The end times is a purely eschatological or apocalyptic biblical theme, and much is written about it in the Bible. While this topic can be confusing for some and worrisome for others, for Christians it actually represents good news. Because, as it is written, it points to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The end of the ages
A little over two thousand years ago the disciples went to Jesus who was on the Mount of Olives. Since these had been confused with what was said in the temple to the scribes and Pharisees. So they asked him when he would return again and if there would be signs to know that the end of time had come.
Matthew 24:3 3 : After this, Jesus and his disciples went to the Mount of Olives. Jesus sat down, and when they were alone, the disciples asked him:
-When will the temple be destroyed? How will we know that you will come again, and that the end of the world has come? What will be the signs?
Then the Lord gives a series of explanations of what would happen in times prior to the arrival of that moment, the moment of his return. Although the scriptures do not indicate a specific date or chronological time of the second coming of Christ to earth; if it describes certain conditions or events, in:
Daniel 12:4 : 4 But you, Daniel, shut up the words and seal the book until the time of the end ; many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase.
Science will increase, this is already being seen today, but also the word of God also says that in the times before the end, catastrophes, judgments of nations, great wars, famine, plagues and diseases will occur. All this is what the world and its humanity are experiencing.
The second coming of Christ
In the same way as was the message of the prophets in the old testament; one on judgment but also one on promise and restoration. So also between what the Bible describes will happen in the end times; is the second coming of Christ. This event represents the time when Christ came to look for his Church and those of us who have believed in him as our only and sufficient savior; we will go with him to eternal life.
Therefore, for the believer, the end of time is good news, it is the certainty of passing to a life in eternity in the kingdom of heaven with our God the father and our Lord Jesus Christ.
But before this happens, the Lord alerts us to be vigilant and prepared. To see from the spiritual to be able to distinguish the times, as well as to encourage others to seek God, to know Jesus, to recognize that he already forgave them on the cross of Calvary and with this they can live with the certainty of salvation.
Want to learn more about the prophets? We invite you to discover them in this article, The Prophets : Who were they?, minor, major and more.
The end times and the signs
In the biblical text, specifically in Matthew 24:1-14, Jesus speaks to his disciples about the signs that will occur before his second coming. Similarly, other passages in the Bible also reveal different events related to the end times. Discover here the parts of the Bible : structure, books, and much more. These are the parts in which God reveals to us the beginning and end of creation.
false messiahs
Jesus tells his disciples that in the times before the end, many will speak in his name but will not be faithful to his word, managing to deceive many.
Matthew 24:5 : Many will come in my name, claiming, “I am the Messiah.” They will deceive many by my name.
This is why the believer must scrutinize the word more and more and treasure it in his heart in order to discover and discard those who claim to be messiahs and are not. It is the only way not to be fooled.
Wars and conflict between nations
Even when Jesus tells them that the fact that there are wars and conflict between nations, it is not the end of the world. If he makes them see that it is necessary for them to go first:
Matthew 24:6: “You will hear of wars and wars in some countries, but see to it that you are not alarmed. These things will happen, but the end of the age is not yet.”
famine and earthquakes
Jesus announces what will be the time of pain or the time of childbirth. In those times there will begin to be great hunger in the world and disaster or natural phenomena.
Matthew 24:7 : For nations will fight against each other, and there will be famines and earthquakes in many places. 8 These are just the beginning of all that the world will suffer.
Whoever has eyes to see, are the times that are being lived today.
Persecution of Christians around the world
In many nations today they still persecute and kill Christians, countries where the Bible is secretly read:
Matthew 24:9 : You will be arrested and handed over to the authorities to be mistreated and killed. Everyone will hate you because you are my disciples.
In other nations we have the privilege of being able to read the Bible freely and many do not seek to read it, rather they make fun of those who do.
Believers who fall away from the faith
We must be alert and pray for the strengthening of our churches, because this will happen. Where the brother will betray the other brother, which will be the cause of his hatred and withdrawal of faith
Matthew 24:10 : 10 Many of my followers will turn away from me; one will betray another and hate him.
False prophets who will deceive many
False teachers who managed to deceive many, including those called to be the people of God. We must deepen our knowledge of the word:
Matthew 24:24: For false prophets and false messiahs will come and do such amazing things that they will deceive people.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Dnfb3Bf5NM
Evil will grow and love will decrease
Evil in the world today has gotten much more out of control than in Noah's time. Where it is difficult to find love in people:
Matthew 24:12 : People will be so evil that most will stop loving each other.
In the end, our Lord Jesus Christ reveals the promise of hope: salvation for those who choose to follow Him, trust in Him, and spread the gospel of the Kingdom of God to every corner of the world, until the time is fulfilled according to God's divine plan. I invite you to read the Book of Ezekiel , a biblical text filled with apocalyptic visions and prophecies, and to yearn to know Jesus.