The subject of the end times has fascinated Christians for centuries. The Bible teaches that history is moving toward a time when God will bring His purposes for humanity to fulfillment. Jesus warned His followers to remain watchful, faithful, and spiritually prepared.
 |
| Bro. Ijuo Okpe |
The end times should not merely be a subject of fear. For Christians, it is also a message of hope, repentance, perseverance, and expectation of Christ’s return.
1. Wars and Rumours of Wars
Jesus identified wars and conflicts as among the signs associated with the end times:
“And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled…” — Matthew 24:6
Jesus also said that nation would rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom (Matthew 24:7). These events remind believers that the world is not permanent and that they should remain spiritually alert.
However, Jesus also cautioned that such events do not by themselves mean that the end has immediately arrived.
2. Increase in Wickedness
The Bible describes a time when moral corruption and disregard for God would become widespread.
Matthew 24:12 says:
“And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.”
People may become increasingly selfish, violent, dishonest, and indifferent toward righteousness. Paul similarly describes difficult conditions in the “last days” in 2 Timothy 3:1–5, including pride, greed, disobedience, and lack of self-control.
3. False Prophets and False Christs
Jesus strongly warned His followers about deception:
“For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.” — Matthew 24:5
The Bible therefore encourages Christians to test teachings against Scripture rather than blindly following anyone who claims to speak for God.
1 John 4:1 says:
“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God…”
4. The Gospel Will Be Preached Throughout the World
One of the significant statements Jesus made concerning the end is:
“And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” — Matthew 24:14
The spread of Christianity across nations is therefore an important part of the biblical discussion about the end times.
5. Persecution of Believers
Jesus warned that His followers would face opposition because of their faith:
“Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake.” — Matthew 24:9
Christians are therefore encouraged to remain faithful even when following Christ becomes difficult.
6. Natural Disasters and Distress Among Nations
Jesus mentioned earthquakes, famines, and other calamities:
“And there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.” — Matthew 24:7
Luke 21:25–26 also speaks of distress among nations and fear concerning events affecting the earth.
These events are described as part of the troubles preceding the culmination of God's plan.
7. People Becoming More Self-Centred
Paul gives a striking description of human behaviour in the last days:
“For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud…” — 2 Timothy 3:2
He goes on to mention disobedience to parents, unthankfulness, unholiness, betrayal, recklessness, and love of pleasure more than love of God''.
This passage challenges Christians to examine not only the world around them but also their own lives.
8. Scoffers Will Mock the Promise of Christ's Return
The Bible also predicts that some people will mock the expectation of Christ's return:
“Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts.” — 2 Peter 3:3
Peter explains that God's apparent delay should not be interpreted as God forgetting His promise. Rather, he presents it as an expression of God's patience, giving people an opportunity to repent (2 Peter 3:9).
9. The Appearance of the Antichrist and Other End-Time Figures
Several New Testament passages speak about figures associated with rebellion against God, including the “man of sin” or “man of lawlessness” in 2 Thessalonians 2 and the Antichrist in 1 John 2:18.
Different Christian traditions interpret these passages differently. Therefore, believers should be careful about confidently identifying contemporary individuals as these biblical figures without clear scriptural evidence.
10. The Return of Jesus Christ
The central hope of Christian teaching about the end times is the return of Jesus Christ.
Jesus said:
“And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory.” — Mark 13:26
His return is presented as a decisive event in which God's purposes are brought to fulfillment.
11. No One Knows the Exact Day or Hour
Perhaps one of the most important warnings from Jesus is that nobody knows the exact time of His return:
“But of that day and hour knoweth no man…” — Matthew 24:36
Therefore, Christians should be cautious about people who announce a specific date for the end of the world.
Jesus' instruction was instead:
“Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.” — Matthew 24:42
12. The Call to Repentance and Spiritual Readiness
The purpose of studying the signs of the end times is not to create panic. It is to encourage people to turn to God and live faithfully.
Jesus concluded His teaching with a call to readiness:
“Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.” — Matthew 24:44
Christians are therefore called to repent, believe in Christ, love others, remain faithful, reject deception, and live in expectation of His return.
Conclusion
The Bible describes the end times through several signs, including wars, persecution, deception, increasing wickedness, natural disasters, the worldwide proclamation of the Gospel, spiritual rebellion, and ultimately the return of Jesus Christ.
Yet Scripture does not give believers permission to set dates or live in constant fear. Instead, the message is one of watchfulness and hope.
The important question is not simply, “When will the end come?” but “Am I spiritually prepared?”
As Jesus said:
“Watch therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh.” — Mark 13:35
For Christians, the end of this present age is not ultimately a message of despair. It points toward the fulfillment of God's kingdom and the hope of eternal life through Jesus Christ.
Comments
Post a Comment