to occur according to the scriptures in these last days. It proves that for Christians, the Good News just keeps getting better and better!
We have studied the end times at great length. Listen to Bill Cloud and several other scholars who really know their stuff. We may not know the day or the hour but we most certainly should know the time and the season. This is the season that Jesus will return after the last three feasts and festivals have occurred. Soon and very soon we are going to see the Lord. It’s an exciting time to be alive and people should embrace God’s word and the wonderful things that he has for us.
What is the intermediate heaven? When a believer dies where do they go? Are they conscience and know what is going on down here on earth?